Head-On Collisions

No driver is exempt from being in an automobile accident, especially in a head on collision. Experts say that the average driver is in at least one accident in his or her lifetime. Although there are various ways to prevent a car accident, not all accidents are preventable, even if you’re a pro-defensive driver.

If you were injured in a head on collision caused by a negligent driver of another vehicle, you might be able to collect compensation for losses caused by the car accident. If an immediate family member has died in an auto accident, you may also be able to claim compensation for your loss. A safe driver should not be forced to endure the pain and financial burden of another driver’s mistake.

Unlike a rear-end collision, a head on collision is when the front ends of two vehicles merge into each other in the opposite direction. For instance, let’s say that you are driving down a one-way street. Then suddenly a driver decides to speed down the street the wrong way and crashes right into the front end of your car. This is a perfect example of how easily a person can be involved in an accident.

This type of auto accident can be devastating for a passenger. When a passenger is involved in a head on collision, his/her body is thrown forward into the airbag, if the person is wearing a seatbelt. However, if the person is not wearing a seatbelt, he/she is more likely to be thrown through the windshield.

Automobiles aren't the only type of vehicles in head on collisions - trucks, trains, motorcycles and other types of vehicles can also be in this type of accident.

Head on collisions are known to have a higher fatality rate than other accidents. Since the recent invention of collision avoidance system technology, car injury crashes have been reduced by 21%, according to a CBNC news report. This is good news, but unfortunately, there are still an innumerable amount of vehicles traveling on the road daily that lack this type of technology. The point is, car accidents are still prevalent.

There are many causes for a head on collision. Here are a few common causes:

• Speeding down a one-way street
• Driving while drunk or on drugs
• Passing at the wrong time on a two-lane street
• Driving distractions, such as eating, talking on the phone and texting
• Nodding off to sleep while driving and wandering into oncoming traffic
• Not paying attention or seeing road signs correctly
• Crossing over the center line and crashing into an oncoming vehicle

Head on collisions tend to occur in the following settings:

• Roadway ramps
• Construction work zones
• 2 Lane roads (83%)
• Rural roads that are undivided

It is important to note that New Hampshire drivers are required to report all accidents involving $1000 or more in damages, to the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, within 15 days. Drivers who fail to report their accident will be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a serious auto accident, contact Anzalone Law Firm, PLLC immediately for a free consultation at: 603.548.3797.