Head-on collisions are some of the deadliest and most catastrophic accidents that can happen on the road. When two vehicles, such as a truck and a passenger car, collide in opposite directions, the resulting impact can cause severe injuries or even death.
In some instances, motor vehicle accidents can be due to the automobilists' failure to exercise caution when driving. It's not uncommon to see small vehicles and large trucks engaging in deadly head-on collisions in Nashville.
The victim of a head-on collision may have to deal with towering medical bills, lost wages, and other non-economic damages.
However, determining who's at fault in a head-on car accident can be complex. As a result, the victim needs an experienced personal injury attorney to guide them through the legal process. They can also help with questions like, "Who's at fault in rear-end truck accidents?"
Determining Fault in a Head-on Collision Case
Head-on truck accidents happen when a vehicle collides with another motorist driving in the oncoming traffic lane. These types of accidents are often severe because of the force involved in the impact.
In most cases, such accidents usually happen on highways or roads with multiple lanes. However, they can also happen on narrow streets without medians or curves.
Determining liability in a head-on crash is crucial for victims who want to file a personal injury claim. The at-fault party is often the truck driver who goes into an oncoming traffic track and crashes with another vehicle. However, the car accident could be due to other factors too:
Impaired Driving
The other driver could be at fault for causing the head-on collision if they are tired, distracted, or driving while drunk or intoxicated.
Faulty Road Design
On the other hand, the condition of the road can also contribute to head-on car accidents. The engineers may be at fault if the road's width is inadequate or there are no traffic signs warning of sharp curvatures.
Proving fault and filing a successful personal injury lawsuit in a head-on collision can be difficult and often requires a thorough investigation of the car accident scene. Insurance companies may also dispute the victim's claims and argue that they were partly responsible for the crash.
Therefore, to determine fault in a head-on truck accident, it is essential to have the help of an experienced car accident lawyer.
A truck accident lawyer in Nashville can help build a strong case by collecting evidence, speaking to witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts. They also help their clients navigate the complex legal process that follows a severe injury accident.
Attorneys usually use traffic cameras to prove which of the drivers involved in the accident is liable. Most states assign fault to a certain degree. Under Tennessee's statute of limitations, victims of car accidents only have one year to file a lawsuit.
The Most Common Causes of Head-on Crash Cases
Understanding the most common causes of head-on collision cases is essential for all motorists to prevent such car accidents.
Speeding
One of the primary causes of head-on collisions is speeding. When drivers travel at high speeds, they may have difficulty maintaining control of their vehicles, especially when navigating curves or turns.
Additionally, excessive speeding reduces a driver's reaction time, making avoiding a potential head-on collision difficult. This is particularly dangerous on narrow roads with little room for maneuvering.
Wrong Direction
Sometimes, drivers may enter a highway or one-way street going the wrong way. This puts them directly in the path of oncoming traffic, making a head-on collision almost inevitable.
Distracted Driving
Another major contributor to head-on accident cases is distracted driving. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they can easily drift into oncoming traffic or cross the centerline.
Common distractions include:
Texting while driving on a busy highway.
Constantly talking on the phone while driving.
Glancing at the GPS every now and then.
Talking to someone else in the car.
Drunk Driving
DUI is another common cause of head-on collisions, which accounts for a significant percentage of head-on collision cases. Alcohol or drug-induced drivers often have a slower response time and poor decision-making skills, making them a significant road hazard.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 37 drunk drivers die in road crashes daily. This statistic shows how one person dies from driving under the influence every 39 minutes.
Poor Weather Conditions
Visibility issues can also contribute to head-on collision cases. Drivers may have difficulty seeing other vehicles on the road due to heavy rain, fog, or snow. Poor road conditions, such as debris, potholes, or bumpy pavement can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicles and crash into oncoming traffic.
Sudden Lane Changes
Motorists who ignore or are unaware of traffic signals, lane markings, or other traffic rules are also more likely to cause head-on collisions. Additionally, suddenly swerving onto another lane can contribute to a deadly car accident.
A motor vehicle accident victim can recover compensation for serious injuries and losses. In order to do so, they should consult with a car accident attorney who can help them prove fault in a head-on collision.
The other driver's insurance company may try to deny the claim or reduce the settlement amount, making a personal injury lawsuit necessary.
Common Injuries Sustained in Head-on Collisions
Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous types of accidents on the road, with potentially serious outcomes for those involved. Victims of head-on collisions can sustain a wide range of injuries:
Fractures and Rib Injuries
The impact from head-on crashes can cause rib fractures, which can be extremely painful and make breathing difficult. Other broken bones, such as those in the arms, legs, and pelvis, are common in these accidents.
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
The chest and abdominal areas are particularly vulnerable, as the impact can cause the body to be thrown forward violently. This can result in bruising, lacerations, and punctured organs.
Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis
In the most severe cases, head-on crashes can result in spinal cord injuries, which can cause paralysis and other life-altering conditions. Such issues need immediate medical attention and may require long-term care and rehabilitation.
Whiplash
This is a soft tissue injury to the neck caused by a sudden, forceful movement, like jerking forward and backward. Whiplash can cause significant pain and stiffness in the neck, as well as headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision.
Lower-body Trauma
Lower-body issues such as hip, knee, and ankle injuries are also common in head-on truck collisions. These injuries can be especially devastating for victims, as they may impact their ability to walk or perform basic functions.
Death
In the worst-case scenario, commercial truck accidents can be fatal. Injuries sustained in a head-on collision can lead to the driver's death, leaving their loved ones to deal with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Seeking Help from a Car Accident Lawyer
Both drivers may claim that the other driver was at fault, making it challenging to prove which motorist was responsible for the accident. This is where a personal injury attorney can be crucial in helping victims of head-on crashes.
An experienced lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help to build a case to prove fault and hold the at-fault driver and their insurance company accountable. They can also help advise who's at fault in brake failure accidents.
What to Do Right After a Head-on Truck Accident
Victims should seek medical attention immediately after an accident to document injuries and receive treatment.
Collect Evidence
People should also take photos of the accident scene and exchange information with the other driver involved. Requesting witness statements from passersby present at the scene can help the plaintiff recover compensation for the auto accident.
After EMTs arrive, victims should make sure to talk to law enforcement and give their account of the events leading up to the accident. The no-fault driver must answer honestly. They should also avoid blaming the other driver or admitting fault, as this can harm their claim.
Call the Police
Contacting 911 is also important, as the recorded call can be an official police report, which the victims' families can use in a wrongful death claim. The plaintiff should also contact their insurance company and let them know about the accident.
However, insurance companies are inclined to protect their interests and may not fully compensate victims for their damages.
Hire an Attorney to Determine Fault
A personal injury lawyer can help clients determine the extent of their injuries and the damages they may be entitled to, including hospital bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If the other driver is at fault, the plaintiff may be able to file a lawsuit against their insurance company.
Final Words
Head-on truck accidents can be deadly, and the steps a victim takes immediately after can make a considerable difference in the outcome of their personal injury claim.
By seeking medical attention, contacting the police, hiring an experienced lawyer, and gathering evidence, plaintiffs can increase their chances of winning a claim and securing fair compensation.
Legal professionals, such as the lawyers at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, can help victims navigate the complexities of their cases.
Stating "We Go to War for You," the law firm also has many informative pieces on its website regarding car accidents. Blog posts can help clients understand their legal options against other drivers in head-on and rear-end collisions.