Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous, devastating and catastrophic types of car accidents, as the force between the two vehicles impacting each other doubles (rather than dissipates as with other car accidents) when head-on collisions occur. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that, although head-on collisions only make up about 2 percent of all types of traffic accidents that occur on U.S. roadways each year, they account for more than 10 percent of all traffic accident deaths annually. Factors that can increase the severity of head-on collisions include:

• One of the vehicles being significantly larger and/or heavier than the other (such as a large truck or 18 wheeler getting into a head-on collision with a passenger vehicle)
• One or both of the vehicles going at higher speeds (The greater the speed, the more devastating the resulting head-on collision will likely be.)
• Vehicle occupants in one or both vehicles not wearing their seat belts
• Air bags not deploying in one or both vehicles upon impact

Causes of Head-On Collisions

While poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain or hail, can impair drivers’ ability to see the road and, therefore, result in head-on collisions, in many cases, the negligence or recklessness of a driver is to blame for a driver veering into oncoming traffic (or driving down a one-way street or onto an off-ramp) and, as a result, causing these tragic and highly fatal accidents. Examples of negligence that can result in head-on collisions include:

• Driver intoxication due to alcohol or drug use (including the use of over-the-counter or prescription drugs)
• Driver fatigue or exhaustion, which can dramatically reduce a driver’s alertness and reaction time and, consequently, have the same effects as drunk driving
• Driver distraction due to cellphone use, playing with one’s radio and/or trying to operate a vehicle GPS system
• Poor roadway conditions, such as lack of lighting at night, faint or poor lane dividers and lack of signage on the road

At the law firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., our experienced Mount Vernon car accident lawyers have been providing client-centered representation to our Southern Illinois clients since 1950. Our trusted attorneys focus on our clients’ needs, and we do everything we can to help them get the maximum possible compensation for their injuries so they can focus on recovery and moving on with their life. If you or a loved one has sustained any type of injury due to a head-on collision, contact us by calling (800)-553-3125 for a free, thorough assessment of your case, along with professional advice regarding the best manner in which to move forward.