While any car accident can be dangerous, accident victims involved in a head-on collision can suffer devasting injuries or in some cases, even death. Head-on crashes are often more serious because both vehicles are moving when they collide. Even accidents where both vehicles are moving slowly can cause catastrophic consequences.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), head-on collisions accounted for 4.5% of all crashes in 2020 yet caused 10% of all car crash fatalities. This data supports the fact that head-on collisions can result in serious, even life-threatening, injuries.

If you or a loved one are involved and hurt in this type of accident, your recovery can be long and challenging. Let’s examine what can cause a head-on crash, the most common injuries accident victims experience, and how you can seek damages in a personal injury case after a head-on collision.

Causes of Head-On Car Accidents

The causes of head-on crashes are similar to other types of car accidents and can usually be traced back to the negligence of the at-fault driver. Here are the most common causes of these types of high-risk injury accidents:

Distracted Driving

Unfortunately, distracted driving has increased over the last decade and can cause serious repercussions. Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, and simply talking on a cell phone are examples of distracted driving. When drivers take their eyes off of the road for even one second, they can cause a head-on collision.

Driving Under the Influence

Everyone knows that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous decision, however many drivers still get behind the wheel after having one too many. Impaired drivers have delayed response times, can be tired or fatigued, and overall have reduced driving skills.

Speeding

Speeding is another common cause of head-on crashes. When drivers are going at an excessive speed, they can lose control of their vehicle and head into oncoming traffic. Where speeding is a factor in a head-on collision, the accident victim usually suffers very serious, life-altering injuries.

Driver Confusion and Error

Unfortunately, driver confusion and error can cause a head-on crash. Drivers who are unfamiliar with the roads may enter a one-way street going the wrong way or confuse an exit ramp as the on-ramp for a highway. Sometimes drivers even end up going the wrong way on a busy street.

Unlawful Passing

Driving behind a slow driver can be frustrating particularly if you are trying to reach your destination by a specific time, but that’s no reason to unlawfully pass a vehicle. Head-on crashes happen frequently when a driver is attempting to pass a slow vehicle in a no-passing zone.

Inclement Weather

Like other car crashes, inclement weather can play a factor in a head-on crash. Drivers can lose control on slippery snow-covered roads and head into the wrong lane. Drivers can also cause a head-on crash when trying to pass a stopped vehicle.

No matter the cause, a head-on collision can cause serious injuries, many of which can take weeks or months to recover from. If you or a loved one were injured in a head-on collision, contact a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options. Medical bills can quickly add up and you may have the right to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to the crash.

Types of Injuries in a Head-On Collision

The extreme force in a head-on car accident can usually cause serious injuries and can even result in death. The most common injuries that occur after a head-on collision include:

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Paralysis
• Knee injuries

If you are in a head-on collision, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries such as concussions and internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Not only will a medical professional help you heal after an accident, but the visits will also be documented to help you recover compensation in a personal injury claim.

Whether you’ve suffered minor bumps and bruises or experienced a more traumatic injury, contact a personal injury lawyer to help you pursue damages.

How to Pursue Damages After a Head-On Crash

After being in a head-on collision, you may not know what steps to take to pursue damages or even if your case qualifies for compensation. In all car accident cases, including head-on collisions, it’s important to follow these steps to pursue damages:

Seek Medical Attention

As previously stated, your first priority is to get medical attention for yourself and others who may be injured. Call 911 and report the accident. Even if you feel you are okay, let the emergency responders examine you for injuries and follow up with your primary care physician. Medical documentation is key in a personal injury case.

Gather Evidence

If possible, take photos after the accident. Ask for a copy of the police report and take down the contact information of any witnesses. A personal injury law firm can help you gather evidence to help prove your personal injury case.

Establish Fault

In Pennsylvania, it is the responsibility of the plaintiff, or the injured party, to prove fault. In order to win your personal injury case, you will have to prove the four elements of negligence fell on the defendant. The four elements of negligence are:

• Duty of care: All drivers have a “duty of care” to drive responsibly according to the law and in a way that avoids causing injury to others.
• Breach of duty: You will need to prove the driver violated their duty of care and engaged in unlawful or risky behavior. This may include driving under the influence or driving while distracted.
• Causation: Next, as the plaintiff you will have to prove the driver’s breach of duty caused the head-on collision that resulted in your injury. This is why gathering evidence is critical in winning a personal injury claim.
• Damages: Finally, you will need to prove the accident caused monetary losses. In a head-on collision, you can be compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Seeking damages after a head-on collision can take time and patience, especially when dealing with the insurance company. Having a car accident personal injury attorney on your side can make a difference in whether or not you win your claim. Attorneys have the experience and knowledge to help you recover maximum compensation.

Personal Injury Accident Attorneys in Lancaster, Pa.

Head-on car accidents can be life-changing experiences. Oftentimes accident victims suffer catastrophic injuries that result in expensive consequences. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, we focus on helping accident victims receive the compensation they deserve. We know how stressful the legal process can be for our clients which is why we take the burden off their shoulders.

Our team is guided by integrity, hard work, and a comprehensive knowledge of the law and court system in central Pennsylvania. We are different from other law practices and understand the trauma a head-on collision can cause not only for accident victims but also for their families.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision, reach out today for a free no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 at 1-800-HURT-NOW or you can start a conversation with us online. We never charge a fee unless we get money for you.