Head-On Collision Vehicle Accidents

One of the deadliest types of car accidents is the head-on collision. This type of car crash represents 10 percent of all fatal crashes in the U.S. but only 2 percent of all crashes that occur in the nation. A head-on collision is also one of the most difficult type of accident to avoid. They happen so suddenly that it is nearly impossible to take any type of evasive action, as our San Diego car accident lawyers recognize.

The majority of head-on car accidents occur on rural undivided two-lane roads such as some stretches of Highway 76 which has been the site of numerous head-on crashes over the years. To avoid being in a head-on collision, stay on major roads and highways with median control down the center of the road. People in heavier vehicles will typically sustain less injury in head-on collisions than those in lighter vehicles. Also, wearing seat belts and having air bags in your car can reduce the risk of fatality.

According to smartmotorist.com, most head-on collisions occur when drivers are steering straight, not passing another car or going around a curve. In these instances, the driver was either distracted by other things in the car (passengers, a cell phone, or the radio/CD player), or the driver fell asleep and veered into the opposite lane of oncoming traffic.

Distracted driving is a major safety threat in San Diego and other areas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data show that distraction-affected crashes were up 8.8 percent in 2015. Anything that takes the drivers’ attention from the road, such as texting, eating or even talking to a passenger, can easily cause a head-on collision. One study found that talking on a cell phone while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk, even if the phone is a hands-free model. An attorney can help you hold accountable a driver who hit you when they were distracted by texting.

The second most common cause of head-on collisions is falling asleep while driving. In a study by the AAA Traffic Safety Foundation it was reported that 37 percent of drivers’ report having fallen asleep behind the wheel at some point in their lives. This same Foundation also found, “that drivers who usually sleep for less than 5 hours daily, drivers who have slept for less than 7 hours in the past 24 hours, and drivers who have slept for 1 or more hours less than their usual amount of sleep in the past 24 hours have significantly elevated crash rates.”

If you or a loved one has been in a head-on collision, Walton Law Firm can help. Our San Diego lawyers can assist you in reaching a settlement with the other party’s insurance company to settle your claim or if required, we can represent you in a lawsuit. You are entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, both past and future, your car damage, lost wages, pain, suffering, and the overall impact the accident has had on your life.

Walton Law Firm has successfully represented individuals and families in the San Diego area who have been victims of all types of car accidents for 20 years, and has handled numerous head-on collision car accidents. We would be happy to provide a free consultation with a lawyer to discuss your accident. We will provide an honest appraisal of your case, and let you know if you even need a lawyer. Or, if you prefer, you can submit a confidential question online. You can reach us at 866-607-1325 or locally in North San Diego County at 760-571-5500.