Common Injuries and Causes of Head-On Collisions
According to statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 33,654 fatal car crashes occurred throughout the United States in 2018. While any and all car accidents can come with inherent dangers, some collisions are simply more dangerous than others. Head-on collisions are the most dangerous form of motor vehicle collision, due in large part to the proximity of the collision on the vehicle and the merging speeds of both vehicles. While head-on collisions only account for 2% of all annual motor vehicle collisions, they make up more than 10% of all traffic fatalities. Below we will explore some of the most common injuries that occur in head-on collisions, as well as some of the most common causes of these dangerous motor vehicle collisions.
Injuries in Head-On Collisions
As mentioned above, head-on collisions are notoriously dangerous. This is in large part due to the fact that both drivers and front-seat passengers collide instantly with the other vehicle. Unsurprisingly the injuries suffered in head-on collisions can be incredibly severe. The most common forms of injury range from brain trauma, spinal injuries, broken or fractured ribs, and various injuries to the limbs. If you or a loved one are injured in a head-on collision, it is critically important to document the full extent of all injuries suffered.
Why Do Head-on Collisions Occur?
Because head-on collisions generally only occur when one driver swerves into the other lane of traffic or is traveling the wrong direction down a one-way street, the vast majority of these collisions are caused by driver negligence. Distracted driving such as eating or texting while driving can cause a person to take their attention off of the road and veer into the other lane of traffic. Drinking and driving is also a common cause of head-on collisions due to the deterioration of the guilty party’s motor skills and vision. Additionally, if a driver is recklessly passing other vehicles, their reckless actions can lead to a head-on collision. In short, if you suffer injuries in a head-on collision, proving negligence can be fairly straightforward.
Contact an Aurora Car Accident Attorney
At Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Mazur P.C., our firm is dedicated to helping victims of car accidents receive the compensation they deserve. Head-on collisions are a very serious problem throughout the state of Illinois and can result in severe or even fatal injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured in a head-on collision, you deserve the highest quality of legal representation. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a knowledgeable Kane County personal injury attorney, call us today at 630-907-0909.
Source:
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-highway-safety
