What Causes Head-On Collisions?
Head on-collisions can occur for a number of different reasons. They can be the result of negligent or distracted driving, mechanical defects, poor road conditions, impaired driving, or other violations of traffic laws.
Head-on collisions can result in property damage, severe injuries, and fatalities. Oftentimes, survivors of these dangerous car accidents could sustain permanent, catastrophic injuries which may impact the rest of their lives.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
According to the National Collision Database Online, one of the leading causes of head-on collisions is driver negligence. This occurs when a driver breaches their reasonable duty of care by operating their vehicle in a manner that fails to take the safety of other road users into consideration.
According to Section 130 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, examples of negligent driving may include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Texting while driving
- And violating other traffic laws
In addition to negligence, driver errors, in which motorists fail to exercise good judgment on the road, could cause head-on collisions. Driver errors are not always necessarily considered to be examples of negligence. Even the safest, most cautious driver can make a mistake behind the wheel. Examples of driver error may include:
- Driving in the wrong direction on the road
- Crossing the center-line
- Passing incorrectly
- Failing to properly read road signs
- Misjudging required braking distance
- And more
Other Causes of Head-On Collisions
Sometimes, auto manufacturers release vehicles or mechanical products without completing proper performance tests. As a result, mechanical failures may occur while a vehicle is in motion. Defective steering, headlights, brakes, or tires can cause a driver to veer off the road or slam into an object.
Liability for manufacturer defects may lie with the manufacturer, distributor, inspection agency, or the retailer—all of whom are responsible for ensuring the safety of the product. Whenever a party in the supply chain fails to take necessary safety precautions, it can have severe, even fatal consequences.
Driving through inclement weather, on poorly maintained roads, and in other hazardous conditions could also contribute to the causes of a head-on collision.
What to Do if You Are in a Head-On Collision
If you’ve been involved in a head-on collision, seeking immediate medical attention may be crucial, even if you don’t believe you’ve sustained serious injuries. Following an accident, a body in shock may produce adrenaline, which can delay or diminish the pain of injuries it has sustained.
By seeking emergency medical attention, you could receive an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional. They may also recommend a treatment plan to avoid any complications in the recovery process, and supply you with documentation that may prove useful when pursuing future legal actions.
Properly documenting your case by taking photos of the accident scene, speaking with eyewitnesses, and diligently filing all documents related injuries you may have sustained may also prove useful if you require the assistance of a head-on collision lawyer.
Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision caused by another driver’s negligence, Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to help you recover damages for financial losses you may have incurred as a result of your accident. To discuss the circumstances of your accident today, call Preszler Injury Lawyers at 1-800-JUSTICE for a free, initial consultation.
