Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous type of accidents that someone can be involved in. When a head-on collision occurs, the amount of force involved can be doubled because the cars slam into each other while both going forward. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a head-on collision, then it is important to get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
How Do Head-On Collisions Occur?
Head-on collisions are typically caused by the negligence of a driver. If someone drives too fast or does not pay attention to the road, then they can find themselves in a serious accident. This often happens when drivers are using their mobile phones, are playing with the stereo, or are occupied with something else such as eating while driving.
Head-on collisions can also occur from negligence when making left-hand turns. If a driver signals and begins to turn left but does not complete the turn, then this could cause an accident from oncoming traffic or another car in the roadway due to the driver being in the middle of the road. Head-on collisions also commonly occur due to drowsy or drunk driving. If a driver is drunk and causes a collision, then the driver can also face criminal charges.
Safety devices such as seat belts, airbags, and child safety seats help increase the chances that someone will survive a head-on collision but don’t offer those involved any guarantees. It is critical that you always wear your seat belt, as a failure to wear a seat belt can be used against you to demonstrate your negligence regarding the accident. Illinois has adopted a modified comparative negligence legal standard to determine money damage awards. Under this standard, an injured party can only recover money for their injuries if he or she is less than 50% at fault for the accident and resulting injuries.
Head-On Collision Statistics
Just over 1,000 fatal accidents occur each year in Illinois. While Head-on collisions may only account for approximately 2% of car accidents, they account for almost 11% of car accident fatalities across the country. While these numbers may fluctuate, the danger of serious injury or death from a head-on collision is clear.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publishes yearly data on fatal car accidents through the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). According to FARS data, approximately 75% of head-on collisions take place on rural roadways, and the majority of head-on collisions occur on two-lane roads. As statistics show, head-on collisions are among the least commonly occurring type of accidents but might be the most devastating.
Types of Compensation Available for Head-On Collisions
If you have been injured in a head-on collision, then it is likely that you have incurred significant expenses following the accident. To be compensated for your injuries, you must file an insurance claim and/or lawsuit. If you are successful in your claim or lawsuit, then you can be awarded compensation in the form of three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive. You may be able to recover money from one or all of these categories of injury compensation.
Economic damages include the direct costs of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, recovery costs, and other quantifiable damages. Non-economic damages include things that are not as easily calculated, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages might be available but are less commonly awarded. Punitive damages are awarded when the court wants to punish the responsible party for their actions, and essentially fine them for their conduct. Punitive damages are also awarded in addition to any economic or non-economic damage injury awards. Make sure you don’t leave money on the table, call us today if you have any legal questions about your case!
Get Professional Assistance
If you have questions regarding injuries suffered in a car collision that occurred in the Chicagoland or Aurora area, then it is important that you speak to an experienced attorney. At Cullotta Law, we are proud to offer free consultations with our attorneys. To schedule your consultation, call us at (630) 898-7800 or contact us online.
