Many types of car accidents can occur. Rarely do we find a head-on car accident in The Bronx. Many times, when accidents like this occur, people inside get hurt badly. They might even die or have lasting problems.
Car accidents can hurt people and damage property because cars often get destroyed. A head-on car accident attorney will help you and your family overcome this situation.
If you have serious injuries, you or your family must deal with money problems. It's not fair if you didn't cause the accident.
So, getting legal advice from a head-on accident lawyer can help you win money to pay all your bills.
Mechanics of Head-On Car Accidents
A frontal crash happens when two vehicles going in opposite directions on the same road collide head-on. In other words, the front of one car crashes directly into the front of another vehicle.
Head-on collision accidents are considered one of the most dangerous collisions due to impact force. The speed of both vehicles adds to the crash's severity, possibly causing very bad outcomes.
Because of different factors, accidents can happen on any road, like highways, rural roads, and city streets.
- Driver negligence
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Overtaking in unsafe conditions
- Adverse weather conditions
The outcome of a head-on collision car accident depends on several factors, including the speed of the vehicles, the angle of impact, the safety features of the vehicles involved, and the use of seat belts by occupants.
New motor vehicles have safety features like airbags, crumple zones, and seat belts to reduce injuries in accidents. However, head-on accidents still pose a significant risk to the safety and well-being of drivers and passengers.
Going a bit deeper into the causes
When drivers ignore the road, they may drift into oncoming traffic lanes without realizing it. This can occur when the driver uses their phone, adjusts the radio, or gets distracted.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's judgment, reflexes, and coordination. Impaired drivers may veer into oncoming lanes, leading to head-on collisions.
These types of car accidents often happen because one of the drivers is overly tired. The driver might briefly lose control of the car and go into the other lane, causing a crash.
Drivers who try to overtake slower vehicles without good visibility or in no-passing zones may crash into oncoming cars.
Sometimes, drivers enter highways or roads in the wrong direction due to confusion, impaired judgment, or a lack of noticing signs. This can result in head-on collisions with vehicles traveling in the correct order.
Poorly maintained roads, unexpected obstacles, or debris can cause drivers to swerve into oncoming lanes to avoid a hazard.
Icy roads, wet conditions, or mechanical failures can make a driver lose control and go into oncoming traffic.
Lack of courtesy plays a significant role in accidents; failing to yield the right of way at intersections, such as when making a left turn, may collide with vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Bronx Statistics
In 2023, The Bronx will have a population of around 1.47 million people. Forty percent of people living in The Bronx own at least one car. Those numbers will back up potential accidents.
Last month, July 2023, 7859 traffic accidents resulted in 4,890 injured people and 16 fatalities.
People must know the risks and understand the causes that lead to catastrophic accidents like these. It is their responsibility to always drive safely and defensively.
Injury Profiles and Medical Response
Frontal crashes in The Bronx often lead to a range of injuries that can be both severe and life-altering. We understand that in most cases, Bronx head-on car accidents result in fatalities.
However, sometimes, passengers can survive, and often, the common injuries they get can be:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs):
Head-on collisions can result in traumatic brain injuries due to the force of impact. TBIs vary in severity from concussions to more severe brain damage. These injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and changes in behavior, affecting victims' overall quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries:
The violent impact of a head-on collision can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or reduced mobility. These injuries often necessitate long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptive devices.
Broken Bones and Fractures:
The force of the collision can break or fracture bones. Fractures may require surgeries, casts, and extensive rehabilitation to regain functionality.
Internal Organ Damage:
The impact can cause internal organs to be damaged or ruptured. This type of injury may require emergency surgery and ongoing medical monitoring.
Soft Tissue Injuries:
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are common in head-on collisions. These injuries can cause chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and long-term discomfort.
Emotional Trauma:
The emotional toll of a head-on accident cannot be overlooked. Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, impacting their mental well-being.
Long-Term Effects:
Many of these injuries can have lasting effects on victims' lives. Long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy may be necessary to manage the physical, emotional, and financial challenges these injuries pose.
Determining Liability And Fault In Head-On Accidents
One thing sure is that determining liability is not an easy task. A significant investigation must be done to know what exactly happened.
Injured people will want to get compensation from their insurance company. That's why it is required in the law because N.Y. is a No-Fault state.
Victims can claim money from their insurer, but insurance companies resist and pay as little as possible. They may also try to blame you for the accident.
This also happens when victims know that Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will fall short and won't be enough to pay for everything they need.
The victim can claim compensation from the negligent party's insurance company through their Bodily Liability coverage. The experts will determine who caused the accident.
Then again, this insurance company will resist paying as little as they can. People injured in a head-on car crash in The Bronx require a lawyer who specializes in such accidents.
Immediate Steps Following a Head-On Accident in the Bronx
As disorienting and distressing as a head-on accident can be, taking immediate action is crucial to ensure your safety, well-being, and legal rights. It is great to know in advance how to react when these situations hit.
None of us want to live that experience, but we never know when we need the information.
1. Prioritize Safety: The safety of all involved parties should be your top priority. Move to a safe location to prevent further accidents or hazards if possible. Turn on hazard lights and set up flares or warning triangles if available.
2. Check for Injuries: Check yourself and others involved for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Even if injuries appear minor, seeking medical attention promptly is advisable.
3. Notify Authorities: Call the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant damage or if the accident is blocking traffic. A police report can be valuable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
4. Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Additionally, contact information must be collected from any witnesses who saw the collision.
5. Document the Scene: Use your phone or a camera to take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or signals.
6. Avoid Admitting Fault: While it's essential to cooperate with authorities and exchange information, avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident.
7. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seeking medical attention is crucial. Some injuries, like concussions, may not show immediate symptoms but can have severe consequences if left untreated.
8. Contact an Attorney: Contact an experienced head-on car accident lawyer as soon as possible. A good lawyer can help you with the law, explain your rights, and suggest how to keep yourself safe.
You can always call one lawyer from The Ward Law Group while you are right there at the accident scene. If you feel nervous and don't want to talk to anyone else, one of our lawyers can be there at the location for you.
9. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Please provide accurate information about the collision and follow their instructions for filing a claim.
10. Preserve Evidence: Keep copies of all medical records, accident-related expenses, and correspondence with insurance companies. These documents will be important when seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.
Get Help From A Bronx Head-On Accident Lawyer
At The Ward Law Group, we know about head-on car accidents and getting fair compensation for victims.
Our team of lawyers helps victims by supporting them through the challenges of accidents and fighting for their rights.
Contact us for legal assistance and emotional support if you or someone you know had a head-on accident. We are skilled in providing both.
Our lawyers have been assisting the Hispanic community in safeguarding their rights for 12 years. During this time, they have achieved numerous victories in personal injury cases. Call us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation about your case.