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Head-On Collisions Lawyer in NYC

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Head-on Collisions in New York

One of the most harmful types of motor vehicle collisions that exist is without any doubt the head-on collision. Because of its nature, involving two vehicles with different weights, densities, and speeds.

A head-on car accident attorney of our law firm has vast experience in these cases and will assist you in the most difficult tasks for you and your family to receive the compensation that is fair due to the circumstances. Contact a New York head-on collision accident attorney from Ward Law Group, PL.

What Is A Head-On Collision?

A Head-on collision is basically when 2 cars traveling in opposite directions crash into each other with their fronts. High speeds transfer energy quickly. This can cause severe damage to vehicles and put the occupants at a higher risk of injury.

Accidents often cause devastating injuries that can alter the lives of victims and their families. In some cases, the victims may even die on the scene. Although these collisions are not too frequent, they represent almost 14% of killed people in road accidents.

It is important for drivers to practice safe driving habits and follow traffic rules. Staying alert and avoiding reckless behavior can reduce the risk of head-on collisions.

Roadway departures accounted for 57,475 highway deaths between 2016 and 2018.

Head-on collisions were the most harmful event in 15,744 of these fatalities.

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Greg Ward Attorney
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How To Avoid A Head-On Collision?

Knowing how to handle a situation in which you see a car driving off its lane and heading up in front of you is a crucial thing every driver must know. We would like to provide you with important information. This will help you stay informed and apply it when necessary.

Slow down your speed

The situation is this: you are driving and a car in the opposite lane suddenly crosses into your lane. You must take immediate action! However, this does not mean you should act hastily and make a move that could cause another accident. Be cautious when dealing with the car in front or behind you.

Stay calm. Step off the accelerator and press the brakes to reduce your speed to a minimum. You may want to turn on the parking lights to signal to the car behind you that something is happening.

Try to get the attention of the driver

Let’s face it, we don’t know why the driver is coming in the wrong direction. They may have been neglected and fatigued from a long trip and simply dozed off for a few seconds.

If that is the case, honk your vehicle’s horn. Flash the lights to get the other driver’s attention. Attempt to get their attention this way.

Move your car

The honk didn’t work. The car in front of you is still going in the same direction. Move your car cautiously to the side of the road or any open space away from the irresponsible driver.

Drive off of the road

If you can’t avoid a crash, use your best efforts to avoid the impact on the front. This should be your last resort.

Why do Head-on Car Accidents Happen?

Head-on car accidents may happen for a variety of causes:

Distracted driving

Texting on the mobile phone, not paying attention to the road, driving for a long time being fatigued, drowsiness, and trying to reach objects in the back seats while the car is still in motion, just are some of the causes of distracted driving accidents that can lead to multiple types of car accidents and within them, we find the head-on collision.

Driving while intoxicated

It is known that drunk people driving are a hazard for themselves and others on the road. In New York, a 0.08% blood-alcohol level can result in two outcomes.

One is arrest by the police. The other is a major car accident, which can have a devastating effect on multiple people’s lives. Driving under the influence of alcohol typically lowers reaction times. This can result in the driver invading the opposite lane, leading to a head-on car accident.

Passing on a two-lane road

Roads in rural areas often only have two lanes. Drivers must be cautious while navigating these roads, since even a minor distraction can cause a head-on collision.

Suddenly changing lanes due to construction or a stopped vehicle

We must be careful when we encounter a construction site or a stalled car. We should slow down while passing. We may need to cross the opposite lane, so we should pay extra attention while driving on this stretch of road.

Roadway defect

The design or layout of the road can contribute to head-on collision accidents. This includes confusing signage, lack of proper lane markings, and inadequate barriers.

Wrong-way driving

Entering a lane or roadway in the opposite direction can lead to head-on collisions. This can be intentional or unintentional, due to impaired judgment. Newbies on the road may fall into this mistake too.

Road conditions and visibility

Poor weather such as heavy rain, fog, or snow can reduce visibility. This makes it hard for drivers to stay in their lane and avoid head-on collisions.

 Vehicular malfunction

It would be a nightmare to suddenly lose control of our vehicle due to a malfunction. This situation could lead to a lane change, either to the right or left. That could cause a car accident.

Excessive speed/loss of control

It is important to keep a controlled speed when driving. This is especially true when in a curve. If you enter a curve with too much speed, you may end up invading the opposite lane. This could lead to a head-on collision.

Common Injuries In A Head-On Car Accident

This type of car accident often results in serious injuries. Common injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The car impacts the front of the other car. This sudden stop causes the driver to go forward. The driver is likely to hit their head on the steering wheel if they are using their seatbelt. This will help prevent them from being thrown out of the car.

Even though the airbag deploys and absorbs part of the impact, it is still a significant injury.

Spinal Cord Injury

The forward whiplash effect that the driver will experience in this situation may be too strong which will definitely affect the spinal cord, causing extreme pain, paralysis or weakness in limbs, difficulty breathing or coughing, tingling or numbness, muscles spasms or exaggerated reflexes among other symptoms.

Broken bones

The crash had a lot of energy. This means bones are more likely to break. Arms, legs, ribs, and skulls are the most common broken bones.

Skin lacerations

The two vehicles are going to crash front-on. This could leave them wrecked and their occupants trapped between the scrap metal car and their seats. That metal may cut the victim’s skin.

Psychological/PTSD 

Victims of a head-on collision may survive. However, this traumatic event may leave them with psychological scars. These scars can remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Approaching these injuries with the right treatments and therapies is crucial for recovering their life. They may live with long-term conditions, so it is important to understand how big the impact was. This is necessary to determine the fairest compensation for them and their families.

Head-On Collision Statistics

Between 2016 and 2018, an average of 5,248 fatalities occurred annually due to Rear Wheel Drive vehicles. The most harmful event in these cases was a head-on collision.

In 2020, New York reported 963 crashes. 24 of these crashes occurred on an Off Roadway Median. In the United States, the rate was slightly higher, with 1338 crashes out of a total of 35766.

Damages Available After a Head-On Collision

A crash of this magnitude will certainly result in the victim seeking compensation from the negligent driver responsible for the accident.

Talking about the damages that a victim is able to claim there are the economic and non-economic compensatory damages.

Of course, the first line of compensation for the expenses is their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP). However, PIP has a limit that probably won’t cover all the costs. Therefore, people are allowed to ask for the at-fault driver’s Bodily Injury insurance for the remaining money.

Once the insurance limit was exceeded, there may be expenses not yet covered. The victim can still file a personal injury lawsuit to cover these costs. They can only sue if they sustain serious injuries in the crash. Most of these accidents cause serious injuries to the car’s occupants.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in NYC for Help

Your best option for head-on car accidents is to have a lawyer from Ward Law Group, PL on your side. Insurance companies may attempt to provide the lowest amount of compensation, even if you have suffered serious injuries. Our experienced head-on car accident lawyer in New York knows how to deal with these insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.

We understand the risks and pain you or your loved one is facing. We want to offer our help. We provide the best representation with high-ethics lawyers. They have served our community and our clients for over 10 years.

Contact us now at 855-dolor-55 for a free consultation and one of our lawyers will answer all your questions.