How Is Fault Determined In A Head-On Collision?

Posted by: KHTS Articles in News Articles October 26, 2020 - 3:37 pm 0 438 Views

Statistics show that despite head-on collisions comprising 2% of all vehicular crashes, they are responsible for 13% of all driving-related fatalities. A head-on collision (also known as a frontal crash) is on top of the most dangerous types of vehicular crashes list as a result of the impact generated during the crash. For those who are lucky to survive the crash, they might be left with long-term complications due to severe injuries and trauma. To help you or someone you love to prepare for the worst, you need to have a prior understanding of what is involved.

Below are the major causes of head-on collision accidents:

Negligence and ignoring traffic rules, signs, and regulations
Distracted driving from texting, conversing while driving, snacking, and other distracting activities
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Unexpected occurrences such as cardiac arrests, tires bursting, or falling debris from slopes
Exhaustion and sleep deprivation
Road rage resulting in deliberate crashes
Speeding

How is fault determined?

In this case, fault refers to any legal liability arising that could arise from reckless driving. This fault will usually be determined on the basis of negligence – lack of applying reasonable care while using the road to prevent causing injury to other road users.

In most cases, the driver on the wrong side of the road will be the responsible party in a head-on collision and will, therefore, be at fault. Conforming to Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. experienced, qualified, and dedicated attorneys, in the unfortunate event of a head-on collision, you must know what steps to take to protect your rights and the rights of those you love. Not so many people are aware of the aftermath following a car crash. Below are steps to follow if you are to seek compensation afterward. They include:

Get medical assistance as soon as possible
Notify the authorities
Note down the other driver’s information
If you can, gather as much information of the crash as you can such as photos of the scene of the accident, involved vehicles, damages, your injuries, witness contacts and accounts, any security camera footage, and any other relevant info that might help strengthen your case
Get hold of your attorney and family members

If you are unable to take these steps, worry less, the authorities will take the necessary steps to ensure due process and get to the root of the crash. Remember, all physical evidence, no matter how insignificant to you, is crucial in determining fault between you and the other driver. If the physical evidence is absent or degraded, your attorney can consult forensic experts and accident reconstruction experts all with the aim of determining fault in the crash.

How Do You Avoid A Head-on Collision?

Understandably, accidents do happen, but you can play your part in preventing such an occurrence. In doing so, you’ll help to protect yourself, and other road users from the effects of a car crash. Here’s what you need to do:

Exercise caution while on the road
Be updated on all traffic signs, laws, and regulations
Conduct regular vehicular checkups
Make good use of an on-board dashcam
Make sure you are well-relaxed, focused, well-rested, and have a clear mind before you take on the wheel
Use of navigation system tools in case you are unfamiliar with a road or alternatively, stop and ask for directions
Avoid any distractions

Effects Of A Head-On Collision

As earlier mentioned, a frontal crash is one of the most dangerous of vehicular crashes. You’ll bear witness that you’ve at some point witnessed, whether on social media or personally, a gruesome road accident. It wasn’t a good scene, right? Some of the impacts related to such a crash include;

Fatalities
Long term injuries such as broken bones, disfigurement, loss of organs, as well as neck and spinal injuries
Economic degradation due to the numerous medical bills and the inability to get back to active earning
Emotional and mind related trauma

Compensation

Now, here’s where you need to take a quick follow up and some notes. As soon as the fault has been determined, what next? What compensation are you entitled to? Below are crucial pointers to take home on what a person is entitled to following a head on-collision accident:

Current and future medical expenses
Current and future lost job earnings
Loss of life enjoyment
Therapy and counseling
Pain and trauma compensation
Wrongful death compensation
Loss of property and inheritance compensation

The process of determining fault after a frontal collision can be painstaking and time-consuming. As you go through it, make sure you have your attorney present in all the stages to ensure that justice is done. Practice safe and careful driving!