A Philadelphia head-on car accident is one of the deadliest types of crashes. Unlike most other collisions, the two vehicles involved are traveling toward each other right before the collision occurs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while only 2% of car accidents are head-on crashes, they account for well over 10% of traffic accident fatalities.
If you have suffered major injuries as the result of a head-on crash or if you have lost a loved one in a head-on collision, it would be in your best interest to contact a Philadelphia car accident lawyer who can help you secure maximum compensation for your significant losses. Head-on collisions require a significant amount of investigation.
What is a Head-On Car Accident?
A head-on accident is a crash where the front ends of two vehicles strike each other in opposite directions, compared with a rear-end crash or a broadside or side-impact collision. While any type of car accident could result in major injuries, head-on crashes are particularly dangerous because of the high velocity of the crash, the violent impact and the potential for catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
Typically, head-on collisions occur when one of the vehicles crosses over into opposing lanes of traffic and strikes another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Head-on crashes could also occur when an oncoming vehicle strikes another vehicle that is making a turn at an intersection.
Causes of Head-On Car Wrecks in Pennsylvania
Here are some of the most common causes of head-on collisions in Philadelphia:
Drunk or drugged driving: When a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, he or she is more likely to lose control of the vehicle veer away from traffic lanes, posing the risk of a head-on crash. Drunk drivers may also go the wrong way on a highway causing deadly collisions. Wrongful death actions frequently stem from these types of accidents.
Distracted Driving: When a driver is looking at his or her cell phone or takes his or her eye off the road for even a few seconds, the vehicle could veer out of control and move into opposing lanes of traffic.
Fatigued driving: This is one of the most common causes of head-on collisions. Sleepy or fatigued drivers are at a high risk of causing head-on crashes.
Excessive speed: According to NHTSA, in 2016, speeding killed 10,111 people accounting for about 27 percent of all car accident deaths that year. When motorists fail to observe speed limits or operate their vehicles at a speed greater than what is safe given the conditions, there is a heightened risk of loss of vehicle control and head-on crashes.
Justice for Philadelphia Head-On Car Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a head-on collision or if your loved one has been fatally injured in a Philadelphia head-on car accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault motorist and other parties for your significant injuries and losses. An experienced Philadelphia head-on car accident lawyer will be able to help you better understand your legal rights and options. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer.
