A head-on collision can be devastating to a victim physically, emotionally and financially. Head-on car accidents are often severe in nature, with the potential to cause life-changing and life-threatening injuries. Knowing your legal rights after a head-on collision in San Antonio can help you achieve the recovery you need to move forward.
What Happens During a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two motor vehicles run into each other directly. This type of crash takes place when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. Head-on collisions are often severe because they occur at the combined speeds of both vehicles.
For example, if one car is traveling 50 miles per hour and the other is traveling 60 miles per hour, the head-on collision would take place at the speed of 110 miles per hour. The combined force of both vehicles’ momentum can lead to catastrophic and fatal injuries for the occupants of both vehicles.
Types of Injuries That Can Be Caused by a Head-On Collision
The force of a head-on collision can be significant. Even if both vehicles were traveling at reasonable speeds, the force of the impact can be extreme. Head-on collisions often result in extensive vehicle damage, such as crumpled or crushed cars.
Vehicle occupants can suffer a variety of injuries, such as:
- Bone fractures
- Neck, back and spine injuries
- Permanent paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Face and eye injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Wrongful death
While airbags and seat belts can help reduce the risk of serious injury, they most likely will not prevent all injuries, especially if the crash occurs at a high speed. Particularly severe head-on collisions can eject occupants from their vehicles due to the force of the impact.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in San Antonio
As is the case with all Texas car accidents, head-on collisions are most often connected to driver error. Drivers in San Antonio can make many careless and reckless decisions behind the wheel that increase the odds of a devastating head-on collision.
Examples include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Speeding
- Wrong-way driving
- Illegal or dangerous passing
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting and driving
- Red-light running
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Aggressive driving
In Texas, if a driver is negligent or fails to use reasonable care while driving, he or she can be held responsible for a resultant head-on collision. If something outside of driver error caused the crash, such as a dangerous road defect or vehicle part malfunction, a third party could be held liable instead.
Filing a car insurance claim after a head-on collision in San Antonio could result in payment for several of your past and future losses. You may be entitled to compensation for your related medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more.
You may need help from a San Antonio accident attorney if your case has complications, however, such as catastrophic injuries, the death of a loved one, a liability dispute, an insurance company blaming you for the accident or difficulty obtaining the compensation you deserve.
A personal injury lawyer in San Antonio can take over negotiations with a car insurance company for you or bring your case to trial, if necessary, to seek justice for your head-on collision. Learn more by requesting a free consultation with an attorney at Hill Law Firm.