Why Head-on Collisions are More Dangerous

A head on collision occurs when two cars traveling in opposite directions crash  into each other.  These auto accidents are among the most dangerous because the force of the impact is doubled due to the traveling speed of each vehicle.  Therefore, even a relatively slow auto accident with each car traveling at 25mph will result in a tremendous impact equal to the force of hitting a wall at 50mph.  Considering that most people travel slightly above the speed limit, it is more likely that you will experience a 60-70 mph impact if involved in a head-on collision.

Who is Liable in a Head-on Collision?

Fault for a head-on collision is typically attributed to the driver who heads the wrong way or departs his lane and crosses into oncoming traffic. However, proving liability requires establishing the four legal elements of negligence:

• Duty of care: A driver has a duty to you and other motorists to drive safely and keep you from undue harm. This duty entails remaining in the lane and obeying traffic signs and laws.
• Breach of duty: If a driver engages in high-risk behavior such as speeding, texting and driving, or driving under the influence, he has failed to uphold the duty of care.
• Causation: The breach caused your accident, e.g., the other driver entered the highway going the wrong direction and crashed into your car.
• Damages: You must substantiate your injuries and damage, through medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of future earning potential.

To establish negligence, your auto accident attorney will collect police reports, photos of the vehicles and accident scene, and witness statements. Your lawyer may also use your medical records, bills, wage and earnings data, and medical expert testimony to prove your damages.

Sacramento Head-On Collision Lawyer

As a Sacramento head on collision attorney, I know that this particular accident scenario can cause more serious injury or death than just about any other type of motor vehicle accident.

California law requires drivers to carry at least the following coverages:

• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident minimum
• Property Damage Liability Coverage: $5,000 minimum
• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident minimum
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage: $3,500 minimum

This amount is never enough to fully pay for damages, especially when it comes to a catastrophic accident like a head-on-collision. And that is your own insurance that covers your own damages. Unfortunately, many car owners skimp on their insurance to save money and just purchase the minimum amount of insurance. Another problem that may occur is the at-fault driver does not have any insurance at all, so remember it is always recommended to carry uninsured motorist coverage on your vehicles.

Besides injuries and a destroyed automobile, head-on-collisions can wreak havoc financially. Medical care is costly and you may end up with a lot of debt because of it. The cost of the most advanced and intensive care, such as for injuries to the brain and spinal cord can easily end up in the six figures. You may need physical rehabilitation for a long time. You may be laid up and unable to go to work, which can hurt your budget even if it is for a short time. If you are unable to work because of your injuries for a long time, you could end up bankrupt.

The worst case scenario is death. If a relative died in an auto accident, you also may be able to file a wrongful death claim … to obtain justice for your loved one who has passed over, and to fight to provide the survivors of the deceased much deserved financial stability.

If your accident resulted from another driver’s negligence, you may have a claim for compensation. A head-on collision lawyer in Sacramento can provide the support and assistance you need to help protect your legal rights.