Who’s at Fault in a Head-On Collision?

Head-on collisions are a type of car accident that is often fatal, leaving victims with life-changing injuries, or worse, loss of lives. According to the Federal Highway Administration, these collisions account for about 14% of all fatal crashes on U.S. roads.

If you or someone you love was involved in a head-on collision caused by someone else’s fault, you might be entitled to compensation. But how is fault determined after a head-on collision? Our Birmingham head-on collision attorneys at Goldasich, Vick & Fulk, Attorneys at Law, can help you determine fault based on the facts of your case.

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions

Here are some of the most common causes of head-on collisions:

• Distracted driving. Drivers who are distracted, whether by their cell phones, food, passengers, or other distractions, can easily swerve into oncoming traffic.
• Drunk driving. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and vision, increasing the likelihood of a head-on collision.
• Sleepy driving. Fatigued drivers may fall asleep at the wheel, causing their vehicles to drift into oncoming traffic.
• Wrong-way driving. Drivers who turn onto a one-way street in the wrong direction or enter a highway through an exit ramp can cause a head-on collision.
• Speeding. When a driver travels above the speed limit, they have less time to react if they encounter an obstacle, increasing the risk of a head-on collision.

The consequences of a head-on collision can be devastating, leading to injuries, loss of life, and destruction of property.

How Is Fault Determined After a Head-On Collision?

Determining fault in a head-on collision can be tricky because there are often multiple factors at play. However, in most cases, the driver who crossed the center line and entered the other lane is considered at fault. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, drowsy driving, and road conditions.

If a driver falls asleep or is distracted, they might fail to stay in their lane or swerve into opposing traffic. Similarly, speeding increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, making it difficult to traverse turns and curves. Intoxication reduces reaction time, distorts judgment, and impairs coordination, which increases the risk of swerving out of one’s lane. Poor road conditions such as ice, snow, or rain can also cause a loss of control, making it easy for a car to enter the opposite lane.

What If You Are at Fault in a Head-On Collision?

The driver who is at fault is responsible for the injuries and damages caused to the other party. This would involve paying for medical bills, compensation for loss of wages, and property damages, including the vehicle involved in the accident.

Insurance companies also play a significant role in determining who’s at fault in a head-on collision. They can conduct an investigation to review the evidence of the accident. This often includes photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any injuries sustained. The investigation process may also seek to find witnesses who might have seen the accident happen.

Our Attorneys Can Help

Determining who is at fault is critical to provide closure and seek justice for the victims involved. If you need help, contact Goldasich, Vick & Fulk, Attorneys at Law. Our knowledgeable attorneys can assist you in determining fault and helping you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 205-731-2566 for a case review.

Source:

safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/strat_approach/brochure/docs/FHWA-SA-21-025_Head_On_Crashes.pdf