Possible Causes of Head-on Collisions

Round Rock Car Crash Lawyer Explains the process after injuries

 

Most car accidents are fender benders in which only minor injuries, if any at all, are sustained by those involved. On the other end of the spectrum are head-on collisions. These types of accidents are not only the scariest, but they are also one of the deadliest. If victims do not die in an accident, many times, they are left with severe and life-long injuries. They accrue hefty medical bills and are unable to return to work to earn an income. The expenses they face as a result can quickly put their financial future in jeopardy.

With the help of skilled car accident lawyers in Round Rock, you could recover compensation from the negligent driver who caused your head-on accident. 

Are Head-On Collisions Common?

Compared to other types of accidents, head-on collisions are rare. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they account for only 13 percent of all rural fatal accidents. In urban areas, less than seven percent of fatal accidents are head-on collisions. No matter where or how they occur, the best step to take after being in such an accident is to schedule a consultation with knowledgeable car accident lawyers in Round Rock.

What Causes a Head-On Collision?

Sadly, the majority of car accidents, including head-on collisions involve driver error. Six significant factors are most often the culprits of these types of accidents, including:

  1. Distracted driving—Whether a driver is reaching for something across the seat, trying to adjust their audio settings, texting a friend, or putting an address in their GPS, any type of distracted driving immediately raises the risk of an accident, especially in certain areas such as two-lane highways. 
  2. Driving while sleepy or fatigued—Similar to distracted driving, if someone is driving while they are fatigued or sleepy, they are not in full control of their vehicle. Being fatigued can make it difficult for the brain to function and make the right decisions using good judgment. If a driver is sleepy at the wheel, they run the risk of falling asleep and causing a head-on collision. 
  3. Not driving carefully in poor weather or poor visibility—Many times, driving conditions warrant drivers to adjust how they drive. In heavy rain, it is usually advisable to slow down below the speed limit to decrease the chances of an accident. If visibility is reduced due to fog or smoke, drivers should also slow down. If the appropriate actions are not taken, the chances of causing an accident increase.
  4. Overtaking another vehicle poorly—When passing another vehicle, the driver should use caution. Are they passing in an area where it is legal and safe to pass? Are they allowing themselves enough room to pass safely? Are they attempting to overtake more than one vehicle at a time?
  5. Driving under the influence—As with any other type of accident, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will absolutely increase the risk of an accident. Drivers who are under the influence usually make bad decisions and have impaired judgment.
  6. Not paying attention to traffic signals or signs—Traffic signals and signs are there for a reason. If a driver chooses to ignore them, they are putting themselves and others at risk. They may go the wrong way on a one-way road, pass when it is not legal to pass, make a wrong way turn, or attempt to enter the highway on an off-ramp.

You may not know the reason your head-on accident occurred, but discussing your case with experienced car accident attorneys in Round Rock can help make this determination. 

Hire Reliable Car Accident Lawyers in Round Rock to Protect Your Rights

We assist clients in both the Round Rock and Austin areas and have Spanish speaking staff available. Our attorneys work hard to get the highest possible settlement. We are not afraid to litigate your case if you are not offered a fair settlement. 

If you are looking for car accident attorneys in Round Rock who genuinely care about helping you during this difficult time of life, look no further. By keeping our firm small, we are able to focus on the needs of each individual client we serve. Call (512) 766-4529 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free case review at the Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, PLLC today.