Over the past two decades, Torgenson Law has represented people from all walks of life, helping them reclaim their lives. Motor vehicle accidents can be devastating for a family, and head-on collisions are among the most dangerous.
Severe injuries, paralysis, and even death can result from a serious head-on car accident. After an injury, bills can quickly pile up, and loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life, and so many other intangible changes to your lifestyle can seem impossible to overcome.
The car accident lawyers at Torgenson Law understand the challenges and stress accident victims face, and we are committed to ensuring you receive fair and adequate compensation for your injuries and damages.
Head-on collisions are particularly devastating due to the abrupt and direct impact between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. The force generated during a head-on collision is significantly magnified compared to other types of accidents, such as rear-end collisions. This is because the full kinetic energy of both vehicles is involved, effectively doubling the impact.
The velocity at which the vehicles are traveling further intensifies the force of the collision. As a result, the forces exerted on the occupants of the vehicles are extreme, and they experience a sudden change in velocity, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities.
Head-on collisions often occur at high speeds, which exacerbates their devastating nature. When two vehicles collide head-on at high speeds, the mere split seconds available to stop or mitigate the impact are extremely limited. This sudden impact results in greater deceleration and larger force applied to the occupants’ bodies.
The extreme impact can cause severe damage to internal organs, including the brain, spinal cord, and chest, increasing the risk of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and organ failure.
Head-on collisions can also cause vehicle deformation, leading to a higher likelihood of the passenger compartment contracting and further endangering the occupants.
Several factors can lead to head-on collisions in Arizona. One common cause is distracted driving. With the increasing use of smartphones, many drivers are not fully focused on the road, leading to a higher likelihood of veering into oncoming traffic. Other distractions like eating, talking to passengers, or adjusting the radio can also divert a driver’s attention and result in a head-on collision.
Another significant cause of head-on collisions in Arizona is impaired driving. Alcohol and drug use can impair a driver’s judgment, reflexes, and ability to maintain control of their vehicle. When a driver is under the influence, they may unknowingly drift into oncoming traffic, leading to a catastrophic collision.
Fatigue is another contributing factor. Drivers who are tired or drowsy may experience reduced attentiveness and slower reaction times, increasing the chances of drifting into the opposite lane and causing a head-on collision.
Common head-on collision injuries in Arizona can vary in severity but often include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, skull fractures, and facial injuries. When two vehicles collide head-on, the force of impact can cause the occupants’ heads to jerk forward and backward violently, leading to head and brain injuries. TBIs are particularly prevalent in head-on collisions, as sudden deceleration and impact can cause the brain to hit the skull, resulting in bruising or bleeding.
Additionally, facial injuries are frequently seen in head-on collisions in Arizona. The force of the collision can cause the occupants’ faces to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or side windows, resulting in facial fractures, lacerations, and contusions. Broken noses, jaw fractures, and dental injuries are some of the most common facial injuries sustained. These injuries cause immediate pain and disfigurement and may also require extensive long-term medical treatments, such as reconstruction or physical therapy.
This is a list of the most common injuries arising from head-on collisions:
In Arizona, liability for head-on collisions follows a fault-based system, which means that the driver determined to be at fault for causing the accident will be held financially responsible for the damages incurred. Liability is typically determined based on negligence, which refers to a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care on the road. In head-on collisions, the driver who crossed the centerline or otherwise veered into oncoming traffic may be considered negligent and liable for the accident.
Liability can also be shared if both drivers were partially at fault, in which case each driver’s liability will be proportionate to their contribution to the accident.
Several other factors may also influence liability. For example, if one of the drivers was intoxicated or driving recklessly, their liability may be increased. Additionally, if one of the vehicles involved in the head-on collision had mechanical issues that contributed to the accident, the liability may extend to the vehicle manufacturer, dealership, or mechanic.
Each accident is unique, and liability ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of each case and requires head-on collision car accident lawyers to thoroughly investigate the incident to establish fault and determine liability.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of the negligence of another party, you may be able to receive monetary compensation for your losses. Injuries suffered in a head-on collision are often permanent and debilitating, and you may have costly medical bills, which can often continue well into the future. In many cases, you may need a monetary recovery sufficient to cover immediate medical bills, income loss, or long-term or even life-long care.
In a serious accident, the stakes couldn’t be higher. You need an experienced attorney on your side who is willing to bring your case to court if necessary. If you’ve lost a family member in a head-on crash on one of Arizona’s roads or highways, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the other driver.
Torgenson Law has two decades of experience handling severe motor vehicle accidents, including head-on collisions. If you have been injured in any type of accident because of someone else’s negligence, reach out online or call 602-726-0747.
Once you connect with us, our personal injury attorneys will evaluate your case without cost or obligation. We will work with you to identify all parties, uncover the facts, and build a compelling case for compensation.