Facts about Head on Collisions

When the front end of a vehicle collides with the front end of another vehicle, it is called a "head on collision ." Although head on collisions account for about 2% of vehicle accidents, 10% of fatalities in auto accidents occur as a result of a head on collision. 1999 statistics from the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reveal that:

• 75% of head on crashes occur on rural roads
• 75% of head on crashes occur on undivided two lane roads
• 83% of two lane undivided road crashes occur on rural roads

The high percentage of head on crashes on rural roads suggests that many head on collisions are related to driver errors. Surprisingly, in most all cases, fatal head on crashes occur in non-passing situations. According to 1999 data, of 7,430 vehicles involved in head on collisions, only 4.2 percent involved a vehicle passing another vehicle. 68% of head on fatalities involve vehicles going straight and 23% involve a vehicle negotiating a curve.

Most head on collision accidents occur one of two ways, by one driver either departing from their lane or going the wrong way on a street or freeway entrance. There are countless causes of lane departures including texting, talking on a cell phone, eating while driving, talking to children in the rear, reading, fatigue or driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medication.

Injuries from Head On Collisions

The injuries sustained in a head on collision can be very devastating and catastrophic. If two vehicles are involved in a head on collision at 40 miles per an hour, it is the same as if a vehicle hit a parked car while travelling at 80 miles per an hour. If a passenger survives a head on collision, he or she can be forced to live with permanent debilitating injuries that make it impossible for the victim to work or take care of themselves or their family.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a head on collision, a Dallas personal injury attorney at the Lenahan Law Firm can help. We have many years of experience in helping our clients and their families get the compensation they deserve.

Contact a Dallas Head On Collision Lawyer at our office today for a free case evaluation.