Statistics consistently show that head-on collisions are one of the deadliest types of car accidents. Even if seat belts are worn and a vehicle has airbags, fatalities are still common in these types of accidents. There are several reasons why these accidents are often so dangerous: Head-on collisions frequently involve vehicles that are traveling at particularly fast rates of speed and they often result in rollovers. Each year, there are many people in Spokane and the surrounding area of Washington state that are involved in deadly head-on collisions. For accident victims of head-on collisions, it is often imperative to obtain the assistance of a seasoned Spokane accident attorney to make sure that the largest amount of compensation possible is obtained from the party that is responsible for the accident.
Causes of Head-On Collisions
Many head-on collisions in the state of Washington involve vehicles that leave their lane. There are several other common causes of head-on collisions, which include:
- Adverse weather conditions that make it hard for the motor vehicle operator to notice that his or her vehicle is traveling in the wrong lane.
- Defects in the road including potholes that cause a motor vehicle operator to leave the lane.
- Drivers traveling on dark, rural roads with narrow lanes may have a difficult time seeing what lies ahead of them on the road.
- Losing control of a vehicle due to any type of vehicle malfunction, such as brake failure or tire defects.
- Motor vehicle drivers who are not familiar with an area may end up traveling the wrong way down a one-way road.
- Motor vehicle drivers who fall asleep at the wheel may end up drifting into an opposing lane of traffic.
- Motor vehicle operators who turn too fast or too sharply may end up leaving the vehicle's lane and colliding with a motorist in the opposing lane.
- Motor vehicle operators who pass a vehicle on a two-lane road may not have enough room to safely return to their own lane.
- Motor vehicle operators who swerve to avoid an animal that has run onto the road may end up colliding with another vehicle.
- Sometimes due to no fault of their own, motor vehicle operators are forced out of a lane due to other overly aggressive drivers.
Common Injuries Due to Head-On Collisions
Head on collisions result in fatalities and many serious injuries, but some of the most common injuries include:
- Amputations.
- Back and neck injuries.
- Burns.
- Compound fractures.
- Joint injuries.
- Lacerations.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
Speak with a Spokane Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was the victim of a head on collision, you are likely facing difficult times. It is not uncommon to be met with large medical bills, lost wages, and substantial physical pain after this type of accident. Contact West Law Office today.
(image courtesy of Dayne Topkin)