San Diego Head On Collision Accident Lawyer
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Head-on collisions leave victims with debilitating injuries, with many suffering permanent disabilities. Intense pain, inability to work or participate fully in life, and premature death often follow. Head-on collisions are the worst type of auto accident, and Shamon Law works these cases hard to obtain all the compensation our clients deserve.
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What Is Considered A Head On Collision Accident?
A head-on collision is a full frontal collision between two cars that strike each other directly from the front. It happens when a vehicle drives straight into a stationary object, such as a pole or road barrier. But, mostly head on collisions happen while going in opposite directions.
Head-on crashes cause 10 percent of fatal vehicle collisions in the United States but account for just 2.3 percent of accidents. Put another way, you are nearly five times more likely to perish in a head-on collision compared to the aggregate of all the others.
Victims also face a higher rate of serious injuries. Head wounds, spinal cord damage, organ damage, severe bleeding, and burns routinely impact head-on collision casualties. The increased severity of injuries comes from high speeds and the principle of physics that states you must add the speed of both vehicles together to calculate the force of the impact.
For instance, if two vehicles collide head-on at 30 mph, the force of the impact equals 60 mph. This makes head-on collisions at even relatively sedate speeds dangerous and possibly fatal. Crashes of this stratum maim, permanently disable, and kill from crushing injuries, head trauma, smoke inhalation, and burns.
Are Head On Collisions Worse Than Rear End Collisions?
Head on collisions are worse than rear end collisions. Since, head on collisions require both cars to run into each other from opposite direction, it is more dangerous. Physics tells us that the direction of each car’s speed is a vital factor in calculating the force and energy behind the crash.
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What Are The Most Common Causes Of Head On Collision Accidents?
Human error causes the vast majority of head-on collisions. Though mechanical flaws or poor maintenance can factor to head on collisions.
- For example, if a driver’s brakes fail, he may be unable to slow down or stop to avoid an oncoming vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers, service- and repair facilities, and the owner or driver may all have liability for head-on collisions caused by a vehicle malfunction.
- But poor judgment, miscalculation, and recklessness account for almost all head-on collisions.
- Most occur when a driver attempts to pass on a one-lane per-direction road. These drivers, particularly inexperienced ones, miscalculate the space needed to complete the maneuver safely. The damage from these accidents can be mitigated or the collision avoided if the passing vehicle returns to its original lane quickly enough. In addition, braking quickly and heavily can be the difference between a serious collision and a tragic one.
- Drinking and drugs frequently contribute to these accidents. Drivers make erratic moves because of impaired judgment, are unable to react swiftly, and suffer from dangerous overconfidence. They also merge onto freeways going the wrong way, causing some of the most horrific collisions.
What Are The Common Injuries In Head On Collision?
There are 12 common injuries in head on collisions. They include the following:
- Head injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Lacerations
- Scarring
- Crushing injuries
- Sprains
- Torn muscles
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Fatal injuries
Head-on collisions result in a disproportionate number of severe- and fatal auto accidents. However, low-speed head-on collisions, such as on a residential street, cause fewer casualties. But more often than not, at least one vehicle is traveling at high velocity.
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What To Do After A Head On Collision In San Diego?
Contact authorities and seek medical attention right away after a head on collision in San Diego. You are likely to be injured and find your vehicle undrivable.
If able, move your vehicle out of traffic. If there’s heavy traffic, the accident could lead into a multi vehicle accident as well.
Provided you suffer no severes injuries, it helps to take photos or video of the scene and collect witness contact information. However, after a major accident, police, and accident investigators will document the scene and gather evidence.
California Vehicle Code For Head On Collision
Pure comparative negligence governs California personal injury law. Pure comparative negligence divides liability between the parties. A jury can find one party 100% at fault or split the percentage in any proportion. No 51% bar rule exists in California, making accident victims eligible for damages even if they are 99% at fault, though the amount would be just 1% of proven damages.
The fault for many head-on collisions is one-sided. For example, a reckless or drunk driver passing on a one-lane in each direction roadway seems obviously at fault. However, the defense tries to cast blame onto the plaintiff in even the most clear-cut cases.
For example, the plaintiff may demonstrate that the defendant entered his lane and hit him head-on. Though this seems to place all the liability on the defendant, the defense may contend that the plaintiff has partial liability because they were speeding.
Shamon Law fights back against improper comparative negligence claims, so our clients receive their full compensation. Many of these defenses have no basis in fact and are crushed by the evidence.
What Damages & Compensation Can Be Recovered In Head On Collisions?
California law establishes three types of damages for personal injury cases: compensatory, general, and punitive.
Compensatory damages include all direct financial costs to the plaintiff, such as the following:
- Ambulance charges
- ER bills
- Diagnostic testing
- Medications
- Surgery
- In-patient stays
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Nursing homes
- Lost wages
- Lost business income
- Lost benefits
- Other financial impacts
General damages compensate victims for the non-economic costs of the accident, such as the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages rarely apply to personal injury cases, even ones involving severe injuries or wrongful death. For these serious cases, compensatory- and general damages are likely to be very high even though punitive damages remain inapplicable.
To win punitive damages, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s conduct exceeds negligence and constitutes outrageous reckless or intentional actions.
Contact Top Rated San Diego Head On Collision Lawyer
Contact Shamon Law for a free head-on collision consultation.
Head-on collisions wreak massive devastation on victims. Severe injuries causing extreme pain, life-long disability, and death commonly result from these dreadful accidents. No one should be left to fend for themselves after suffering the devastating consequences of another’s negligence.