Who is at Fault in a Head-On Collision?

While head-on collisions are rare, they do happen, bringing with them severe injuries and property damage as well as extreme pain and suffering. A head-on collision, also known as a frontal crash, is as it sounds, when two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions.

Regardless of the vehicles involved, these front end collisions occur when one driver crosses the road into oncoming traffic, or a driver is traveling the wrong way in traffic. Though head-on collisions don’t happen frequently, when they do, the results can be catastrophic, making it important to know how fault is determined.

Determining Fault in a Head-On Collision

In a head-on collision, determining fault is similar to determining fault in other vehicle accidents – using the negligence factor. Negligence is a driver’s failure to take care in avoiding injury to others. In a head-on collision, negligence can come in the form of a:

• Driver not paying attention to the road
• Ignoring road signs and right of way
• Drifting into oncoming traffic
• Driving the wrong way in traffic.

If a driver is found acting thusly, the fault is usually easy to determine and falls on the driver who was traveling in the wrong direction.

Head-on crashes result from traveling the wrong direction on a roadway, often after crossing the center line. Speeding is often a factor as is distracted driving as a result of texting, talking on the phone, or app use. Head-on collisions can also be caused by drivers:

• Who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medicine
• Who are tired and sleepy
• Who are driving in less than optimal weather conditions
• As a result of passing on a two-lane road
• Turning the wrong way on a one-way street
• Failing to follow road directional signs

Even though the fault is often placed on the driver traveling the wrong way, this is not always the result. There are scenarios in which another crash forces vehicles into oncoming traffic, leaving the driver who caused the original crash at fault. Medical emergencies and vehicle malfunctions (blown tire, steering defect, etc.) can result in a head-on collision.

Injuries Common in Head-on Collisions

If you are involved in a head-on collision, you should immediately call the authorities for medical assistance and to file a report. Head-on crashes nearly always result in injuries, often severe. Common injuries in head-on collisions include:

• Head trauma and brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Whiplash
• Knee and ankle injuries
• Nerve damage
• Neck injuries

Following a head-on crash, your chiropractor will access your injuries likely ordering tests including an X-ray or MRI to determine the full extent of your injuries. Once diagnosed, your chiropractor will develop a customized care plan which may include physical therapy, massage, and pain management to alleviate your pain, and allow you to return to full health and strength.

What To Do If You Were In a Head-On Collision?

If you were involved in a head-on collision, there are a few things you need to do immediately:

1. Assess the situation: determine how serious the collision is and call 911
2. Get medical help: you may not feel any pain right after the accident, but that does not mean that there isn’t something wrong. See a doctor to make sure that there isn’t any damage done to your internal organs and bones.
3. If you had to leave the scene immediately to get medical help, make sure to follow up with the police once you have received medical help to file a police report and give your statement.
4. See a chiropractor: many injuries do not present themselves until sometimes weeks and months later.

If you have been injured in a head-on collision, the expert team at County Line Chiropractic Medical and Rehab are prepared to assess your injuries, create a custom treatment plan, and help you recover fully and successfully.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!