Head-on collisions happen when vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with each other. While any accident can be terrifying, the forces at impact in a head-on collision make these accidents particularly devastating. Victims face life-threatening and impairing injuries on top of vehicle damage.
Because many head-on collisions involve negligence, a La Porte head-on collision lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Our team at Lone Star Injury Attorneys is committed to providing comprehensive and robust legal strategies to recover maximum compensation on your behalf. Reach out today to begin working with a dedicated auto accident attorney.
Common Causes of Front-End Collisions
The most prevalent causes of head-on collisions are human error and vehicle defects, including:
Distracted Driving
The Department of Transportation singles out distracted driving as one of the most prevalent causes of traffic accidents in the U.S. Motorists get distracted through texting and using hand-held devices, grooming, eating, and adjusting navigation or music systems. These acts take the driver’s attention off the road, exposing them to head-on collisions. With these behaviors, a vehicle may easily drift from its lane into oncoming traffic.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired driving is another cause of head-on collisions for which our La Porte attorneys handle claims. It occurs when a driver gets behind the wheel while drunk or intoxicated. Driving under the influence reduces a motorist’s focus and ability to react in emergencies. Drunk drivers are usually unaware of impending collisions until too late. Drunk driving is prohibited in Texas and many other states. Anyone who knowingly sells alcohol to minors or persons already intoxicated may bear liability for drunk driving accidents.
Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is a major contributing factor to many traffic accidents. It has the same effect as driving under the influence of alcohol. Driver fatigue occurs when there is insufficient rest between trips or sleep deprivation. As a result, drivers fall asleep at the wheel and veer off the road into oncoming vehicles. These accidents happen in the blink of an eye, causing severe injuries, vehicle damage, and fatalities.
Bad Weather
Many front-end accidents also involve bad weather. Conditions like heavy rain, fog, mist, and black ice present unique hazards even for experienced motorists. For example, fog and mist can reduce visibility, making it difficult for motorists to maintain lane discipline. Similarly, black ice and rainfall cause hydroplaning, significantly reducing a vehicle’s traction with the road. Although bad weather is a natural phenomenon, a skilled La Porte head-on collision attorney may help demonstrate human error, especially in negligence-related accidents. Coupled with vehicle defects, bad weather presents unique hazards to motorists and the general public.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collision lawyer serving La Porte, call (832) 449-8230
Who Bears Liability in Head-On Collisions?
After a crash, you may be wondering whether you qualify for compensation. To file a claim, you must prove negligence. This concept is applicable to all personal injury cases, including head-on collision claims. To determine liability, the following elements must be demonstrated:
- Duty of Care: Someone else had an obligation to prevent foreseeable accidents
- Breach of Duty: The duty of care was violated through careless actions or inactions
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries
- Damages: You suffered actual losses (economic and non-economic damages)
Only by proving these elements of negligence can you proceed to establish liability in a head-on collision. Any of the following parties may be liable for the crash:
Motorists
Drivers are often at fault for head-on collisions due to negligent driving. Careless overtaking, inexperienced driving, speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, and fatigue are common factors that contribute to these accidents.
Vehicle Manufacturer
Vehicle and auto-part manufacturers can also share the blame when safety oversights and design flaws result in collisions. Faulty components such as steering and braking systems are common causes of head-on collisions. For example, when braking fails, the vehicle may not stop on time to avoid a crash.
State Agencies
Local state agencies can also be blamed for improper road maintenance or failure to enforce traffic laws. Inadequate signage, unclear markings, and sharp curves can increase the risk of a crash. Because some agencies are immune from legal action, an experienced La Porte head-on collision attorney can navigate relevant laws for justice to prevail.
Employers
Employers of negligent drivers can also bear responsibility on the concept of vicarious liability. As long as the accident occurred within the scope of employment, injured persons may file a claim against the employer. Additionally, vicarious liability extends to the employer’s or company’s policies.
La Porte Head-on Collision Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Consult Our Head-On Collision Attorneys in La Porte
No one expects to be involved in a crash. Unfortunately, auto wrecks are unexpected events that can alter one’s life completely. Protecting your rights is important when you are involved in a head-on collision. Hiring a La Porte head-on collision lawyer is a rewarding decision. Call us today to speak with our team here at Lone Star Injury Attorneys.
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