Head-On Collisions
Denver attorney R. Mack Babcock and associates provide solid representation for injured victims of a head-on car accident
Our Denver car accident attorneys have extensive experience handling injury cases. It doesn’t matter if you have a minor scrape or a major collision, we are here for you.
Head-on collisions are considered to be the most fatal of all types of car accidents – approximately 1 out of every 50 car accidents in the U.S. is a head-on collision.
Like other types of accidents, head-on collisions occur in a flash. But due to their devastating nature, the injuries that a head-on collision causes can last a lifetime.
A head-on collision occurs when 2 vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide (front bumper to front bumper). However, a head-on collision doesn’t have to involve another vehicle. If you hit a stationary object like a tree or power poll, it can be considered “head-on” if the front of the vehicle struck the object.
According to figures from the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS), approximately 75% of head-on crashes occur on rural, two-lane roads. While it’s common to think the majority of head-on collisions occur because of poor judgment when passing, FARS’ data shows that only 5% of head-on collisions happen this way.
The vast majority of head-on collisions are caused by “unintentional” maneuvers
These “unintentional” maneuvers that lead to a head-on collision can be caused by a variety of things. Perhaps the offending driver fell asleep at the wheel. Or perhaps they were distracted, or went around a curve too fast. Often times, drugs and alcohol are a contributing factor in these types of crashes.
In the end, most head-on collisions are caused by driver negligence, but more specific causes can include:
- A driver taking a corner too fast
- A driver turning into oncoming traffic
- A driver failing to follow road signs
- Low visibility due to poor weather
- Tire blowout
- Road construction and altered traffic patterns
- Debris or some other obstacle in the roadway
Regardless of what caused a head-on collision, injuries can be quite severe
The severity of injury stemming from a head-on collision can depend on a host of factors, including:
- Position of driver/passengers
- Point of impact
- Speed of vehicle(s) at impact
It’s said that a head-on collision with a stationary object like a tree or power poll can be more severe since these objects will not “give” at all when absorbing the impact. With another vehicle, the bumper and hood will provide somewhat of a cushion.
Injuries in head-on collisions vary far and wide, but can include injury to the brain, head/neck and spinal cord, and can involve broken bones, whiplash, lacerations, burns, and sadly, even death.
Spinal cord injuries (e.g. paralysis) can be especially troubling since they almost always mean permanent disability.
An experienced head-on collision attorney in Colorado can help you establish fault and obtain the compensation you need for injury, property damage, lost wages and more
Under Colorado law, if the other driver was at least 51% responsible for the collision, you do have grounds to file a claim for damages. Due to the devastating nature of head-on collisions, taking pictures and gathering information can be very challenging, if not impossible.
If the unthinkable occurs and a loved one loses their life in a head-on collision, the claim becomes a wrongful death suit.
R. Mack Babcock and associates at the Babcock Law Firm possess extensive experience in helping injured drivers and passengers obtain compensation for car accidents caused by the negligence of another driver. Not only are we intimately familiar with all relevant laws, we also have extensive experience in examining evidence, interviewing witnesses and establishing fault.
To discuss your case and assess your options, contact Denver head-on collision attorney R. Mack Babcock and associates at the Babcock Law Firm today for a free consultation.
