Head-On Collisions in Queen Anne’s County

Few car accidents are more devastating than head-on collisions, which occur when two vehicles that are travelling in opposite directions crash into each other, causing massive property damage and severe and fatal injuries. Fortunately, these accidents are rare, yet they are responsible for 10 percent of all car accident fatalities. While much of the devastation caused by head-on collisions is because the two vehicles are often travelling at high speeds, severe damage and life-threatening injuries can result from lower speed collisions as well. If you or someone you know has been seriously, or fatally injured in a head-on collision, contact our skilled car accident lawyers as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions

According to traffic safety data, most head-on collisions occur on rural roads without a center median. These wrecks are typically caused by the following factors:

  • Drowsy, intoxicated, or distracted driving: Any of these dangerous driving behaviors can cause a motorist to drift into another lane. If a car swerves into oncoming traffic and does not return to the correct lane in time, a head-on collision can occur.
  • Reckless driving: If a motorist is driving recklessly, such as attempting to cross the center line to pass the car in front of them, this can end in a tragic head-on collision.
  • Speeding around curves: When a car or truck takes a curve at a high speed, the driver can lose control of the vehicle. If another vehicle is coming from the other direction, there is a serious risk of a head-on collision.
  • Road construction: If road work is being done and there are sudden lane changes near the construction zone, there is a risk of a head-on collision if drivers are not paying attention, or are driving too fast when they approach the lane change.

Injuries Caused by Head-On Collisions

Victims of head-on collisions rarely walk away from the accident without a scratch. The following are common injuries that can result from a head-on collision:

  • Head and Brain Injuries: The massive force impact of a head-on collision often causes the head to hit the inside of the vehicle, or whipped back and forth. Other objects in the car can also penetrate the head, causing serious injuries. When the brain strikes against the inside of the skull, it can cause serious and permanent brain damage.
  • Back Injuries: Slipped or herniated discs are a common injury that victims of head-on collisions may suffer from, which can be extremely painful and require surgery. In certain cases, the accident can cause a bruised or broken spinal column, and paralysis.
  • Neck Injuries: Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries that can occur when the impact from a crash forces the neck to become stretched beyond its normal position. Whiplash can be extremely painful and prevent victims from accomplishing simple tasks. Other neck injuries include slipped or herniated disks, a broken neck, and paralysis.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: It is common for victims of head-on collisions to suffer from torn or damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries should be treated as soon as possible, or they can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.
  • Broken Bones: Arms, legs, wrists, fingers, and ankles are vulnerable to injuries in a head-on collision because they are often the first part of the body that hits the inside of the vehicle upon impact.
  • Lost Limbs: A victim’s arm or leg may be severely damaged or crushed that amputation is the only way to save the person’ life.

Due to the nature of a head-on collision, it is not always clear who is at fault, unless one of the drivers was intoxicated, fell asleep at the wheel, or was texting or talking on the phone at the time of the collision. Forensic experts are often called in to examine skid marks and other details to figure out who caused the accident. It is highly recommended that you contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can examine the evidence and ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Queen Anne’s County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Head-On Collisions

If you or a loved one has been severely injured in a head-on collision, do not hesitate to contact the highly reputable Queen Anne’s County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will seek the maximum financial compensation you deserve and hold the negligent parties responsible for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.