According to the Insurance Information Institute, head-on crashes made up 3,613 of the fatal collisions in 2019. These crashes occur when two vehicles driving toward each other hit. The crashes may be caused due to a number of factors such as not paying attention, drunk driving or others.
Head-on collisions often lead to serious injuries, because the force and speed of both vehicles add up and make the collision much more impactful than if both vehicles had been traveling in the same or perpendicular routes.
What causes people to cross over a center line or strike someone head on? Some of the common reasons include:
- Driving on the wrong side of the road, such as entering a one-way street heading the wrong direction
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Unsafe passing in a no-pass zone or a passing zone where oncoming traffic approaches more quickly than expected.
- Swerving into the opposite lane to avoid a hazard, like a pot hole, icy patch or animal
Drivers have a duty of care to be responsible on the road and to avoid harming others. If they are negligent or reckless, then they may be held accountable.
Can you hold the other driver responsible for your collision?
It’s likely if you can prove that they were the one responsible for the automobile crash. If they admit to texting and driving, crossed into your lane or made another driving error that led to them hitting you, then they may be held liable for the collision.
In at-fault states like South Dakota, the police usually determine who is at fault. That’s why it’s important to make a police report when you’re involved in a crash and to establish that the other person crossed the center line or entered your lane when they should not have.
You can seek fair compensation
If they committed a traffic violation that led to your injuries, then it’s reasonable to want to hold them responsible. You can start a personal injury lawsuit or claim against their insurance to get the coverage that you need as you seek medical care and other financial support.