Head On Collision

Picture this:

It is late at night and you are driving home. Light rain, a dark sky overhead, and your headlights leading the way. You are driving carefully and responsibly. However, next thing you know you see another set of headlights coming toward you. As they get closer you realize they are not in the correct lane. The approaching driver is in your lane, speeding directly towards your car, with no intention of getting out of your way. You try to swerve, but it is too late. BOOM! What now? Contact us. If you have been involved in a head-on collision, Umansky Law Firm can get you the help you deserve.

What is it?

A head-on collision involves two vehicles moving in opposite directions crash into one another front end to front end, or between a car and a standing object like a sign or telephone pole.

How head-on collisions happen

Most head-on collisions are completely preventable. Head-on collisions usually result from negligent or drunk drivers, suffering from any number of the following:

• Turning quickly in poor conditions
• Ignoring the turn arrow in the traffic light
• Turning left right into the path of an approaching car or truck.
• Making turns that are too wide
• Ignoring road signage
• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Bad passing judgment

Defensive Driving

The best thing you can do as a defensive driver is to constantly be aware of your circumstances. Keep an eye out for the situations noted above, and always try to predict the next moves of other drivers on the road. You must be particularly careful in danger-prone situations when there is limited visibility, a noticeably erratic driver, or less than desirable weather conditions.

Handling a head-on collision

No matter what precautions you take, head-on collisions are sometimes completely out of your control. But that does not mean they are your fault. The best thing you can do is slow your vehicle down as safely as you can to minimize the damage upon impact. If you are headed toward a stationary object, try your best to graze that object at an angle. This will lessen the damage to your body and your vehicle. Use common sense and be sure that no matter what maneuvers you attempt to make prior to impact, that you make decisions that allow you to remain in control of your vehicle.

Airbags and seatbelts

With an airbag, your chances of living through a head-on collision leap up 60 percent. Not to mention seatbelts will almost always provide you with a safety barrier that is often the difference between life and death.

Learn more

Was the person who hit you drunk? Learn more about drunk driving accidents.

More information available on other types of automobile accidents here.

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