- February 2, 2021
- Car Accidents
Head-on collisions in Buffalo, NY are rare, but they remain as one of the most disturbing types of car accidents to ever exist. A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two cars, which are moving in opposite directions, collide with each other. This usually happens when the driver fails to stay centered in their lane, crosses the centerline, or leaves the roadway. All types of car accidents are life-threatening. However, head-on collisions are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in New York, for the driver and passengers in either of the two cars.
About 1.35 million people die every year on roadways. At 50 mph, a head-on collision can result in a considerable amount of damage. If the speed is doubled, one can only imagine what the unfortunate outcome would be. It is very rare for a driver or passenger to only get minor injuries from a head-on collision. If the person survives the accident, usually severe injuries are endured such as crushed limbs, head injuries, spine injuries, bone fractures, and paralysis. Additionally, the injured individual undergoes mental and emotional trauma, for a long period of time.
What are the causes of Head-on Collisions in Buffalo, NY?
Environmental Causes:
- Poor Weather and Road Conditions:
Harsh weather conditions such as fog, heavy rain, snow, and bright sun glare can impact the visibility of the driver as well as the control of the vehicle. Poor road conditions such as road debris, frequent road curves, potholes, and slippery roads increase the risk of accidents.
Human Error Causes:
- Over Speeding:
Going over the specified speed limit increases your chances of losing control of your car, especially on curved roads. Speeding cars tend to swerve onto incoming traffic and barriers. The possibility of fatalities happening due to head-on collisions increases at speeds above 40 mph.
- Distracted Driving:
Any activity which distracts the driver from the road, taking eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. Diverted attention due to the use of electronic devices, eating, daydreaming or any other activity is very dangerous and a common cause of car accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence:
Driving after the consumption of drugs, alcohol or other substances can drastically increase the chances of you being in a car accident. It negatively affects the driver’s response time, vision, and motor coordination as well as night vision and color perception. Thousands of people die every year because of drunk-driving car crashes.
- Fatigued Drivers:
Sleep deprivation, driving for a long period of time, extreme tiredness, and health conditions, such as sleep disorders, can cause the driver to fall asleep while driving, which is extremely dangerous and results in deadly head-on collisions with oncoming traffic.
Both environmental factors and human errors result in head-on collisions, however, human errors are to be blamed the most for these automobile accidents. They account for more than 90% of all car accidents. Human error can be minimized over time, and all drivers should drive vigilantly to avoid such life-threatening accidents.
Types of Injuries Caused by Head-On Collisions:
Head-on collisions can result in the following injuries:
- Serious head and brain injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) and concussions. These disrupt the normal functions of the brain and in some cases, the person ends up in a coma.
- Whiplash; the muscles of the neck and back are stretched forcefully. It results in dizziness, intense pain, and blurred vision.
- Spinal cord injuries; in some cases, the spine can compress, rupture, and herniate and result in partial or total paralysis.
- Broken bones and severe burns.
How Can You Recover Damages After a Head-on Collision in Buffalo, NY?
If you have been injured due to a head-on collision because of negligence on the behalf of someone else, it’s probably unpleasant. It’s more than apparent that you are probably drowning in medical bills, repair costs, and facing the loss of wages or employment. You should not rely entirely on the insurance company of the at-fault driver, as they will focus on cutting costs as much as possible than compensating you for your losses.
You can fight for a fair settlement for a Head-on Collision in Buffalo, NY by hiring an attorney who will take care of all the tedious paperwork and processes for you. Due to the accident, you may not be in the right state, both physically and mentally, to be able to handle paperwork, negotiations, etc. An attorney will make your life easier and help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. Get a free consultation today and discuss your case with us to find a solution for your devastating situation.
