Head on collisions occur when two cars driving opposite directions crash into each other. Head on collisions often result in severe injuries and fatalities.
Head on collisions sometimes occur when a motorist attempts to pass other vehicles and miscalculates the time needed to safely pass. Just yesterday an Iowa motorist was killed when attempting to pass two pickup trucks hauling livestock along a highway near Waterloo. Unfortunately, the driver apparently miscalculated the time it would take to pass safely and struck an oncoming car as well as the pickups and trailers, resulting in injuries and significant property damage to other motorists.
Head on collisions are not limited to attempts to pass however; sometimes negligence may be attributed to distracted-driving involving a driver texting while driving on their phone. Looking down to read a text message while operating a motor vehicle can distract a driver for a minimum of five seconds. Traveling at freeway speeds, texting while driving is akin to crossing the length of a football field blindfolded. Unfortunately, drivers busy on their phones or otherwise distracted may enter the lane of oncoming traffic causing a catastrophic accident.
Perhaps the scariest head on car accidents involve alcohol-impaired drivers unaware that they are traveling in the wrong direction on a highway. One account after another of wrong way, impaired drivers causing accidents are reported in the news every year, many resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. Most Iowans recall the devastating drunk driving accident that claimed the lives of two Des Moines police officers, their passenger, and an impaired driver traveling the in the wrong direction a few years ago. Unfortunately, impaired driving accidents such as these continue to occur.
Although head on collisions are relatively rare, increases in distracted driving, unrelenting incidences of impaired driving, and even fatigued driving all increase the risks of being involved in a head on collision. Drivers must remain vigilant to drivers traveling in the wrong direction and take evasive action to avoid being hit. If a motorist is involved in a head on crash due to the negligence of another driver, recovering economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party is possible. This may include damages for losses such as medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering as well as compensation for property damage. If a fatality results in a head on collision, close family members dependent on the decedent may recover for wrongful death from an at-fault driver
Contact an Experienced Iowa Head On Collision Injury Attorney for Help
If you or a loved one is involved in an Iowa head on collision car accident resulting in a serious injury or fatality, seek immediate help from an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact the Quad Cities head on collision personal injury lawyers of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson for compassionate and knowledgeable help at 563-355-6478.