Head-on Collisions: What to Do and How to Avoid Them
Head-on collisions are rare, but they’re the most dangerous type of accident to be involved in.
Written by Kaitlin May
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
A head-on collision is a debilitating accident that happens when cars driving in opposite directions collide after a driver loses control of their vehicle. Not only do they happen unexpectedly, but they’re also considered the most dangerous type of car accident—accounting for 10% of fatalities resulting from collisions.
Many states have implemented cables and structures on freeways to avoid head-on collisions, but they’re impossible to prevent entirely. If you or someone you know has been involved in a head-on accident, it’s essential to know how to move forward from the aftermath.
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What is a head-on collision?
When cars driving in opposite directions collide front-to-front, it’s considered a head-on collision. These accidents are also referred to as frontal crashes.
No accident is a pleasant experience, but head-on collisions take serious injuries and fatalities to new levels. They’re statistically the most dangerous type of collision to be involved in, which is why it’s essential to know how to avoid them as much as possible.
What causes head-on collisions?
It’s hard to imagine why a driver would endanger themselves and another party by hitting them head-on, but there are several reasons why these collisions happen. While severe weather can be one cause, some more common culprits include:
- Reckless driving involving swerving or racing
Even drowsy drivers can unintentionally swerve into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision. In any case, it’s crucial to make sure you’re alert, aware, and healthy before getting behind the wheel to avoid the potential for a head-on collision.
MORE: The top 5 causes of car accidents
How do I know who is at fault?
With the debilitating nature of head-on collisions, it’s a tough reality that the onus is on the injured parties or survivors to determine the reasons why the other driver was at fault.
Through a legal lens, this is what you can look for to establish fault in a head-on crash:
- Duty of care requires drivers to be attentive—without the influence of any substances.
- Negligence can be proven if reckless behaviors before the crash can be identified.
- Establishing that injuries were sustained as a result of the driver’s actions is crucial.
Key Takeaway If a driver failed to practice duty of care, demonstrated negligence, and caused injuries to another party, you can identify them as the at-fault driver in a head-on collision.
Types of damages in a head-on collision
Not only does the
at-fault driver
need to be identified in a head-on collision, but the damages caused also need to be considered.These are the most common types of damage that victims seek compensation for:
- Damage to property: any costs for repairing a vehicle, objects impacted (i.e. guardrails), and other vehicles collaterally damaged
- Personal injuries: medical costs, transportation for medical care, lost wages, and more
- Death: medical care, funeral costs, the loss of future income, and more
What to do after a head-on collision
Head-on collisions cause mental and physical trauma, which can leave you stunned in their wake. While it seems like the options are slim after an accident of this magnitude, you can take control by following these steps:
- Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries and immediately seek medical care.
- Begin gathering evidence, including the police report and a copy of any medical records.
- Reach out to your insurance company to initiate a claim.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you handle the case.
Since the burden is on your shoulders to assign fault and damages to the other driver, it’s essential to have the support of a lawyer.
Not only can lawyers consult experts and help maximize your reimbursement, but they can also employ an accident reconstruction specialist to draw up concrete evidence for your case.
By mapping out the mechanics of the accident, the courts will be able to visualize the root cause of the collision and confirm who the at-fault driver is.
What type of insurance covers a head-on collision?
Taking your case to a judge with a trusted lawyer will position you to get the justice you deserve, but an insurance claim is just as crucial to your financial recovery.
You may have the minimum requirements for insurance in your state, but these are additional coverages that can help protect you from damages in a head-on collision:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)will pay for a portion of your medical bills—even if you were the at-fault driver.
- Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM)can reimburse you for damage to your car and medical bills, even if the other driver doesn’t have adequate insurance coverage.
- Collision coveragecan help you recover costs from any damage done to your vehicle and could even help replace your car if it was totaled in the accident.
- Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)coverage will benefit you if you have a leased or financed car with remaining payments and it’s deemed totaled in the crash.
It’s important to look over your policy and see what coverages yours includes so you can better prepare for any unexpected events before they happen.
MORE: How to file a car accident claim report
How to find insurance for your vehicle after collisions and more
The insurance policy you have will play an imperative role in your recovery from a head-on collision. Having more than the
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FAQ
What are the chances of surviving a head-on collision?
Although head-on collisions are rare, they tend to be deadly. It was proven in crash studies that a crash at 70 mph with four occupants in tow would result in only one survivor of the impact. In short, there’s a 25% survival rate in a head-on accident.
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