Causes And Liability In Head-On Collisions
Posted on: 25 October 2019
A head-on collision is one of the worst forms of auto accidents you can ever experience. In most cases, a head-on collision means the driver or the front passengers experience the full force of the impact. Since the damages and injuries are usually serious in head-on collisions, you need to get everything right during your claim negotiations or lawsuit if you want to get full compensation. Below are some of the reasons for head-on collisions:
Distraction
Distraction is one of the leading causes of auto accidents, and not just for head-on collisions. A distracted motorist is unlikely to notice a hazard in time to stop an accident. A distracted driver can also drift out of their lane and crash into a car in the adjacent lane.
In many cases of distraction-related crashes, the driver is found liable for the accident. However, a passenger who caused the distraction may also shoulder some of the blame. For example, if a passenger distracts the driver with a game and they end up in an accident, then both the passenger and the driver may be liable for the ensuing damages.
Intoxication
Intoxication affects driving ability in several ways. For example, intoxication can impair a driver's vision, reduce reaction time, and even impair judgment. For example, an intoxicated driver can misjudge the distance between their car and an oncoming car. Such a miscalculation can lead to poor overtaking that can cause a head-on collision.
In most auto accidents, the driver is almost always liable for the accidents they cause. This is true for accidents triggered by intoxication, but there may also be other parties to blame. For example, the employer who allowed the driver to drive while intoxicated may share in the blame. The bartender who served a visibly intoxicated driver may also share part of the blame.
Wrong-Way Driving
Lastly, driving the wrong way is also a high risk for a head-on collision. Typical causes of wrong-way driving include poor road markings, poor visibility, drowsiness, drivers' health problems, and unfamiliarity, among other things.
Since there are so many causes of wrong-way driving, liability will depend on the specific cause of the accident. For example, road designers or maintenance companies may be liable if their negligence causes wrong-way driving that ends up causing an accident.
As you can see, liability in head-on collisions is not always clear-cut. However, an auto accident lawyer can help you determine liability and pursue your damages.
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