Motor vehicle accidents can happen to anyone, and they often result in serious, life changing injuries, or even fatalities.

One of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents is head-on collisions. Attorneys Matthew M. Golitko and John P. Daly handle head-on car accident cases in and around Indianapolis, IN and can help you in your time of need.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a head-on car accident, contact Golitko & Daly to learn more about your legal rights.

The Force of Impact Is Dangerous in Head-on Accidents

Head-on car accidents often lead to fatalities. This is largely due to the high force of impact common in head-on collisions.

In head-on accidents, two vehicles driving toward each other collide. The speed at which each vehicle was traveling combines, causing the force of impact to be far greater than side-impact or rear-end collisions.

Driver Negligence Is a Common Cause of Head-on Car Accidents

A head-on car accident can happen to anyone at any time. Even good drivers can be involved in head-on collisions. When good drivers are involved in a head-on collision, it’s often due to the other driver’s negligence.

Some types of driver negligence that may cause a head-on collision include:

• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a major cause of all car accidents, including head-on collisions. Distracted driving occurs anytime a driver’s attention is taken off the road. Texting, changing the radio station, eating, talking to passengers, or talking on a cellphone are all examples of distracted driving.
• Driving recklessly: Some drivers are particularly negligent in their driving and may excessively speed, race on streets and freeways, pass on a two-lane road, or weave in and out of lanes. Reckless drivers may lose control of their vehicles, resulting in a head-on collision. 
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly impacts a person’s ability to make good decisions, react to road hazards or obstructions, obey traffic rules, and drive safely.
• Driving while fatigued: Driving while tired can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. When drivers are fatigued, their judgment is impaired and they are more likely to veer into oncoming traffic.

Poor Road and Weather Conditions Can Lead to Head-on Collisions

In some instances, head-on collisions are not caused by driver negligence but are a result of other factors, such as:

• Poor road conditions: Poorly maintained roads with potholes, loose blacktop, or other debris can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, potentially causing a head-on collision.
• Poor weather conditions: Poor weather conditions, like rain and snow, can make the roads slick and can cause low visibility. Slick roads and poor visibility can increase the likelihood of a head-on collision. 
• Poor or missing signage: Roads with missing or obstructed signage, like missing or hidden one-way signs, can cause drivers to make fatal errors, errors they would likely not have made had signage been adequate.

Injuries in Head-on Car Accidents Are Often Severe

Due to the extreme forces common to head-on car accidents, injuries are typically severe or fatal. Some common injuries in head-on collisions include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage, including paralysis
• Injuries to internal organs
• Lacerations and contusions
• Concussion

Contact the Car Accident Attorneys of Golitko & Daly

If you have been injured in a car accident, the attorneys of Golitko & Daly can help you get the maximum settlement for your injuries. Call our law firm at (765) 865-9300 to schedule a consultation.