Head-on collisions are among the most devastating types of traffic accidents. While head-on collisions account for just over 4 percent of all motor vehicle accidents, they result in about 8.5 percent of car crash injuries and almost 30 percent of all traffic deaths, according to the National Safety Council. What is worse, head-on accidents are often the result of careless, even reckless, driving behaviors.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a head-on collision in Greenville, South Carolina, you deserve justice. The Melonakos Law Firm can help you demand it. We want to help you pursue the money you need to pay for your medical bills, replace your lost income, compensate you for your pain and suffering, and hold the responsible party accountable for what happened.
Contact us today for your free consultation with a Greenville head-on accident attorney at our firm and get the compassionate legal counsel you need.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Greenville
Head-on collisions are almost always the result of a mistake by at least one driver, as there is never a time when oncoming vehicles can each have the right of way. Among the most common causes of head-on collisions in Greenville are:
- Distracted driving – Anything that takes a driver’s eyes or attention off the road can cause them to drift into oncoming lanes of traffic. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, and adjusting vehicle controls.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times.
- Driver error – Confused, elderly, novice, or impaired drivers may enter a freeway headed in the wrong direction or go the wrong way on a divided highway.
- Fatigued or drowsy driving – Exhaustion can cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel and drift across the centerline or median.
- Improper passing – This occurs when a driver attempts to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road without sufficient visibility or space, leading to a collision with an oncoming car.
- Speeding – Excessive speed makes it harder to control the vehicle and reduces the driver’s ability to avoid hazards, potentially leading to a lane departure.
- Failing to obey traffic signs or signals – Running stop signs, ignoring lane markings, or failing to yield can cause a driver to enter the path of oncoming traffic.
In some situations, other factors can cause or contribute to a head-on collision, such as:
- Weather conditions – Rain, snow, fog, or ice can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk that an inattentive driver will enter the wrong lane.
- Road design defects – Sharp curves and a lack of median barriers increase the risk that a driver leaves their lane, while a lack of sufficient signage might leave motorists unaware that they are traveling against traffic.
- Vehicle malfunctions – Tire blowouts, brake failures, or steering problems can cause drivers to lose control and unintentionally cross into opposing lanes.
Severe Injuries and Long-Term Consequences of Head-On Accidents
One reason head-on crashes are so devastating is that they involve the combined force of both vehicles involved. For example, two cars traveling in opposite directions at just 35 mph will collide with the same force as a single car hitting a stationary object at 70 mph. That can result in severe injuries like the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – The violent impact of a head-on collision can cause concussions, memory loss, cognitive impairments, and permanent brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI) – Damage to the spinal cord can interrupt the transmission of messages and sensations throughout the nervous system, resulting in paralysis in severe cases.
- Broken bones and fractures – High-speed impacts often cause shattered bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
- Internal organ damage – Blunt-force trauma may damage vital organs like the lungs, liver, or kidneys, as well as leading to internal bleeding.
- Severe whiplash and neck injuries – Sudden jolts can strain or tear muscles, ligaments, and discs, sometimes causing long-lasting pain and limited range of motion.
Severe injuries from head-on collisions can have long-lasting consequences, such as:
- Disfigurement and mobility issues – Severe lacerations can lead to extensive scarring, while SCIs can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of mobility or independence.
- Chronic pain conditions – Injuries can lead to long-term pain syndromes that interfere with work, daily activities, and overall well-being.
- Psychological trauma – Survivors of traumatic events often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, impacting their quality of life long after physical wounds heal.
- Loss of earning capacity – Serious injuries may prevent victims from returning to their careers, resulting in financial strain for both themselves and their families.
Determining Liability in Head-On Car Accident Cases
The person who causes a head-on collision is typically also responsible for compensating anyone injured or killed as a result of their actions. To determine liability, our attorneys often review evidence like the following:
- Police accident reports
- Traffic and security camera footage
- Physical evidence, such as skid marks and lines of sight around the accident scene
- Eyewitness testimony
- Toxicology reports
- Event data recorder (black box) information
In particularly complicated cases, our car accident lawyers may also call on the testimony of accident reconstruction experts, who can review the evidence and use their professional training to recreate the crash and show what caused it.
Compensation Available for Greenville Head-On Collision Victims
Victims of head-on collisions in Greenville may be entitled to compensation in a car accident claim for their:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Diminished earning potential due to long-term disability
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium if their injuries affect their relationship with their spouse
- Property damage
How The Melonakos Law Firm Can Help You After a Head-On Car Accident
At The Melonakos Law Firm, we believe you should not have to face the aftermath of a head-on collision in Greenville alone. We are proud to have offered compassionate counsel for the injured for more than a decade, during which time we have recovered over $50 million for our clients.
While you focus on getting better, let our Greenville car accident lawyers focus on:
- Investigating the accident to gather critical evidence supporting your claim
- Working with experts as necessary to determine everyone who might be liable
- Filing insurance claims and sending demand letters to the responsible parties, informing them of your right to compensation
- Negotiating with the at-fault parties and their insurance companies for a fair out-of-court settlement
- Preparing your personal injury lawsuit for trial and presenting it in court if that becomes the best way to maximize your compensation
Do not wait another moment to get the help you deserve. Contact The Melonakos Law Firm today and speak with a Greenville head-on accident lawyer for free.
