Every year in New York State there are thousands of vehicle accidents. Many of those accidents result in serious injuries and some are fatal car accidents. There are several different types of accidents including head-on collisions, side collisions, rear-end collisions, back-over car accidents, sideswipe accidents, collisions with animals, and chain reaction accidents. Of the many different types of car accidents, head-on collisions are among the most dangerous because the tremendous about of force exerted by two vehicles on the occupants often has tragic consequences. While weather conditions and vehicle malfunctions may contribute to head-on collisions, most such collisions are caused by driver negligence. If you or a loved one was injured in a head-on vehicle collision due to the negligence of another person, it is important that you contact an experienced New York City Head-On Collisions Lawyer who will be able to help you recover damages that will compensate you for your medical expenses, lost wages and other losses you suffered as a result of the accident.
What are common causes for head-on collisions?A head-on collision is a type of vehicle accident where the front of one motor vehicle strikes the front of another motor vehicle. Such accidents typically occur when one vehicle swerves into the wrong lane where there is oncoming traffic.
Distracted driving. A head-on collision will most likely occur when a vehicle crosses a centerline or median into oncoming traffic and collides into an approaching vehicle. This usually happens when the driver who crosses the centerline or median is intoxicated or is distracted. For example, in Hurtado v. Williams, 976 N.Y.S.2d 326 (N.Y. App. Div., 2013), defendant Carol Williams caused a head-on collision resulting in the death of Jose Hurtado. When the accident occurred Williams was driving home from a tavern. Six hours after the accident her blood alcohol content was .14%
Driving the wrong way. Head-on collisions also occur when a car travels the wrong way down a one-way street. For example, James Richardson was driving a car that was involved in a head-on collision with a taxi driven by Gustavo E. Leyva. Richardson, attempting to enter an expressway, drove his vehicle on an exit ramp that had signage marked "Do Not Enter." Shortly after enter the exit ramp Richardson collided with Leyva. Both Richardson and Leyva were killed and the passengers in Leyva's taxi were seriously injured. Leyva's family as well as the passengers in Leyva's taxi sued Richardson. They also sued New York City arguing that the "Do Not Enter" sign was inadequate. The jury found that Richardson, Leyva, and New York City were all negligent, with Richardson being 75% negligent. Leyva v. Levy, 502 N.Y.S.2d 457 (N. Y. A. D. 1 Dept., 1986)
What are the consequences of a head-on collision?While head-on collisions are a lot less common than rear-end collisions or side collisions, a head-on collision is more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or death. The most common types of injuries related to head-on collisions include traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and broken bones. A personal injury lawsuit against the person responsible for the accident will not only hold that person accountable for his or her negligence but will also provide you and your family with needed financial relief.
A serious injury that results from a head-on car accident is devastating. Not only will you be faced with physical challenges, you will also face financial challenges due to medical bills and loss of income. Compensation from those responsible for your condition is essential to help you and your family deal with the financial burden. The staff at Stephen Bilkis and Associates has extensive experience representing clients injured in hit and run accidents, rollover accidents, head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, sideswipe accidents well as other types of vehicle accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident.