New Jersey Head-On Collisions
Being involved in a head-on collision could lead to life-changing injuries or the devastating loss of a loved one. While the last thing you may wish to deal with is a legal claim, holding someone accountable can deliver justice and the financial compensation that you deserve. An experienced car accident attorney in New Jersey can assist you with every step of the claims process.
What Is a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision is a catastrophic type of motor vehicle accident where two vehicles collide with one another from their front ends. In this type of crash, two vehicles are driving directly toward each other from opposite directions. When they collide head-on, they do so at the combined speeds of both cars. If both vehicles are traveling at 50 mph, for example, the crash would occur with the same force as one vehicle hitting a wall at 100 mph.
Head-On Collisions Are Often Fatal
Head-on car accidents do not occur very often, yet they account for approximately 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States, according to the Federal Highway Administration. These collisions are often deadly due to the severity of the crash. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident due to the negligence of someone else, contact a wrongful death attorney in New Jersey.
The combined speeds of the vehicles enhance the force of impact and inflict more significant injuries on those involved. Head-on collisions can cause catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, amputations, and severe burns.
Leading Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can occur for various reasons, many of which relate to driver error. Drivers have a responsibility to operate their motor vehicles with proper care and according to New Jersey’s traffic laws. If they fall short of this duty of care, accidents can happen.
Key driver-related factors contributing to head-on collisions include:
- Distracted driving
- Cell phone use
- Speeding
- Unsafe passing
- Road rage
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
Anything that causes a driver to depart his or her lane, cross over the centerline and veer into the opposite lane could cause a head-on collision. Driving the wrong way on a one-way street can also lead to this type of crash.
Who Pays for a Head-On Collision in New Jersey?
If a motor vehicle driver is at fault for causing a head-on collision in New Jersey, his or her car insurance company may have to pay for the other party’s damages if the victim’s injuries are serious and the victim has liability insurance (limited or unlimited right to sue insurance). This is how the no-fault insurance system works in New Jersey.
Under this insurance rule, injured car accident victims generally seek compensation from their own insurance providers, regardless of fault for the crash. However, it is possible to bring a claim against an at-fault driver in certain circumstances. This could result in greater financial compensation, such as pain and suffering damages. Most head-on collisions are severe enough to allow a victim to seek compensation outside of the no-fault system.
When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating a car insurance claim after a head-on collision in New Jersey can be challenging. You are likely at risk of an insurance company taking advantage of you if you attempt to handle your claim without help from a car accident attorney. If you hire a lawyer, on the other hand, he or she can take over communications with an insurance claims adjuster to fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
For more information about a recent head-on car accident that took place in New Jersey, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. for a free consultation with an attorney.