Head on Car Accidents in Revere
Of the nearly 6 million car accidents that occur each year in the US, head on car accidents account for only about 2%. However, about 10% of all fatal car accidents are from head on collisions, which also lead to traumatic head injuries, severe facial disfigurement and other catastrophic injuries. Even in the small community of Revere, we have our head on collisions that result in serious injuries. Such accidents can certainly be the most frightening for while a motorist or passenger may be completely unaware of an impending crash in a rear end or side collision, it is all too obvious when the accident is unfolding directly in front of you.
Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head on collisions are caused by a variety of factors:
- Vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road
- Car proceeding the wrong way on a one-way street
- Motorist loses control and car goes through the median into opposite lanes of travel
- Car goes too fast around a curve and enters opposite lane of travel
- Trying to pass a slow moving vehicle in a single lane and colliding with oncoming vehicle
- Poor road design or inadequate road signage
- Lack of buffers or medians on roadways
- Defective steering mechanism or tire leading to loss of control
Any of these factors or accident causes may be the result of a motorist who is driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, fatigue, or by a distraction such as texting or talking on a cell phone, eating or adjusting the radio or GPS. Poor road design can cause confusion among motorists who may take the wrong ramp or roadway intended for cars traveling in the opposite direction.
Injuries and Damages in Head On Accidents
Airbags are supposed to be deployed in head on crashes but in some cases they either do not deploy or do so too late. Even if they do operate properly, they are no guarantee against catastrophic injuries although wearing the proper seat restraint combined with an airbag is the most effective way to minimize injuries.
Still, motorcycle injuries in head on accidents will nearly always result in death or a devastating injury. If a truck that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds collides head on with a passenger vehicle that typically weights around 5,000 pounds, no airbag or seat restraint can avoid the crushing of metal and glass that will surely kill or seriously maim the car’s occupants. Such injuries may also be brain trauma, spinal cord injuries including paralysis, broken limbs, internal organ damage and bleeding, amputations and death.
Damages in a head on collision include:
- Loss of earnings
- Lost earning capacity
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Spousal claim for loss of consortium
In Massachusetts, a wrongful death claim must be brought by the administrator for the decedent’s estate on behalf of the immediate family members only such as parents, spouses or children. If the decedent survived and was conscious before dying from fatal injuries suffered in the accident, then pain and suffering may be awarded. Damages in these cases also include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support and the loss of love, support and companionship.
Why You Need a Revere Car Accident Attorney
Though a head on crash may seemingly have few liability issues, there are often other factors involved that may have led to the incident including municipal liability for inadequate road design or signage or a flawed or defective tire, braking or steering system that caused the motorist to lose control.
If your car accident occurred in the Revere, Massachusetts area, then contact car accident attorney Deborah Gold-Alexander. Ms. Gold-Alexander and her legal team represent the interests of car accident victims and have been successful in obtaining millions of dollars in compensation for her clients for over 25 years. Contact her today for a free analysis of your head on or other car accident injury claim.