Connecticut lawyer explains why accidents happen and legal options available
Two drivers recently sustained serious injuries in a head-on collision in Fairfield County caused by one of the drivers who reportedly crossed the double-yellow line in the road and crashed head-on into the other vehicle, according to the New Haven Daily Voice.
While head-on collisions might seem rare, they increasingly cause significantly more injuries and fatalities as compared to other types of car accidents.
The recent Fairfield County accident happened on Thursday, June 22 at 10:22 p.m. at the intersection of Padanaram Road and Jeanette Street in Danbury. One of the drivers reportedly crossed the double-yellow line in the road and crashed into the other vehicle, according to the initial investigation by the Danbury Police Department. Both drivers were taken to Danbury Hospital for unspecified injuries. The accident remains under investigation.
How common are head-on collisions?
Head-on collisions are among the least common types of accidents. Roughly 2 percent of all motor vehicle accidents are head-on collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
However, head-on collisions increasingly cause more fatalities and injuries percentage-wise than many other accidents. In 2019, a total of 10.9 percent of fatalities (3,613) were due to head-on collisions. That 10.9 percent figure is the highest percentage of any year in the past 10 years and has increased steadily since 2010 when 9.4 percent of motor vehicle fatalities were due to head-on collisions.
The number of injuries sustained in head-on collisions nationwide has also increased dramatically in the past decade. In 2010, a total of 66,000 people sustained injuries in head-ons. That figure is now 37.8 percent higher. In 2019, there were 91,000 head-on collision injuries nationwide, according to the NHTSA.
Why do these accidents happen?
There are many reasons why head-on collisions often occur. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted drivers not paying attention and crossing the center line of the road, which appears to be the cause of the recent Fairfield County head-on collision
- Drivers speeding and going too fast for road conditions, especially in a congested area or if the roads are icy, snow-covered or other dangerous road conditions exist
- Aggressive drivers who pass other vehicles without looking, turn without signaling, or engage in other risky behaviors behind the wheel
- Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel late at night and drift into oncoming traffic
- Drunk drivers who are not aware of their surroundings and crash into an oncoming car
Head-on collisions can be serious and complicated accidents. This is why it’s important to talk with an attorney as soon as possible after a head-on collision involving you or a loved one.
How can a car accident lawyer help?
You might think you don’t need a lawyer if someone else clearly caused a head-on collision involving you or a loved one. Unfortunately, many head-on crashes turn out to be complicated legal cases. Sometimes, it’s because both drivers are not around to describe what happened. Other times, it’s because the at-fault driver denies doing anything wrong. That driver’s insurance company can also be a problem in some circumstances. That’s because the at-fault driver’s insurance company is often looking for a way to not have to pay you or your family the money you deserve for your accident-related expenses.
The car accidents lawyers at the Vishno Law Firm know how to handle complicated legal cases throughout Connecticut. We know what evidence to look for, whether it’s traffic camera footage that shows that one driver broke the law and caused the accident or statements from witnesses who saw exactly what happened. We dig deeper for the truth at Vishno Law Firm.
Learn more about how we can help you after your head-on collision. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation today. Our offices are conveniently located in Fairfield and New Haven, Connecticut.