Head-on collisions can be devastating and have the potential to result in extremely serious and catastrophic injuries. In the Philadelphia area, no one understands this more than four nuns who were recently injured in a head-on car crash in Delaware County. The accident occurred on December 10. The nuns sustained serious injuries, including concussions and some broken bones. Miraculously, though, all survived the accident and are currently on the mend.
A head-on collision—or a direct impact to the front of one vehicle by another vehicle—can occur almost anywhere and may result in serious property damages and catastrophic injuries, including death, to the occupants of either vehicle. If you have sustained catastrophic injuries in a head-on crash that was caused by another driver’s negligence, time may be of the essence in your case. Under Pennsylvania law, any claim for personal injuries or damages must ordinarily be filed within 2 years of the date of your accident. If a claim or lawsuit is not filed within that time period, you may be forever barred from seeking monetary recovery for the injuries and damages you sustained. The experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers at The Levin Firm have the legal skills and knowledge to represent you throughout your case and help you pursue the monetary compensation that you need and deserve.
Common Locations For Head-On Motor Vehicle Crashes
In theory, a head-on motor vehicle collision can occur almost anywhere. Some of the most common locations for head-on motor vehicle collisions in and around Philadelphia and its rural suburbs include the following:
- Busy highways and roadways
- Dual-lane country roads
- Multi-lane traffic intersections
- Parking lots
- Parking garages
Typical Causes Of Head-On Motor Vehicle Collisions
Head-on car crashes sometimes occur when the at-fault driver operates his or her motor vehicle in a careless, reckless, distracted, or impaired manner. Some common causes of head-on collisions in the greater Philadelphia area include the following:
- Crossing a double line (or a broken line, when it is not safe to do so)
- Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or drugs (DUID)
- Disobeying stop signs, yield signs, and other roadway signs, such as “Do Not Enter,” “No Entry,” or “No Access” signs
- Disobeying or disregarding traffic signals, caution (or stop) lights, railroad crossing signals, and other common traffic control devices present on the roadway
- Crossing a median on a dual-lane highway or roadway
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Swerving – especially on multi-lane roadways and highways
- Vehicle overhang on roadways – especially where tractor-trailers and other large vehicles are involved
- Driver fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel
- Abrupt lane changes and failing to use turn signals properly
Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol have the potential to significantly impair a driver’s vision and depth perception and can cause the driver to veer out of his or her lane – and into oncoming traffic. Consequently, the penalties for a drunk driving conviction in Pennsylvania are harsh. Under Pennsylvania law, if a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is between .08 and .99 the first time he or she is arrested for drunk driving, that driver will receive 6 months’ probation, along with a $300 fine. However, in the event the drunk driver’s BAC ranges from .10 to .159, he or she will be incarcerated from 2 days to 6 months and will receive a $500 to $5,000 fine, along with a 12-month driver’s license suspension. In addition to criminal penalties, the impaired driver may also be deemed reckless or negligent – and can be held responsible for all of the injured driver’s damages.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving on the road can involve using cellular phones (including texting while driving), GPS use, or even simply listening to loud music in the vehicle. Other occupants of the vehicle, including children, may also cause the vehicle driver to be distracted. When drivers are distracted, it is easy for them to veer into another lane of travel and cause a head-on motor vehicle collision.
Liability And Damages In Philadelphia Head-On Collision Cases
In order to recover monetary compensation in a Philadelphia head-on motor vehicle collision case, the accident victim must first be able to meet the required burden of proof. Specifically, the accident victim must be able to show that the other driver was driving in a careless, reckless, impaired, or distracted manner and that this violation directly caused the collision – as well as the resulting injuries and damages to the accident victim.
Head-on collisions sometimes occur under highway conditions and at very high rates of speed. As a result, the injuries and damages sustained can be severe and catastrophic. Common injuries sustained in Philadelphia head-on collision cases include fractures, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue injuries. In the case of catastrophic injuries and damages, the injured accident victim may be able to recover compensation for permanency and extended care at a nursing home or assisted living facility. Accident victims may also be able to recover monetary compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, permanency, loss of consortium, and related psychological or psychiatric treatment, among other damages.
Contact A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer Today For A Free Initial Case Evaluation And Legal Consultation
Head-on motor vehicle crashes are serious business and can result in equally serious property damages and personal injuries. In many cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will provide the monetary compensation for your personal injuries and damages. However, it is important to keep in mind that insurance companies are big businesses and are not at all interested in helping people or making them whole after an accident.
The experienced team of personal injury litigators at The Levin Firm can take on the insurance company and beat them at their own game. If the insurance company refuses to take your case seriously and offer you full and fair compensation for your personal injuries and damages, our knowledgeable team of attorneys is not afraid to file a lawsuit on your behalf, litigate your case, or take it to trial, if necessary. To schedule a free legal consultation and case evaluation with a Philadelphia car crash lawyer, please call us or contact us online today.