Understanding New Hampshire Head-On Collisions

January 31, 2022

Although car accidents can take place in a variety of ways, one of the deadliest is the notorious head-on collision. This is usually because when two vehicles collide head-on, they are both moving at faster speeds than usual and the force of both vehicles moving in opposite directions usually results in deadly consequences.

According to a recent local news report, a fatal head-on crash left one man dead and a woman seriously injured. Local authorities reported that a man was driving his Toyota northbound when he crossed over the center line and collided head-on with another vehicle traveling southbound. The man driving the Toyota was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of the other car was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries and was later flown to a separate hospital for further treatment. The crash remains under investigation, but so far officials have noted that neither speed nor alcohol appears to be factors contributing to the accident.

Although only two percent of all car accidents are head-on collisions, they account for nearly 10 percent of all driving accident fatalities. Head-on collisions can take place for a variety of reasons but are most commonly caused by negligent drivers who are distracted, speeding, or driving recklessly.

Head-on collisions are widely considered by experts to be the most dangerous type of car accident because of the significant risk of severe injury and death that is commonplace when these crashes occur. For example, the most common injuries related to a head-on crash usually involve spinal and brain injuries, broken bones, or even paralysis. In more extreme accidents, the death of one or both of the parties involved in an accident is not uncommon.

When driving on two-lane road without a median or barrier separating traffic moving in opposite directions, it is best to avoid passing the cars ahead of you unless you are absolutely sure you will not be at risk. Sometimes, when trying to pass the vehicle ahead of you, it is hard to see whether there is an oncoming car and to properly estimate the distance of that oncoming car. Passing others on these roads without care can often result in devastating head-on collisions.

Many major highways have attempted to address the frequency and occurrence of head-on car accidents by installing barriers to separate roads going in opposite directions. Localities have installed these barriers in hopes of dissuading drivers from crossing the median and driving straight into oncoming traffic. Although these barriers have likely contributed to decreasing the number of head-on accidents, they can also create other problems, such as damage or injuries if you run into the barrier. These injuries, however, are usually less catastrophic than what would have taken place had a head-on collision occurred if the barrier was not installed.

If you or someone you know was recently injured or killed in a New Hampshire car accident, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. Our lawyers have years of experience representing clients in all types of personal injury matters and will work to get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation today, contact us at 800-804-2004.