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Statistically, head-on accidents in Virginia are one of the most dangerous types of wrecks that occur on the highways of the Commonwealth.
Head-on accidents happen when two vehicles driving in opposite directions crash into each other. Although these types of wreck occur less commonly than rear-enders or side-impact crashes, they are more likely to be fatal or to result in serious injuries. They may be caused by a wrong way driver or a mistake.
Accidents of this nature are very serious because the forward motions of two vehicles are combined. The crash is so abrupt it creates a major shock and jarring impact to the occupants of the vehicles. Head-on crashes have been compared to a car hitting a brick wall abruptly at a high rate of speed.
With the exception of rollover accidents, head-on collisions are the most dangerous kind of wrecks on the interstates and smaller roads of Virginia. On average, only 2 percent of accidents are head-on collisions but they account for 10 percent of fatal accidents.
About three-quarters of head-on accidents in Virginia occur on rural, undivided roads. We see these kinds of crashes in rural Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Southampton County and elsewhere.
Often a driver loses control of his or her vehicle and crosses a center line. These accidents often occur at night.
Here are some causes of head-on crashes in Virginia.
It may be difficult to apportion blame in a head-on wreck. However, even if you survive a wreck of this nature, your injuries can be extreme. They may include a traumatic brain injury, paralysis, multiple broken bones, and permanent disfigurement.
If your injuries are extreme, you may not be able to work or you could face changing your job. When the other party is to blame for the wreck, you can often recover economic and noneconomic damages for your losses such medical bills, past and future lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering and other areas.
Wrong way drivers can cause a terrible toll of deaths and injuries. On occasions, wrong way accidents in the Commonwealth occur at high speeds on interstates.
These crashes are often caused by alcohol, drugs or a failure to comply with signs. Last year, in Virginia Beach, a Coast Guard was killed in an accident involving a wrong way driver, police said.
State police said a car driven by the 25-year-old woman was heading west in the eastbound lanes of I-264 close to Birdneck Road in Virginia Beach when it hit the Coast Guard’s car.
Police said the driver who caused the crash was arrested and charged with DUI/maiming and driving the wrong way.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on crash, it’s important to recover the most you can. Please call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (757) 455-0077.