Liability for a Head-On Collision

Monday, May 10, 2021

Liability for a Head-On Collision

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Liability is a critical factor in any accident. If you don’t know who is liable, you don’t know who should be held accountable for your damages. In head-on collisions, it can sometimes be challenging to determine who is liable. 

Head-on collisions are one of the deadliest types of motor vehicle collisions. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), head-on collisions were responsible for 56 percent of passenger vehicle fatalities from traffic accidents in 2017. Also known as frontal-impact collisions, this type of accident occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with the fronts of the vehicles impacting each other. If you or someone you love was involved in this type of accident, a Chicago car accident lawyer from Malman Law can help.

The Importance of Determining Liability

Liability refers to legal responsibility. If someone is liable for a head-on collision, they are legally responsible for the damages and injuries that result. Sometimes, multiple parties can be liable. Car accident victims can’t seek compensation for their damages if they don’t know who is liable for the accident. By hiring an experienced Chicago car accident attorney, you can determine who might be liable for your accident and hold them accountable. 

Who is Liable in a Head-On Collision?

Liability in a head-on accident is sometimes difficult to determine, depending on the circumstances. Liability for head-on collisions often includes a motorist who:

1. Enters a wrong-way road 
2. Leaves their own lane of travel for some reason and ends up in the oncoming lane
3. Causes an accident causing another or their own vehicle to roll or be pushed into the oncoming lane

Typically, fault in a head-on collision resides with the driver whose vehicle has left the correct lane or has entered wrong-way traffic. However, there may be other liability if the vehicle departed the lane due to another accident. A knowledgeable attorney can investigate the cause of your accident to determine liability. 

Scenarios associated with head-on collisions include:

1. A distracted driver rear-ends a car. The collision’s extreme force causes the car to cross the median into oncoming traffic. Another car hits it head-on. Under these conditions, the liability then falls with the driver whose negligent actions caused the initial accident.
2. A driver becomes confused when exiting off the freeway. They accidentally wind up going the wrong way in the lane for traffic merging onto the highway. In this situation, the accident would be that driver’s fault, as they were driving in the wrong direction.
3. A drunk driver encounters ice on the roadway but doesn’t slow down or react. Their vehicle spins around and lands into the lane of oncoming traffic. A head-on collision would be the drunk driver’s fault because their negligence caused them to be in the wrong lane. 

Injured in a Head-On Collisions? You Can Rely on a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer at Malman Law

Head-on collisions leave accident victims with many severe injuries and losses. If you were involved in one, you need solid legal representation to help you get the compensation you deserve. We can provide the representation you need. You can schedule a free consultation with the seasoned car accident attorneys at Malman Law. Call (312) 629-0099 today or use our online contact form.