High Speeds Make Head-On Crashes Deadly

Dec 8

We have all seen them – drivers, who are quickly approaching in our rearview mirrors at a speed that seems so fast that it is dangerous and leaves no time for any action on either driver’s part. Even more dangerous is when the driver is in the lane next to yours, driving towards you and risking a potentially deadly head-on collision. 

The speed limit is a legal designation that indicates the maximum speed a vehicle can travel, and it is established for a reason – to keep all drivers on the road safe from harming themselves or others. When dangerous drivers opt to ignore the speed limit, they pose a deadly risk to everyone on the road with them. 

Anyone injured in a high-speed crash should speak with a car accident lawyer about their rights immediately. 

 

Dangers of High-Speed Drivers 

Aggressive drivers and those who drive well above the speed limit pose a risk of car accidents to everyone on the road. This negligent behavior can have deadly repercussions. Driving at high speed is especially dangerous because it:

  • Increases the chance of sustaining a serious injury in the event of an accident
  • Less time to react – when a car is traveling at a high speed, all vehicles around them have less time to react. This means that changing lanes, putting on the brakes, or making any movement that the speeding driver doesn’t anticipate can make it much more difficult to avoid an accident. 
  • Loss of control – At high speeds, a driver is much more likely to lose control of their vehicle. This is one scenario that could result in a deadly head-on collision. 
  • The faster the car is driving, the more time will be required to stop. Many drivers, especially those who are less experienced, may not realize this. 

If you have been injured by a driver who was driving well above the speed limit, you deserve to learn more about your legal rights. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. 

 

Head-on Crashes Can be Deadly 

Any car accident has the potential to lead to serious injuries, but a head-on collision with a driver who is speeding far above the speed limit can be especially dangerous and even deadly. Statistics show that although head-on crashes are a bit rarer than other types of accidents, they account for up to 10% of all traffic accident fatalities. 

When two cars are headed toward one another, the force that is sustained upon impact is typically much more intense than in other types of collisions. Although many larger roads and highways have concrete dividers that are meant to help cars avoid crossing over into head-on traffic, these do not always prevent vehicles from moving into oncoming traffic, especially if the driver is going well above the speed limit. 

An injury or death that is the result of a head-on collision in which the other driver was traveling at a high speed will typically require an investigation after the accident. To help move this process along, it is advisable to work with an attorney who has experience with this type of accident. 

 

What to Do if You have been Injured by a Dangerous Driver 

Drivers speed for a variety of reasons. Some are distracted, some are experiencing road rage and, therefore, driving aggressively, while others are just in a hurry to get to where they are going. Regardless of the reason, speeding is a dangerous behavior that can result in a serious or even deadly accident. If you find yourself in this situation, a few important steps to take include:

  • Seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not think your injuries are that serious. It is common for certain injuries to present days or even weeks after the initial impact, so having a doctor’s report can be useful if you do start to see symptoms of an injury after the accident. 
  • Contact the police to come to the scene of the accident, and they will create and file an official accident report. They will speak with everyone involved and attempt to collect testimony from witnesses as well. This accident report will typically be used to determine who was at fault for the accident.
  • Speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn about the next steps. Car accident cases can be confusing, and a skilled attorney can help you through the process.

 

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today 

Car accidents can result in serious injuries, especially for those who have been involved in a head-on crash. If you have been injured in a car accident and believe that the other party is at fault, it is advisable to speak with a skilled car accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your rights to just compensation. Contact the trusted South Bend personal injury attorneys at Blackburn Romey to discuss the details of your case during a free initial consultation. 

Tom Blackburn

Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.