Head-on collisions in MinnesotaOf all the car accidents that you might be involved in, a head-on collision is likely to be one of the most serious. When two vehicles crash head-on, especially when they’re traveling at high speeds, the damage to the vehicles involved can be major. The resulting injuries to drivers and/or passengers are likely to be severe, requiring immediate medical attention immediately and legal help. 

Causes of Head-On Collisions

There are many possible causes of a head-on collision. Such a serious accident might result from:

  • One vehicle unsafely passing another or driving the wrong way on a one-way street or road.
  • Speeding and/or failure to slow down for tight curves or sharp turns.
  • Fatigued, drowsy, or distracted driving (using a cell phone, having a conversation with a passenger, adjusting the radio, or tending to children in the car).
  • Defective auto parts like faulty brakes or horns, burnt-out headlights, or steering malfunctions.
  • Aggressive driving, reckless driving, or road rage.
  • Impairment due to drug or alcohol consumption.
  • Missing or defaced traffic signs or signals.

Measures Put in Place to Prevent a Head-On Collision in Minnesota

State and local governments around the country have taken many measures to prevent head-on collisions:

  • Placing rumble strips at the center of the road to make a distracted or drowsy driver aware that the vehicle is crossing the center line.
  • Widening two-lane roads.
  • Adding medians between lanes traveling in opposite directions.
  • Creating alternate passing lanes in locations with heavy traffic.
  • Installing guard rails or other barriers between opposite direction lanes.

Unfortunately, none of these measures has significantly reduced the number of head-on collisions we have from year to year. 

If you’ve been involved in a head-on collision, the first thing to do is to seek medical attention. After that, if your injuries were caused by a driver, company, or government department or agency, Minnesota law allows you to file a claim against the defendant’s insurance company for your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and physical/mental pain and suffering. If you’ve lost a loved one in the accident, you can also recover funeral expenses, and an experienced attorney can help you file a wrongful death claim. 

Common Injuries in These Types of Collisions

Head-on collisions can cause a number of very serious injuries requiring immediate treatment or surgery. Some injuries might be permanent, preventing a return to work and requiring lifelong medical care. For example:

  • Fractured ribs when the body hits an airbag or the steering wheel.
  • Injuries to the kidneys, spleen, liver, diaphragm, or other parts of the abdominal area.
  • Head trauma like brain damage or concussions causing speech, hearing, or memory problems.
  • Whiplash resulting in neck stiffness/pain, headaches, and dizziness. 
  • Injuries to the spinal cord like a cracked vertebra, a herniated disc, or permanent paralysis.
  • Leg and foot injuries, from a broken femur to a torn ACL.
  • Cuts, bruises, and/or burns.
  • Amputations.
  • Death.

If you’ve suffered one or more of the above injuries because of a negligent driver, you’ll need both a doctor to address your medical issues and a lawyer to see to your legal needs.  

Have You Been Injured in a Head-On Collision in Minnesota?

Your first step toward justice after a head-on collision in Minnesota is seeking medical attention from the right doctor and documenting the injuries you’ve sustained in the accident. The second step is consulting a car accident attorney to help you recover fair compensation for your damages. 

763-251-PAIN can speed up and simplify both these crucial steps for you. Our free referral service will find you the best local doctor to treat your specific injuries, as well as an experienced local car accident lawyer to evaluate your claim and ensure that you get fair compensation if you were a victim of negligence. Contact us online or call 763-251-PAIN for a free consultation about your accident. Just one call puts you two steps closer to justice.