Head-On Collisions

Head on car crashes in Bergen County may not be as common as other types of crashes, but we hear about them on the news quite frequently. This year alone there have been a number of these kinds of crashes for several reasons including the driver of a vehicle failing to stay centered in their lane, leaving the roadway or by crossing the centerline. Unfortunately, the likelihood of fatal head on car crashes are significantly higher than say rear impact crashes.

According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, total injury crashes have increased steadily from 2013 until the most updated 2016 data. In general, statistics estimate that only 2% of crashes are head on collisions, but those still account for more than 10% of driving fatalities. Nationwide statistics show head-on collisions most often happen on rural roads and undivided two-lane roads.

1. Serious injuries and/or fatalities to at least one or two people often occur in head on collisions because of the incredible force involved at the point of impact. In other words, there is double force sustained by both drivers and the injuries are more serious.
2. Head on collisions often cause the vehicles involved to spin. Since this type of collision is not directly head on, the air bags will often not deploy putting the occupants in grave danger.
3. When 2 motor vehicles strike each other head on, often this will result in unrestrained passengers being ejected from the vehicle. Often victims will go through the windshield causing catastrophic injuries.
4. Head on Collision Injuries commonly include spinal cord injuries, head and cognitive injuries, neck and back injuries, concussion, contusions, impact injuries to the trunk and thoracic region, limb amputation, broken bones and are often result in fatalities.

While head-on collisions are certainly avoidable, law enforcement cite a long list of other reasons with inattention from having conversations on a cell phone, to sending texts while driving, and fatigue still being a major contributor. Speeding and alcohol/drug are other primary reasons for it. Driving through unfamiliar roads, negligence and impatience causing a driver to pass a vehicle too hastily are also common.

New Jersey police departments have taken a strong stance against texting while driving. Many towns have launched a sting to apprehend motorists who text while driving. NJSA 39:4-97.3 provides that use of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device by operator of a motor vehicle on a public road or highway shall be unlawful except when the telephone is a hands free wireless telephone or the electronic communication device is used hands free. Certain exceptions apply where the motorist may use a handheld wireless telephone while driving with one hand on the steering wheel. The penalty for a first offense is not less than $200 or more than $400. The penalty for a second offense is not less than $400 or more than $600. The penalty for a third or subsequent offense s not less than $600 or more than $800.

The consequences of these types of collisions are undoubtedly devastating. Survivors may suffer several years of serious injuries and permanent damage including amputations, burns, severe physical and emotional trauma while family members of those killed are mourning yet have to deal with the aftermath of the accident including funeral costs, hospital bills and other legal matters. That is why our Bergen county head-on injury lawyers are here to assist you and your family with sound legal advice.

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Call Aretsky Law Group, P.C. at 800-537-4154 number or email Mr. Aretsky at Eric@aretskylawgroup.com for your initial consultation. You may also view our firm overview, attorney biographies and our areas of practice when you visit our website at Aretsky Law Group.

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