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Common Causes of a Head On Collision in Los Angeles: Explained by Our California Car Accident Lawyer

What You Need to Know About the Common Causes of a Head On Collision in Los Angeles

Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day in Los Angeles. Oftentimes it is due to careless, reckless, or negligent driving.  This often means the accident could have been entirely preventable. One of the most serious types of car accidents that occur on the roads of Los Angeles are head on collisions. Head on collisions are often the most serious and deadly because of the extreme force of impact that occurs due to opposing forces colliding. There are many different causes of head on collisions, almost all being due to negligence. 

If you were injured in a head on collision, you may be entitled to compensation under California law.  Our experienced Los Angeles car accident attorneys at the Broadway Law Firm understand just how devastating and avoidable these accidents can be, and are ready and willing to review your case today.  We accept cases on a contingency fee agreement, meaning you only owe us legal fees once we have recover compensation for you in a settlement, court verdict, or arbitration award.

Causes of Head on Collisions in Los Angeles

Generally speaking, head on collisions are entirely avoidable if the proper care is exercised while operating a motor vehicle. A person is considered to be negligent if it is determined that another driver exercising reasonable care would have avoided the accident that occurred.  This is the duty of care that all motorists are held up to.

Common causes of reckless driving leading to head on collisions include the following:

  • Drunk driving – a person is considered to be drunk driving in California if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% and they are over the age of 21. For individuals under the age of 21, an individual cannot operate a motor vehicle if their BAC is 0.01%. While that is the legal limit, even a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 can cause impairment of judgment 
  • Driving at excessive speed – driving at an excessive speed increases the risk of a person losing control of their vehicle and also causes a decrease in reaction time
  • Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign – This is dangerous for obvious reasons as it increases the chance for a collision 
  • Failure to yield – Failing to yield at a yield sign can lead to a collision if the person is not watching to make sure that no one is coming
  • Distracted driving – Distracted driving includes texting, talking on a cell phone, looking at a map, inputting GPS coordinates, reaching for something in the vehicle, or even eating is considered a distraction while driving. Sadly this is a growing problem, with more than 2,800 people killed each year as a result of distracted driving
  • Falling asleep at the wheel – Driving fatigued is incredibly dangerous and can even be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Falling asleep at the wheel can lead a driver towards the opposing lane, causing a deadly head on collision
  • Failure to drive with caution in circumstances of low visibility or poor weather – It is a driver’s responsibility to adjust their speed and exercise caution in the setting of poor weather or low visibility to avoid a collision. Low visibility can lead the driver to not see an oncoming car, and poor weather conditions can make it difficult for a driver to be able to stop, leading to a collision
  • Driving under the influence of drugs – Driving under the influence of drugs is obviously dangerous as it impairs the driver’s ability to make decisions and react appropriately

Injuries From Head on Collisions in Los Angeles

Victims in head on collisions are likely to suffer a number of injuries. Sadly, many victims of head on collisions pass away from their injuries. Common injuries sustained in head on collisions include the following:

  • Spinal cord injuries like paralysis 
  • Broken bones or fractured bones
  • Burns
  • Internal bleeding
  • Lacerations
  • Disfigurement
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Organ damage
  • Nerve injuries like brachial plexus nerve injuries
  • Shoulder separations or shoulder dislocations 
  • Knee injuries
  • Crushing injuries
  • Amputation or loss of a limb, and
  • Other very serious types of personal injuries.

Compensation For Injuries Sustained in Head on Collisions 

Victims suffering from injuries due to head on collisions may be entitled to compensation. Compensation for injuries sustained in head on collisions due to reckless driving include the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Loss of consortium
  • Property damage
  • Past pain and suffering
  • Future pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Lost future wages
  • Rehabilitation coverage
  • Home modifications
  • Vehicle modifications
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Wrongful death expenses 
  • Punitive damages, and
  • Other damages related to your head on collision in Los Angeles that we could recover for you.

Were You Injured in a Head On Collision in Los Angeles?  We Can Help

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a head on collision in Los Angeles, ask our experienced car accident lawyers at the Broadway Law Firm for help.  We offer FREE consultations and, if we accept your case, pay the upfront costs of litigation and only get paid if you get paid.  Learn more by calling 213.444.3155 or using our easy-to-use contact us box available by clicking the link here.

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