A head-on collision is one of the most dangerous types of auto crash. When the vehicles’ front ends collide, even if the cars are traveling at a relatively slow speed, victims can suffer catastrophic injuries or death. If you or a family member were injured in a head-on collision, a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer may be able to obtain the full value of your claim from the negligent driver’s insurance company.
Top Causes of Arizona Head-on Collisions
The majority of head-on car accidents are caused by the negligence of one of the motorists. Common reasons for these crashes include:
- Distracted driving. When a driver is texting, talking on their cell phone, looking at a GPS, or eating and drinking, they could drift over the center lane without even realizing it and cause a head-on car accident.
- Speeding. If a motorist is speeding, they are much more likely to lose control of their vehicle and smash into another vehicle’s front end.
- Intoxication. Drivers who are intoxicated are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that can lead to a head-on collision. In addition, their vision, reaction time, and judgment are reduced.
- Drowsy driving. If a motorist drives when tired, they could fall asleep at the wheel and cross the center lane or be too slow to react to avoid causing a head-on wreck.
- Wrong-way driving. One of the most dangerous ways drivers cause head-on collisions is by driving the wrong way on a road, highway ramp, or highway. The consequences can be catastrophic for victims on a highway where vehicles are traveling at a faster speed.
- Unsafe passing. If drivers misjudge their ability to safely pass another vehicle or try to pass in a no-pass driving zone, they may find it impossible to avoid causing a head-on wreck.
Evidence You Need to Prove the Other Driver’s Liability
In Arizona, you must prove the other motorist’s negligence to be entitled to compensation for your injuries in a head-on auto collision. You need to begin collecting evidence at the scene of your car accident to help prove the driver caused it. Types of evidence that can help you build a winning case include:
- Police report. You should contact the police at the scene and obtain a copy of the police report. It will contain helpful information, such as a narration of how the crash occurred, driver statements, the officer’s conclusions about who was at fault, and whether any traffic citations were issued.
- Witness statements. If there were any eyewitnesses to the head-on collision, you need to get their contact information immediately. You will want to obtain their written statements before they disappear, while the accident is fresh in their minds.
- Pictures. Photos and videos of the damage to the vehicles and the crash scene can help prove how the negligent driver caused the accident.
- Surveillance footage. If a nearby business’ surveillance camera recorded the head-on collision, you need to obtain the footage as soon as possible before it is taped over. The footage could help you prove the other motorist’s liability.
- Accident reconstruction expert. An accident reconstruction expert could be needed if the insurance company claims you were partially or totally at fault in the accident. They can review the crash scene, police report, witness and driver statements, photos, and videos to determine how the crash occurred. They could also write a report and create a computer-generated re-enactment of the wreck that could help convince the insurance company of their liability to compensate you.
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