Head-on collisions are one of the most severe types of car accidents in San Bernardino and throughout the state of California. According to the highlighted statistics from the California Statewide Collision Overview, 26% of all accidents in the state are head-on collisions. This equates to around 1 in 4 accidents in California being a head-on collision. The gravity of these types of accidents becomes evident when looking at the number of serious injuries and fatalities that resulted from head-on collisions. The statistics also state that between 2008 and 2017, a total of 8,531 fatalities occurred, and 26,140 individuals sustained serious or life-threatening injuries due to roadway departure and head-on collisions on California’s roads. This indicates that around 948 fatalities and 2,904 serious bodily injuries per year are caused by head-on collisions on the roadways in California, and San Bernardino is no exception.

Shockingly, the age group most commonly affected by these horrendous head-on car accidents is adults aged 25 to 34, demonstrating the profound impact they have on communities. Of course, if you are following front seat requirements in San Bernardino, children will be protected because they won’t be in the front seat. Further analysis from the California Statewide Collision Overview reveals a disturbing trend with head-on collisions. Weekend days see a 45% surge in head-on collisions, particularly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The late afternoon to early evening hours, spanning from 3 PM to 7 PM, also witness heightened numbers with respect to head-on collisions. Such statistics underscore the seriousness of these types of accidents and the serious injuries victims can sustain, including death.

At Gold Firm – San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, we understand the profound personal and financial impact head-on collisions can have on victims and their families. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating injuries these accidents can cause, our team is dedicated to providing the legal support and guidance victims need when they have sustained injuries from head-on collisions. We are here to offer extensive information on head-on collision injuries in an effort to help victims understand their injuries and obtain the compensation they deserve. Our goal is to ensure that head-on collision victims receive the compensation they rightfully deserve for their pain, suffering, and losses. No one should face the aftermath of these traumatic car accidents alone, and our team is committed to standing by our clients through every step of the legal process, offering compassionate assistance and effective representation.

What Is A Head-On Collision?

A head-on collision in San Bernardino can easily be one of the most terrifying experiences a driver can face on the road. As a person is driving down the road, an immense sense of panic and helplessness can occur when they see another vehicle hurdling towards them The impact of such a crash is often unexpected and causes severe injuries, often leaving victims with extensive medical bills, or even fighting for their lives.

These collisions can also be referred to as frontal collisions, which occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide head-on into each other. Whether it involves cars, trucks, bicycles, or motorcycles, the consequences of being hit head-on by another vehicle can be disastrous. When a vehicle strikes a stationary object like a tree or a light pole, it can also be classified as a head-on collision. And of course if you are in a rideshare, a head-on crash is a serious type of rideshare accident. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident due to another individual’s negligence, seeking the assistance of a top-rated personal injury lawyer in San Bernardino at the Gold Firm is crucial in ensuring you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

What Are The 4 Most Common Reasons For Head-on Collisions?

Head-on collisions in San Bernardino can be caused by varying factors, each contributing to the heightened severity of injuries in these accidents. While the causes of head-on collisions can be diverse, certain causes are more prevalent in these catastrophic accidents. By understanding the common causes of head-on collisions, drivers can recognize and mitigate the risks, promoting defensive driving practices and reducing the frequency of head-on car accidents in San Bernardino.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving stands out as one of the leading causes of head-on collisions in San Bernardino, and the rest of California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2021, there were 140 fatalities in California resulting from crashes involving a distracted driver, which is a 27.3% increase compared to the previous year.

Distracted driving is a broad term used to describe various unsafe practices that divert the driver’s attention away from the road, including

• Eating or drinking while driving
• Talking or texting on the phone
• Adjusting the GPS
• Fiddling with the radio
• Turning around to attend to passengers, including children

Participating in these types of distractions while driving can significantly increase the risk of head-on collisions, as they reduce a driver’s ability to react promptly to changing road conditions and hazards. By raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and reminding drivers that several of these actions are illegal in California, we can work towards reducing the frequency of head-on collisions in our community.

Fatigued Driving

Fatigued driving is another common cause of head-on collisions in San Bernardino. Driving while fatigued poses a significant risk and often leads to catastrophic head-on collisions. Fatigued driving occurs when an individual operates a vehicle while excessively tired or drowsy. It can occur for various reasons, such as:

• Inadequate sleep
• Long hours of work
• Strenuous physical or mental activity
• Untreated sleep disorders such are narcolepsy

When drivers are fatigued, their reaction times slow down, their ability to pay attention decreases, and their capacity to make sound decisions becomes impaired, which significantly increases the risk of accidents on the road.

The dangers escalate as drivers succumb to their drowsiness, increasing the likelihood of drifting into another lane and losing control of the vehicle. Falling asleep behind the wheel is very dangerous, with the potential of putting everyone on the road around them in danger. If you ever find yourself driving and feel drowsy, or like you can’t keep your eyes open, it’s important not to take any chances. Instead, prioritize everyone’s safety by pulling over to a safe location and getting some rest, or calling someone to come get you. By avoiding the risks associated with fatigued driving, we can help prevent head-on car accidents in San Bernardino and create safer roads for everyone.

Driving Under The Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) is unfortunately a common occurrence in San Bernardino and one of the leading causes of head-on collisions. Being under the influence of alcohol and drugs significantly elevate the risk of accidents through:

• Impaired judgment
• Slow reaction times
• Blurred vision

The California Department of Motor Vehicles reported 124,141 DUI arrests throughout the state in 2021, which equates to a rate of 455 arrests per 100,000 people. These alarming statistics highlight how common driving under the influence is, and the threat posed by these individuals on our roads. When drivers choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs, they not only jeopardize their safety but also endanger the lives of everyone else on the road. The devastating consequences of a head-on collision caused by driving under the influence emphasize the urgent need for increased awareness, enforcement of laws, and the need for drivers to make the right decision when they’ve had too much to drink.

Tight Curves Or Turns

Tight curves or low-visibility turns are a common cause of head-on collisions in San Bernardino. Road features that have tight turns or curves heighten the likelihood of accidents, particularly if drivers navigate them at excessive speeds or during adverse weather. When drivers take these turns too quickly, they may find it challenging to stay in their lane, especially when the curve is sharp or visibility is lacking, or if there is road debris on the curve. Having a lack of control over staying in the correct lane increases the probability of swerving into oncoming traffic lanes. Additionally, if drivers are unaware that another vehicle going the opposite direction is approaching, the risk of a head-on collision increases when taking a tight turn or going around a sharp curve. Therefore, it’s very important for drivers to exercise caution when going around tight curves or turns, reducing their speed and remaining vigilant to reduce the risk of being involved in a head-on collision.

Common Head-On Collision Injuries

In a head-on collision in San Bernardino, any type of injury can occur, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma or even death. However, certain head on collision injuries are more common due to the immense force generated by the collision. The severity of these injuries is often exacerbated by the direct impact force applied by each vehicle involved. Some of the most common head-on collision injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Among the most common and severe injuries resulting from head-on collisions, TBI’s are at the top of the list. A traumatic brain injury can range in severity, from concussions to extensive lacerations on the cerebral cortex. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairments and functional deficits.
• Whiplash – Though mainly associated with rear-end accidents, whiplash is also very common in head-on collisions. During head-on collisions, the rapid forward and backward motion of the head and neck can cause soft tissue damage, nerve injuries, and chronic pain in the neck and upper back. Symptoms may not present themselves immediately, therefore seeking medical treatment sooner rather than later is imperative.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries – The force created in a head-on collision can result in damage to back muscles, spinal discs, and nerves, leading to excruciating pain and loss of mobility. In some cases, spinal cord trauma may even cause partial or complete paralysis below the injury site, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
• Broken Bones – Head-on collisions frequently result in broken bones, ranging from simple fractures to complex injuries that require surgical intervention and have extensive rehabilitation times. Even after treatment, individuals can experience long-term disabilities from broken bones, often affecting their ability to work and participate in daily activities.
• Chest Injuries – Despite the various vehicle safety features designed to minimize injury severity, such as airbags, head-on collisions can still cause chest injuries. Impact with objects inside the car or external forces may result in rib fractures, lung contusions, or heart injuries. Some chest injuries can be life-threatening, and require immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.
• Internal Organ Damage – When two cars collide head-on, the sudden stopping of both vehicles causes the force to transfer to the interior of both vehicle. This can excessive amount of force can cause tearing, puncturing, or displacement of vital organs, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding and organ dysfunction. Prompt medical intervention is critical to attend to these injuries and prevent further complications.
• Burns – Flammable liquids and fire hazards are common in head-on collisions, and can cause severe thermal and chemical burns to vehicle occupants. This is especially true when the impact results in doors being stuck closed, and trapping occupants inside a burning vehicle. These injuries may require extensive and lengthy medical treatments, including skin grafts and multiple surgeries, and can result in long-term complications such as infection and scarring.
• Facial and Dental Damage – The impact of a head-on collision can cause significant facial trauma, including disfigurement, blindness, dental injuries, and facial fractures. Reconstructive surgical procedures may be necessary to restore appearance and facial function, but victims may still experience persistent pain, functional limitations, and disfigurement.

How Can A San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney Help With Head-On Collision Injuries?

The aftermath of a head-on collision in San Bernardino can be daunting and distressing. From minor bumps and bruises to severe injuries and even fatalities, the consequences can be financially and emotionally devastating, leaving victims with physical, emotional, and financial burdens to bear.

However, you don’t have to go through this difficult time in your life alone. At Gold Firm, we understand the unique challenges you face and are here to help. As experienced and dedicated San Bernardino car accident attorneys, we specialize in representing individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others, including head-on collision injuries. We are committed to fighting for justice and securing fair compensation for head-on collision injury victims. Our team of skilled investigators, communicators, and advocates work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve for any damages and injuries sustained. If you’ve sustained head-on collision injuries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation of your case. Let our San Bernardino car accident attorneys at Gold Firm be your allies in obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve. fr