Understanding Arizona Head-On Car Collisions

Although head-on collisions are less common than left turn, rear end, or sideswipe accidents in Arizona, they have the propensity to be just as, if not more, dangerous than these more common collisions. Most frequently, these accidents take place because the negligence of another party causes them to veer into another lane and strike a vehicle head-on. Because these accidents can often have deadly consequences, it is crucial that Arizona drivers understand what causes these collisions, the injuries that often result from them, and what steps to consider after a major head-on accident.

According to a recent local news report, a head-on car accident left two people dead. Local authorities reported that a Chevy sedan was traveling in the wrong direction eastbound when it struck a Hyundai sedan head-on. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene and the accident remains under investigation.

Unfortunately, Arizona is no stranger to head-on collisions like this one. In 2020, Arizona had 81,012 total car crashes, with more than 1,600 head-on collisions. Although head-on accidents only made up 2.08 percent of total car collisions in 2020, they were among the most fatal type of accidents, next to pedestrian and cyclist-related accidents. Thus, despite their rarity in comparison to other types of accidents, they are the most likely to result in fatal outcomes.

Head-on collisions take place for a number of reasons and frequently involve negligent drivers in some capacity. Most commonly, distracted driving involving texting or talking while operating behind the wheel can cause drivers to veer into oncoming traffic. In addition, driving under the influence, driving in the wrong direction by mistake, drowsiness while operating a vehicle, and improper passing can also commonly cause head-on accidents.

Following a head-on collision, a number of injuries are possible—and many of them can involve significant physical trauma. In fact, in Arizona, among the more than 1,600 head-on collisions that took place in 2020, over 40 percent involved an injury of some kind. Common injuries following a head-on crash include broken bones, burns, and internal injuries and organ damage. In accidents where victims are trapped inside or pinned in their vehicles, are thrown from their vehicles, or are ejected from their vehicles following the vehicle’s initial impact, victims often suffer multiple rounds of injuries in the course of a head-on crash.

After suffering significant injuries from an Arizona head-on crash, potential plaintiffs may consider bringing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party—especially if negligence was involved in causing the accident. In Arizona, like other states, car accident claims fall into the personal injury law category, where liability is established based on the at-fault party’s negligence. Thus, if the driver who caused the accident was recklessly speeding or negligently not paying attention to the road because they were texting and driving, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for your injuries.

Do You Need an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you or someone you know was recently injured or killed in an Arizona car accident, contact the attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today. Our lawyers have years of experience representing clients in all types of personal injury claims and will provide you with the reassurance, guidance, and advocacy you need to effectively pursue your claim. To schedule a free initial consultation today, contact us at 855-749-5299.