Head-on collisions among the deadliest accidents in San Antonio
(August 16, 2022) A head-on collision with an off-duty deputy landed an unidentified woman in the hospital last night, August 15, 2022, according to KENS 5. Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous and deadly auto accidents that occur, despite the fact that they are comparatively rare accidents.
Did you know?
Head-on collisions account for an estimated two percent of all accidents but account for greater than ten percent of all traffic fatalities.
According to the Bexar County Deputy Office, an off-duty deputy was on their way to work when a driver traveling in the wrong direction collided with their personal vehicle. The off-duty deputy only received minor injuries, but the unidentified woman was severely injured and unconscious. She was transported by Emergency Medical Services to the Brook Army Medical Center for treatment. The accident took place at around 10 p.m. near Loop 1604 and FM 1346 intersection.
Why do head-on collisions happen?
Head-on collisions occur when either a single vehicle directly collides with an object or two vehicles collide in the front. These crashes are rare because, in order for two vehicles to collide in the front directly, one vehicle usually is traveling in the wrong direction without the other driver being able to avoid them. A driver headed in the wrong direction can happen due to inclement weather, dark or unclear road signs on small back streets, or poor vehicle maintenance leading to tire blowouts, which can cause a vehicle to careen across lanes of traffic. As a general rule, head-on collisions are the result of reckless speeds and other negligent actions.
Are head-on collisions more deadly than other accidents?
Yes. A head-on collision is almost always fatal and accounts for ten percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide. One of the final tests that vehicle manufacturers run is a head-on collision test at full speed, directly into a concrete wall. The reason for this test is to determine how well the crash dummy handles the insane force and pressure of a high-speed head-on collision in the model of vehicle they are testing. The kinds of injuries incurred from head-on collisions are usually very extreme if not fatal and include spinal fractures and brain injuries which can lead to paralysis.
Who is responsible for injuries in head-on collisions?
Who bears responsibility for injuries in a head-on collision is determined on a case-by-case basis and involves many factors. Sometimes it can be the fault of the vehicle manufacturers. For example, bad tires that are not properly maintained can blow out and cause the vehicle to swerve into another, creating a head-on collision. Faulty or defective tires can include defects like incorrect inflations and tread separation. In fact, faulty or defective tires account for 660 deaths and 33,000 injuries every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Other defects like malfunctioning airbags or seatbelts can also make an already very dangerous accident even more deadly. If a malfunction in any of these areas contributed to the severity of your injuries, a Texas defective products lawyer might be able to help you earn compensation from the manufacturers.
Have you or someone you love been injured in a head-on collision in San Antonio or the surrounding area? Contact our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation at 800-862-1260.