Here Are the Top Causes of Head-On Truck Collisions
Head-on collisions cause the most fatalities of all truck-related accidents, according to the Department of Transportation. In Pennsylvania, nearly 5% of all truck accidents were head-on collisions, according to PennDOT. Below, we take a closer look at some of the causes of head-on truck collisions that may require assistance from an Allentown personal injury attorney.
What Is a Head-On Collision?
There are nearly 14 million commercial trucks in the United States, which is why many head-on collisions on highways involve big rigs. A head-on collision refers to accidents that normally occur when a driver crosses lanes and collides with another vehicle from the front. Trucks colliding with other trucks can cause serious damage, and the damage is even more severe when a truck collides with a car.
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving occurs when someone is not paying attention to the road. Often, the person is on the phone and driving at the same time. While not legal in most states, driving while texting still occurs. Accidents of this nature can involve a truck colliding with a stationary object or another vehicle.
Driving While Intoxicated or Under the Influence
The substances involved can be alcohol, prescription medication, or illegal drugs. Regardless of what’s involved, driving while under the influence can cause head-on collisions due to a lack of concentration.
Fatigued Drivers
There are federal rules in place for commercial truck drivers that limit the time on the road during a single shift. There are also guidelines for how long drivers must wait to start another shift. Even so, truck drivers sometimes skirt these regulations or fail to get sufficient sleep. Being tired while on the road increases the risk of head-on collisions.
Improper Passing
Improper passing occurs when a driver attempts to cross the yellow line to make an illegal pass. Doing so may result in a head-on collision with another car or truck heading in the other direction.
Driver Confusion
Truck drivers may get confused if going onto a highway from a one-way road or vice versa. Both new and experienced truck drivers can get confused with roadways and directions. This is more likely to be the case if a driver is going to a new location or taking a different route due to construction or an attempt to reduce driving time to get to a location on time.
Reckless Driving
While truck drivers are trained to drive with caution, this isn’t always the case. Some truck drivers drive recklessly in an attempt to get to their destination on time. Being reckless on the road increases the risk of head-on collisions.
Lack of Driver Training
Truck drivers sometimes start their own business, which is just fine. However, they may end up hiring a few extra drivers without giving them proper training. A lack of new driver training can result in mistakes while driving trucks that contribute to head-on collisions.
Injuries Caused by Head-On Truck Collisions
Head-on truck collisions can result in a wide range of injuries. The most common ones include traumatic brain injuries. Drivers, passengers, or pedestrians may also sustain injuries that include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Blunt force trauma
- Fractures or sprains
- Internal organ damage
- Deformities
- Burns
- Paralysis
- Heart issues
- Circulation problems
- Head injuries
- Vision problems
- Back injuries
Who Is at Fault for a Head-On Collision?
At least one of the drivers is normally at fault for a head-on collision or any other type of vehicle accident. For instance, if a truck driver is impaired and crosses lanes and this causes another driver to collide head-on with another car that was swerving to avoid colliding with the truck, the truck driver would be at fault.
With any type of vehicle accident, it’s important to determine who is likely at fault. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state for auto insurance. This means fault is not considered when filing an auto insurance claim. However, Pennsylvania does require drivers to have at least $5,000 in medical benefits coverage.
Contact Metzger & Kleiner today to discuss head-on collisions and other truck-related issues with an Allentown personal injury attorney. We have offices in both Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia.
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