Head-on collisions are one of the most serious types of accidents possible. When two vehicles slam into one another, particularly at high speeds, the outcomes are almost always catastrophic. Sadly, Mississippi has more than its fair share of such accidents. If you have been the victim of such a crash, a local personal injury attorney can help you understand your options for recovering damages.
Deadly Accidents Across the State
The tragic truth is, far too many lives have been damaged or lost in this state due to head-on collisions. Just a few of the recent cases include the following:
- When a woman took to the wrong side of I-59 in Pearl River County on Thanksgiving of 2018, she and two other drivers were killed. Another three individuals suffered serious injuries;
- When a logging truck collided head-on into a gravel truck in Hazlehurst, both drivers were killed;
- One motorist was killed and the other hospitalized after a head-on crash in Jasper County.
What Leads to Head-on Collisions?
Head-on crashes occur under a variety of circumstances. Some of the most common issues include:
- Drivers swerving to miss an obstacle and crossing into oncoming traffic;
- Drivers attempting to pass another motorist on a two-lane highway without properly checking for oncoming vehicles;
- Driving at excessive speeds, particularly on curves, and meandering out of one’s proper lane into oncoming motorists;
- Fatigued drivers dozing at the wheel and drifting into oncoming traffic;
- Drivers who fail to note one-way signs and proceed forward in the wrong direction;
- Drivers who are driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs and make errors on the road;
- Drivers who are distracted by their phones, other passengers, or other things, and inadvertently cross into oncoming cars.
Avoiding These Tragic Accidents
The National Safety Council notes that drivers can take several steps in order to minimize the chances of being involved in a head-on collision:
- Read the road: Pay attention to what’s up ahead, and take note of the amount of road that is visible. If you cannot see far enough ahead, don’t risk crossing into the opposite lanes for any reason. Exercise extreme caution on hills and curves, where visibility is limited. And naturally, never cross a solid line on the highway!
- Stay to the right of the road: Lean to the right, minimizing your exposure to oncoming traffic and reducing the chances of meandering on to the opposite side of the roadway.
- Reduce speed: Safe travel depends on reducing speed under dangerous conditions, such as foggy, wet or icy weather, curvy or mountainous roads, and unfamiliar territory.
- Ride off the road if necessary: If you see a motorist heading for you, be ready to drive into a ditch or tree if you have to. It’s the best of your unpleasant options.
Following an Accident
If you or a loved one has suffered the consequences of a head-on collision that was the fault of another driver, you want the heavy hitters at the office of Derek L. Hall, PC on your side. We will aggressively investigate the crash, and fight for the damages you deserve. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation in Jackson today.
Resources:
