New Hampshire Injury Lawyer Blog
Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other. These accidents often happen at busy intersections or highways with multiple cars traveling in all directions. Head-on crashes may occur for several reasons. Too often, if a driver is speeding near an intersection, they may fail to make a complete stop until it is too late to avoid an oncoming vehicle.
For example, a head-on accident that may have involved excessive speeding killed one person and injured two others in Manchester, New Hampshire. The crash occurred at an intersection after the driver of one car was speeding on the road. Arriving at the scene, rescuers found one car in the median and the other on the side of the road. Sadly, one person died at the scene. Two people in the other car were able to exit the vehicle. They were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. Both vehicles endured significant damage. Local police are still investigating the cause of the crash, though an eyewitness recalled one driver speeding at a rate he had “never seen” before.
What Are the Causes of a Head-On Collision?
Head-on collisions may have a number of causes. First, they may result from excessive speeding. Drivers may be traveling so fast that they either lose control of their vehicles or fail to come to a full stop at an intersection, a common site for collisions. Speeding drivers in a rush to reach their destination may also try to pass a vehicle in their line by crossing a double-yellow line. This is incredibly dangerous. Drivers who cross the median will not have enough time to avoid colliding with vehicles approaching in the opposite direction. Due to the significant dangers it can pose, avoiding reckless speeding is crucial to staying safe on the road.
Drivers may also collide head-on with a vehicle if they are not paying attention to the road. To stay safe, drivers should refrain from attempting to multi-task or otherwise taking their attention off the road ahead. Finally, a head-on collision may result if drivers are operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence poses a danger not only to the intoxicated driver, but also everyone else on the road. Consequently, drivers should avoid operating their vehicles under the influence at all costs.
How Does New Hampshire Assign Fault for Head-On Collisions?
New Hampshire law follows a modified comparative negligence scheme. Under this system, plaintiffs can recover damages for an accident as long as they are less than 51% at fault. The plaintiff can thus recover damages from the defendant even if the plaintiff is equally at fault for the collision. However, plaintiffs cannot recover damages against a defendant if they bear a greater responsibility for the accident than the defendant.
Have You Been Injured in a New Hampshire Head-On Collision?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or died in a New Hampshire head-on collision, you may have a claim for relief. To discuss your case with a qualified personal injury attorney, contact Peter Thompson & Associates today. Our attorneys provide skilled representation in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, along with bicycle and pedestrian accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, and nursing home neglect, among other practice areas. Through our dedicated representation, you can be confident that we will work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you need and deserve. For a free initial consultation with a member of our team, call our office at 800-804-2004.