New Hampshire Injury Lawyer Blog
Head-on collisions are a dangerous type of car accident, typically caused when a driver crosses a yellow dividing line into oncoming traffic and hits the front of another vehicle. Unfortunately, these accidents can often lead to serious injury or death. For example, a recent news article reported that three people were injured following a collision in Andover, New Hampshire on Route 11. According to the article, a car crossed the yellow dividing line and collided with another vehicle head-on. On impact, both vehicles caught on fire. A passerby helped pull the drivers and passengers from the burning vehicles. However, three people required transportation to a hospital, two by helicopter and one by ambulance.
How Do I Avoid a Head-On Collision?
Even if you cannot control other drivers on the road, there are steps you can take to avoid causing a head-on collision. First, keep your undivided attention on the road. Distracted driving can lead to drifting into another lane and colliding head-on with another vehicle. Wait to make any phone calls or send texts until you are parked at your destination or can safely pull over. Similarly, do not attempt to multitask while driving. Refrain from activities such as eating or applying makeup until you are parked or pulled over safely. Besides keeping your attention on the road, you should also avoid crossing a yellow dividing line to pass a car. Even if you do not see another vehicle approaching, one may turn onto the road, or another object may block it from your view. Your safety is more important than arriving at your destination quickly.
What Compensation Is Available After a New Hampshire Head-On Collision?
After a head-on collision, you may suffer physical injuries, psychological harm, and property damage to your vehicle. New Hampshire law considers these to be compensatory damages. While no amount of money will fully redress the trauma of a serious accident, compensatory damages are intended to place the victim in the same position she was in before the accident. Under New Hampshire law, a plaintiff can recover compensatory damages so long as he is less than 51% responsible for the accident. In other words, a plaintiff’s fault for the accident cannot exceed that of the defendant, but a plaintiff can recover if both parties are equally at fault. The types of damages available and the rules for recovering damages can be difficult to sort through on your own. An experienced New Hampshire accident attorney can navigate you through these complex laws and help you understand your options.
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, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. Our attorneys possess years of experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, product defects, and dangerous property conditions. Through our dedicated and skilled representation, we will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our office at 800-804-2004.