Head-on accidents are some of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents on New Jersey roads. As a driver, understanding the common causes of head-on collisions and establishing liability is crucial both to avoid them and seek justice and compensation. Continue reading and work with a knowledgeable Bergen County car accident lawyer for more information today.
What is a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions hit each other front-to-front. These crashes, often resulting from one vehicle crossing lane lines, are typically the most devastating type of accident due to the combined forces and speeds involved, often causing catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
What Causes Head-On Collisions in NJ?
Head-on collisions are typically the result of driver error, negligence, or distraction. Understanding the most common situations that lead to these devastating crashes is crucial for prevention and for establishing liability.
Common factors contributing to head-on collisions include:
- Driving the wrong way on highways, exit/entrance ramps, and one-way roads
- Distracted driving from texting, GPS, eating, etc.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy
- Unsafe passing practices
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving/road rage
- Inclement weather causing dangerous road conditions or poor visibility
- Mechanical failure, such as tire blowouts, brake failure, or steering issues
- Medical emergencies like seizures, heart attacks, or fainting
- Confusing road design or missing signage
In many cases, one or more of these factors indicate a clear failure of the at-fault driver to operate their vehicle safely and lawfully.
Who Can Be Held Liable for These Incidents?
In a head-on collision, the person most often held responsible is the driver whose negligence caused their vehicle to cross the centerline, go the wrong way, or lose control. This negligence can stem from any of the above fault-based factors and establish them as the at-fault party. However, if the other driver was also somewhat negligent, they could be considered partially responsible as well.
Liability for a head-on collision is not always limited to the drivers involved. In certain cases, other parties may be held responsible. This can include vehicle manufacturers if a mechanical defect, like faulty brakes or steering, directly caused the crash, or auto repair shops if their negligent work led to a mechanical failure.
A government agency responsible for road maintenance or design may also bear liability if confusing signage, missing safety barriers, or a known, dangerous road design contributed significantly to the collision.
What is Comparative Negligence?
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that more than one party can be held responsible for an accident and assigned a percentage of the blame. An injured party can still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault, as long as their degree of fault is not greater than 50%. If a jury determines your negligence contributed 51% or more to the accident, you are barred from recovering damages. Otherwise, any compensation awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
In a head-on collision, the driver who went the wrong way or crossed lines will generally be held somewhat responsible, but other individuals or entities could be found partially liable. For more information on how comparative negligence may impact your case, reach out to a skilled attorney today.
