Head-On Collision: Causes & Who Is At Fault (April 2025)

What Is a Head-On Collision?

Head-on collisions usually occur when cars driving in opposite directions collide frontally. A frontal collision can also happen in a single-car accident, for example, if a vehicle crashes into a wall or another object head-on.

What Happens in a Head-On Collision?

Head-on accidents are particularly dangerous due to the combined force of the vehicles’ momentum, which increases the severity of impact. If collisions occur at high speed, for example, on highways, the result can be catastrophic, with serious injuries and fatalities.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), almost 11% of head-on crashes involved fatalities in 2021. In comparison, sideswipe collisions only had a 3.5% fatality rate in 2021. While head-on crashes are relatively rare, they are responsible for a large percentage of injuries and fatalities on US roads.

What to Do Immediately After a Head-On Collision

After being in one of these accidents, the first thing you must do is contact emergency services. Do this even if you’re not sure whether you’re injured or not. Adrenaline dulls pain, so you may not realize you’re hurt until the shock wears off. By having paramedics assess you, you can get immediate care.

You’ll also need to contact the police. After auto accidents that result in property damage, injuries or death, the law in most states requires that you report the crash.

If you’re well enough to stay at the scene, start gathering evidence. Take pictures and videos of the vehicles and speak with witnesses. All of this can be essential when filing a claim later on.

Let your insurer know that you were in a crash, but keep this conversation short. The next call you should make is to a lawyer who can help you begin the claim process.

Causes of Head-On Collision Accidents

Most accidents, including head-on crashes, happen due to driver errors, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Here are some of the more common causes of head-on car collisions:

• Speeding: Excessive speed combined with unsafe passing maneuvers can lead to collisions when two vehicles traveling toward each other share the same lane.
• Driving Intoxicated: Impaired drivers have longer reaction times and may veer into opposite traffic lanes, causing head-on accidents.
• Drowsy and Fatigued Driving: Fatigued driving could lead to head-on accidents, especially when drivers fall asleep at the wheel and drift into oncoming traffic.
• Driving on the Wrong Side: Inexperienced drivers or those unfamiliar with the traffic pattern may enter a highway on the wrong side, causing devastating accidents.

However, not all head-on collision accidents occur due to driver error. Vehicle defects, poor road maintenance or reduced visibility in bad weather can also result in severe head-on car collisions.

What Is a Major Cause of Fatal Head-On Crashes?

Human error and negligence, such as speeding and impaired driving, are major causes of all head-on crashes, including those involving fatalities.

What Are Typical Head-On Collision Injuries?

Injuries can vary widely depending on speed, angle of impact and whether vehicle occupants were wearing seatbelts. Common injuries in head-on accidents can include the following:

• Whiplash: During impact, the head violently moves forward and then back, causing damage to neck muscles, tendons and ligaments. While mild whiplash often resolves with time, severe cases can lead to chronic pain and other long-term health issues, according to the Mayo Clinic. These lasting effects often influence settlement amounts, which typically range from $7,500 to $50,000 based on the severity, required treatments, and overall impact on the victim’s life.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Debilitating head injuries, such as TBI, can be prevalent in head-on collisions. A significant TBI can lead to cognitive problems, permanent brain damage and even death.
• Internal Organ Damage: Vital organs may be crushed, torn or punctured due to the sudden, forceful impact in a head-on crash. Internal bleeding and organ damage can be life-threatening and typically require emergency medical assistance.
• Spinal Cord Damage: Back injuries can be common in head-on crashes. Victims suffering a damaged or severed spinal cord may face partial or complete paralysis.

If you suffered severe injuries in a head-on collision, you’ll likely feel the impacts for years to come. However, you should not have to carry the burden alone if another is at fault for the crash.

Who Is at Fault in a Head-On Crash?

Who’s at fault will depend on the circumstances leading up to the head-on accident. Typically, the driver in the wrong lane is responsible. However, there may be situations where other drivers are responsible or fault is shared. For example, a car involved in a prior accident may get pushed into the opposing lane, causing a secondary head-on crash.

Occasionally, a head-on car collision may not be the fault of a driver but could occur due to a vehicle defect, such as a tire blowout or brake malfunction. In this case, a car part manufacturer could be to blame. Accidents can also occur due to a lack of road maintenance or poor signage, and a local government agency may be responsible for your damages.

How Is Fault Determined?

Determining fault is essential, as the person, business, or government body responsible for your accident is generally liable for your damages. Establishing fault is crucial for receiving a settlement from an insurance company or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Fault is typically determined by examining all the available evidence, including police reports, eyewitness testimony and reports from technical experts.

What Is Comparative Fault?

Most states follow the legal principle of comparative fault, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you have some fault in an accident. However, your damages are typically reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if you have $100,000 in damages and are found 20% at fault for the head-on crash, you can only recover $80,000.

Compensation You Could Receive for Head-On Collision Injuries

If you suffered severe injuries in a head-on collision accident, you could qualify for damages. What you can receive will depend on the circumstances of your accident and the severity of your injuries and can include the following:

• Medical expenses and future treatment costs
• Income loss and loss of future earning potential
• Ongoing care
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability
• Reduced quality of life

If your loved one died in a head-on car collision, you could pursue damages with a wrongful death lawsuit. No compensation can make up for the loss of your loved one. However, recovering damages can help you and your family recover financially from the expenses associated with your loved one’s death.

Your best next step after being involved in a head-on crash is to seek legal assistance. A car accident lawyer can assess your case, determine your damages and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Fill out our form today to get help.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Head-On Collision

To improve your chances of achieving a fair car accident settlement, you need a lawyer to help you. They will begin by investigating the accident, which can include speaking with eyewitnesses, gathering traffic camera footage and contacting expert witnesses. They’ll also look at the losses you suffered and how long it will take you to recover.

With all of the evidence they collect, they can put a number to the damages you deserve and begin the negotiation process with insurers. Insurance companies are always searching for ways of minimizing your claim, but your lawyer will fight to demonstrate the other party’s negligence caused the crash.