WGNO is reporting that the NOPD is investigating a fatal truck accident that occurred in the 18000 block of Chef Menteur Highway on September 4, 2016. A white Ford F-150 truck and a green Chevrolet Silverado truck were traveling on the highway when they were involved in a head-on collision. The driver of the Chevrolet truck was pronounced dead at the accident scene while the other driver was taken to the hospital for treatment. Head-on collisions are common and these types of traffic accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
Why Head-on Collisions Are Deadly
Even with the development of airbags that deploy in a head-on crash, many of these accidents still have tragic results. The vehicles are often speeding towards each other and don’t have time to brake before the collision. Because of the speed of the vehicles, injuries are magnified over what they would be in a different type of crash.
While head-on collisions only make up a small number of the total vehicle accidents that occur in the United States each year, head-on collisions are responsible for about 10 percent of the fatalities in traffic accidents. Injuries that are common in head-on crashes include:
- Brain injuries (Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI)
- Head trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Amputation
Even at slow speeds, the injuries received from a head-on collision can be severe and long-lasting. Accident victims often require long-term medical care, physical therapy, and personal care. The costs for medical treatment and continue care can be staggering.
Why Head-on Collisions Happen
Most car crashes that result in a head-on collision are the result of distracted or negligent driving. A driver wasn’t paying attention and crossed over the line. The driver may have been looking at their phone or changing the radio station and accidentally crossed over the line. In some cases, the driver loses control of the vehicle due to road conditions or speeding. As a driver increases the speed of the vehicle, he or she doesn’t have sufficient time to make corrections to avoid hitting another vehicle head-on.
What To Do After A Head-On Collision
The first step after a head-on collision is to seek medical treatment, even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe. Some injuries don’t present symptoms until a few hours or days after the crash, especially if you have a concussion. While you will most likely be interviewed by the police at the accident scene or in the hospital, you should hire an attorney right away. Contrary to popular belief, hiring an attorney doesn’t mean you are guilty. You just want someone to protect your interests and see that justice is served.
Write down the details of the accident as soon as possible. Memories fade quickly and you may leave out an important detail when you tell the story to your attorney. Note the time of the accident as well as the road and weather conditions. No detail is too small to be important, so take careful notes. Don’t talk to anyone without your attorney present. This includes your own insurance adjuster as well as any representatives from the other party’s insurance provider. If your case goes to court, you want to avoid saying something you’ll regret.
A head-on collision is a serious traffic accident. Compensation can’t bring back a lost loved one or undo permanent damage, but compensation can help you move forward and pay for the costs of medical treatment.
Call A New Orleans Head-on Collision Accident Attorney
The NoLA personal injury attorneys of The Olinde Firm are here to help you when you are struggling to recover from injuries sustained in a traffic accident. Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free legal consultation.