Head-On Collision Seriously Injures Driver in Nine Mile Falls

February 21, 2019

A motorist is in seriously injured after another car crossed the centerline and hit her head on. She was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital with serious injuries and is expected to live. The Washington State Patrol says that a 2000 Chevy sedan was heading north on State Route 291 just after 6 p.m. Wednesday night and crossed over the centerline striking a Buick Enclave.

The driver of the Chevy sustained only minor injuries, and WSP closed down the highway until 10 p.m. The accident is still under investigation, but the WSP say that they didn’t believe alcohol or drugs had a role in the accident.

Head-On Collisions

According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head-on collisions are the most deadly type of accident. A report by the NHtSA states that head-on collisions make up around 2% of all crashes each year while accounting for over 10% of fatalities. Head-on collisions also cause more severe injuries than any other type of crash.

Head-on Collisions can be divided into two categories: centerline drift and wrong way driving. A wrong-way driving head-on occurs when a vehicle enters a divided highway or freeway going the wrong direction. Centerline drift is just like it sounds, a car drifts (or slides) over the centerline on a non-divided highway striking an on-coming car head on.

Causes of Head-On Collision

Out of the roughly 4,400 fatalities each year, only 400 of those come from WWD the rest come from vehicles crossing the centerline. Some of the common causes of these are:

  • Impaired Driving
  • Road Conditions
  • Drowsy/Falling Asleep
  • Distracted Driving
  • Speed

What if I’m Injured in a Head-On Collision?

The first thing to do is to cooperate with officials and get medical help. While at the scene, if you are able, get as much information as you can and take a few pictures of the scene unless doing so would put you or others at risk of further injury. After that, focus on your treatment and rehabilitation. If you are contacted by the insurance company regarding the accident, do not talk to them before you at least speak to an attorney.

Do I need an attorney?

If you are injured in a head-on accident or any involving snow and ice, you might need an attorney to help you get compensation. While this is not always necessary, insurance companies will often try to put the blame on you or even the icy roads so that they won’t have to pay as much money.

Don’t let this happen to you. Talk to an attorney who represents the people of Coeur d’ Alene and Spokane and has the experience with insurance companies and courtrooms. The attorneys at  Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S., can go toe-to-toe with the insurance companies and their lawyers to get you fair compensation for your injuries. Call them at (509) 926 4900 or send them a message.

 

 

Related Articles

Get in Touch with Us
Discuss your case with an expert
*We will get in touch once we review your submission.