A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. While head-on crashes are one of the rarest types of car accidents, the tremendous force involved also makes them the deadliest.
Because both vehicles are traveling toward each other rather than in the same direction, the total force generated in a head-on crash is often described using what safety experts call “closing speed,” the combined speed of both vehicles at the moment of contact. This is very different from a rear-end or sideswipe collision, where one vehicle is often traveling in the same direction as the other, which softens the overall impact. In a head-on wreck, there is no such buffer. A head-on collision is equivalent to hitting a wall at 35-40 miles per hour. This helps explain why head-on collisions are so often associated with catastrophic injury or death, even in vehicles equipped with modern safety technology. In Arkansas, this risk is heightened on two-lane highways and rural roads, where oncoming traffic is often separated only by a painted center line rather than a physical barrier.
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we’ve represented countless families who have gone through one of these devastating collisions, so we understand how they can turn lives upside down. If you suffered an injury in a head-on collision, our experienced car accident attorneys are here to provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.
Continue reading to learn more about head-on collisions in Arkansas, or reach out to our team today and get started on the path to recovery.
Head-on collisions differ from other Arkansas crashes because the forces of both vehicles combine, resulting in an amplified impact.
Though head-on crashes are very rare, they account for nearly 11% of car crash fatalities, according to recent data from the Insurance Information Institute (III).
Moreover, head-on collisions often occur on rural roads and highways where vehicles travel at higher speeds, further increasing the severity of the impact.
Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of head-on collisions in Arkansas. Understanding these causes can help drivers take preventive measures and reduce the risk of being involved in such deadly accidents.
Lack of driver focus is one of the most common causes of head-on collisions. Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while behind the wheel, can cause drivers to veer into oncoming traffic.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to maintain their lane. Fatigue is another significant factor, as drowsy drivers may drift into the opposite lane, especially on long stretches of highway.
According to the Arkansas State Police, impaired driving and distracted driving contributed to 26% and 15% of all fatal crashes in the state in 2020, respectively. To minimize your odds of being in a head-on collision, always practice safe driving behaviors and stay attentive behind the wheel.
On two-lane roads, drivers may attempt to pass slower vehicles without ensuring there is sufficient space and visibility to do so safely, leading to collisions with oncoming traffic. Additionally, drivers may unintentionally depart from their lane due to distractions, fatigue, or poor road conditions, resulting in head-on crashes.
In Arkansas, improper passing and lane departures are prohibited under Arkansas Code § 27-51-306 and § 27-51-301, respectively.
Environmental and road conditions can also contribute to head-on collisions.
Poor visibility due to heavy rain, fog, or glare from the sun can make it difficult for drivers to see oncoming traffic or maintain their lane. Slippery roads caused by rain, ice, or oil spills can cause vehicles to lose traction and veer into the opposite lane. Additionally, insufficient road signage, markings, or lighting can make it challenging for drivers to navigate safely, especially on winding rural roads like many of ours in Arkansas.
Wrong-way driving is one of the most frightening causes of head-on collisions because it often happens on roads where drivers do not expect to encounter oncoming traffic at all, such as interstates and other divided highways.
Most wrong-way crashes begin when a driver enters a highway exit ramp instead of an entrance ramp, sending them directly into oncoming lanes of traffic traveling at highway speeds. Similar wrecks happen when a driver turns the wrong way onto a one-way road, often in a downtown area or near a construction detour where signage may be unclear. Confusion at complex intersections, unfamiliar interchanges, or poorly marked construction zones can also lead a driver to end up facing oncoming traffic head-on.
Impairment plays an outsized role in wrong-way crashes. A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs may fail to notice wrong-way signs, one-way arrows, or Do Not Enter markings meant to prevent this exact situation. Drivers who are extremely fatigued or experiencing a medical emergency may also drift into oncoming lanes without realizing it until it is too late.
What makes wrong-way collisions especially dangerous is the lack of warning. Oncoming drivers often have only a few seconds, or even a fraction of a second, to notice headlights approaching in their lane, process what is happening, and attempt to react. At highway speeds, that reaction window may not be enough time to brake, swerve, or avoid the crash altogether. This is one of the reasons wrong-way head-on collisions tend to result in some of the most severe injuries our Arkansas attorneys see. If you were hurt because another driver was traveling the wrong way, our team at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton could investigate how the wreck happened and who may be held accountable.
The immense force involved in an Arkansas head-on crash often results in severe injuries for vehicle occupants. Some of the most common injuries associated with head-on crashes include:
The sudden impact can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
The force of the collision can cause the spine to compress, fracture, or dislocate, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis.
The impact can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other body parts.
The sudden deceleration and force of the impact can cause internal organs to shift, tear, or rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
The rapid back-and-forth motion of the head and neck during a collision can cause soft tissue damage, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.
Broken glass, loose objects, and contact with the vehicle’s interior can cause cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
Seeking immediate medical attention after a head-on collision is crucial, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Some serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or brain trauma, may not present symptoms until hours or days after the car accident.
The immediate moments after a head-on collision can be overwhelming and confusing. However, taking the right steps can help ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
Here’s what you should do.
Immediately after a head-on collision, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 for emergency medical services. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares if available.
Once you have ensured your safety and the safety of others, document the accident scene. Take photos of evidence like:
Make sure to obtain the contact and insurance information of anyone else involved in the incident. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well. File a police report to officially document the accident, as required by Arkansas Code § 27-53-202.
Collecting ample evidence ensures that you receive fair compensation and strengthens your case if you choose to file a lawsuit later on.
Contacting an experienced head-on collision attorney in Arkansas is essential to protect your legal rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Even if you don’t sue, research shows that insurance companies consistently pay more to drivers who have an attorney on their side.
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our dedicated team of lawyers has extensive experience handling head-on collision cases and can guide you through the legal process. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and help you understand your options so you can make the right decision for yourself and your family.
While not all head-on collisions can be avoided, you can take several preventive measures as a driver to reduce your risk of being involved in a horrific accident:
Modern vehicles in Arkansas include several layers of safety technology designed specifically to reduce the harm caused by a head-on car crash.
Seat belts remain the most basic and effective protection, keeping occupants from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle on impact. Front airbags work alongside seat belts, deploying within milliseconds to cushion the driver’s and front passenger’s head and chest from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. Side and curtain airbags, while primarily designed for side-impact crashes, can also help protect occupants from secondary impacts as a vehicle spins or is pushed sideways after an initial head-on hit.
Vehicles are also engineered with crumple zones, sections of the front end built to collapse and absorb crash energy before it reaches the passenger cabin. This absorption process slows the deceleration felt by occupants, which can make the difference between a survivable crash and a fatal one. Collapsible steering columns work in a similar way, compressing on impact so the column does not shift into the driver’s chest.
Newer safety systems focus on preventing the crash before it happens. Forward collision warning systems use sensors and cameras to detect a vehicle approaching head-on and alert the driver with visual or audible warnings. Automatic emergency braking can take this a step further, applying the brakes on its own if the driver does not react in time, which can reduce speed before impact even when a head-on crash cannot be avoided entirely.
While these features have made modern vehicles far safer than those of previous decades, they cannot always prevent serious injury when the forces involved are severe, particularly in crashes involving a truck, an impaired driver, or a wrong-way collision at highway speeds. If a safety system failed to work as intended, or if a vehicle defect contributed to your injuries, our attorneys at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton could help determine whether an additional claim may apply alongside your injury case.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a head-on collision in Arkansas, the experienced attorneys at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton are here to advocate for you.
Our head-on collision lawyers have a proven track record of success in handling complex cases throughout Arkansas. We understand the unique challenges associated with these accidents and have the knowledge, skills, and resources to build strong cases on behalf of our clients.
Our approach begins with thoroughly investigating the accident, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. We also work closely with medical professionals to ensure that our clients receive the best possible care for their injuries and to document the full extent of their damages.
We are skilled negotiators who will work tirelessly to ensure a fair settlement from insurance companies—or, if needed, take your case to court.
We’re honored to help our neighbors find justice after a head-on car collision in Arkansas. When you partner with Rainwater, you’ll receive compassionate, personalized care as we work toward a full, fair settlement. With offices throughout Arkansas — Little Rock, Little Rock-Corporate Hill, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville, and Jonesboro we’ll help you find the right next step for you and your family.
Get in touch with us today.
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