Charleston retains a small-town feel, but it is still a busy city. During rush hours, high volumes of traffic fill its roads, and heavy vehicles ply the main routes. Traffic accidents, including head-on collisions in Charleston, are an inevitable result. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) figures identify the Charleston area as having the highest number of fatal accidents in West Virginia.
Countrywide figures analyzed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that West Virginia is among the states with the highest road accident fatality rates. Sadly, head-on collisions represent a high percentage of crashes resulting in serious injury or death. The National Safety Council (NSC) notes that close to 30 percent of fatal accidents are head-on collisions.
Following a head-on collision, you will need as much compensation as you can recover from the at-fault driver or their insurance company. A Charleston car accident lawyer from Salango Law will know how to prepare your claim so that you have a better chance of getting the settlement you need.
Call (304) 342-0512 to set up a no-obligation consultation today.
Where Head-On Collisions Are Likeliest to Occur
Most head-on collisions occur on rural roads, but city drivers are not without risk. Interestingly, most of these accidents occur on perfectly straight roads, and dark roads, whether rural or urban, see more accidents than well-lit ones. Road conditions that indicate a high risk of head-on collisions include:
- Lack of median separation between cars traveling in opposite directions
- Slippery roads, especially in wet weather
- Lack of visible road markings, particularly at bends
- Lack of road shoulder space
Although one might suspect unsafe passing to be the top cause of head-on collisions in Charleston, distracted driving is the top cause of accidents across all categories. The Federal Communications Commission cites findings showing that mobile phone use is high on the list of distractions. A distracted driver can easily depart from their lane, risking a head-on collision.
What You Can Do To Reduce Your Chance of Being Involved in a Charleston Head-On Collision
Obviously, avoiding driving when you are fatigued, affected by alcohol or drugs, or overtired is a good start to avoiding accidents. Staying focused on driving and obeying the rules of the road are equally important. However, Safety and Health Magazine offers a few extra tips.
- Read the road ahead as far as possible. Notice things like shoulder space and whether any oncoming cars are drifting toward the center line. Situational awareness may help you to react faster to hazards like oncoming cars on your side off the road.
- Keep right. If the road has multiple lanes, try to leave the lane to your left open. On single-lane roads, keep right without crossing onto the shoulder unless necessary. If an oncoming car crosses into your lane, do not swerve to the left.
- Reduce speed, but try to avoid coming to a dead stop if you see an oncoming car. If you must take evasive action, leave the road on your right-hand side, even if it is unpaved. You stand a better chance of survival even if your car crashes.
Despite vigilance and alertness, you may still be involved in a head-on collision. Although the odds of this happening are low, you can help protect yourself and your passengers by insisting that everyone buckles up. Safety belt compliance in West Virginia stands at around 91 percent. Do not be among those who ignore this important vehicle safety feature.
Legal Advice After Head-On Collisions in Charleston
Many head-on collisions result in serious injuries, even when they occur at low speeds. If you were involved in a head-on collision as a driver or passenger in Charleston, your medical costs may be high and the consequences long-term.
Tragically, fatalities are common in head-on collisions. Nothing can fully compensate you for such a loss, but our Charleston wrongful death lawyer will do their utmost to secure damages payments that may help to secure your family’s future.
Call us for a free consultation at (304) 342-0512 or contact us online. We are dedicated to safeguarding your rights.