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A car accident attorney in Oregon explains what to know
A second driver recently died as a result of a head-on collision in Portland, according to the Portland Police Bureau. The police department noted this latest traffic fatality was the 42nd one in Portland so far this year, putting the city on track to surpass the number of traffic fatalities it had from last year when there were 54 deaths. That number was the highest figure in the past 5 years, according to crash data from the City of Portland.
So how common are head-on collisions? Why do they happen? Below, you can learn more about these types of accidents, courtesy of an experienced head-on car accident lawyer who routinely represents crash victims in Portland and throughout Oregon.
Head-on collision statistics
Head-on collisions account for only 2 percent of all motor vehicle accidents. However, deaths due to head-on crashes make up more than 10 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Specifically, there were 3,613 fatal head-on collisions nationwide in 2019, according to the III.
As for Oregon, head-on collisions are common here as well. In 2019, there were 651 head-on car accidents statewide, resulting in 64 fatalities and 431 injuries, according to statistics compiled by the Oregon Department of Transportation. That year, head-on collision fatalities in Oregon accounted for 13 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities statewide, when there were 489 deaths in 2019.
Common causes of head-on car accidents
For two vehicles to collide head-on, a driver must have gone the wrong way or crossed over into another driver’s lane.
Some of the most common causes of head-on car accidents include:
- Distracted driving, especially texting while driving, even though it’s against the law in Oregon.
- Going the wrong way on divided highways, especially at night.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Speeding.
- Falling asleep at the wheel.
- Driving too fast for hazardous weather conditions, especially in the winter when snow and ice can create slippery road conditions.
The common theme with each of these is negligence, but even if you aren’t sure of the exact cause, you can talk to an attorney to learn more about the legal options available to you.
Contact a head-on car accident lawyer today
If you were injured or a loved one died in a head-on crash, having an attorney on your side can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case. Instead of insurance companies downplaying the severity of your injuries or denying your claim, a lawyer can protect your rights and advocate for the money you’re entitled to, including compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other appropriate damages.
The dedicated legal team at Zbinden & Curtis can help you every step of the way—we’ve successfully represented injury victims and their families for years in Multnomah County and throughout Oregon.
Discover what we can do for you and contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation with a Portland head-on car accident attorney. We proudly serve injury victims and their families throughout Oregon and Washington State.
