Arkansas Head-On Car Accident Lawyers

Why Are Head-On Collisions So Dangerous?

While head-on car wrecks are rare relative to other types of crashes, they cause disproportionate numbers of crash-related injuries and deaths reported in the United States every year. They can happen anywhere, but are most common on rural two-lane highways—roads prevalent throughout our region. In fact, according to state and federal statistics:

• In Arkansas, head-on collisions account for just 2% of all crashes annually, but make up approximately 10.8% of all fatal crashes.
• In 2022, more than 1,000 people lost their lives in Missouri traffic collisions, with nearly 60% of fatalities linked to lane-departure crashes on undivided highways.
• Lane-departure and cross-centerline collisions account for a significant portion of Oklahoma’s 700+ annual traffic deaths, with rural areas posing the greatest threat.

So why are head-on car crashes particularly dangerous? It comes down to basic physics. When two cars traveling at highway speeds collide head-on, the force of impact is multiplied. If they were traveling at 50 mph, the closing speed would be closer to 100 mph.

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions

Like most highway wrecks, head-on collisions rarely happen truly “by accident.” They are almost always preventable had it not been for the actions of a negligent driver:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting the GPS, or eating takes eyes off the road just long enough to drift into oncoming traffic.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and lane control. Impairment is a significant factor in wrong-way driving incidents.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Taking curves too fast can cause a vehicle to swing wide into the opposing lane.
• Fatigue or Drowsy Driving: Falling asleep at the wheel, even for a second, can result in a vehicle crossing the centerline.
• Improper Passing: Attempting to overtake another vehicle on a two-lane road without sufficient clearance.
• Wrong-Way Driving: Confused or impaired drivers entering a highway or one-way street in the wrong direction.

Beyond human error, external factors such as poor road signage, faded centerlines, or mechanical defects—such as tire blowouts—can also contribute to head-on collisions. In these cases, liability may extend beyond the other driver to include third parties, such as:

• Government Entities: If improper road maintenance or missing signs caused the crash, the city or state agency responsible for the road could be held accountable.
• Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure, like a faulty brake system or tire blowout, occurred, you may have cause to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
• Maintenance Shops: If a recent repair was performed incorrectly, leading to a loss of control, the mechanic or service center may be liable for the resulting damages.

The Physical Toll of a Head-On Car Crash: Common Injuries

The physical consequences of a head-on car wreck are almost always severe. Because victims can sustain multiple life-altering injuries, often affecting the head, chest, spine, and lower extremities in a single impact, they often require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods.

Some of the most common injuries resulting from a head-on collision include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive damage.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Often resulting in partial or total paralysis.
• Chest and Thoracic Injuries: Forceful impact against steering wheels or seatbelts can cause broken ribs, a fractured sternum, or lung damage.
• Lower Extremity Injuries: The crushing force of the dashboard often leads to severe fractures in the hips, legs, and feet.
• Facial and Dental Injuries: Impact with airbags or windows can cause lacerations, broken jaws, and loss of teeth.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and severe muscle or ligament tears are common and require long-term care.
• Internal Organ Damage: Forceful impact can cause internal bleeding or damage to the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
• Psychological Trauma: PTSD and anxiety, specifically related to driving, are common among survivors.

Liability and Comparative Fault: Who Pays?

Determining fault in a head-on collision might seem straightforward—usually, the driver in the wrong lane is responsible. While insurance companies will look for any reason to shift the blame to you to reduce their payout, the actions and behaviors of other entities—such as vehicle manufacturers or government agencies responsible for road maintenance—may have also contributed to the crash.

Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma address such a scenario through variations of comparative fault laws. You may still be entitled to compensation. However, the total damages you’re awarded would be reduced to reflect your degree of fault:

• Arkansas: Arkansas follows the 50% bar rule under its modified comparative fault system. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not 50% or more at fault for the crash.
• Missouri: You can typically recover damages even if you are mostly at fault, though the amount will be reduced.
• Oklahoma: Oklahoma follows the 51% bar rule in its modified comparative fault system. This means you can recover damages only if you are 50% or less at fault for the collision.

For example, if the other driver crossed the centerline, but you were speeding, a jury might decide you were 20% at fault. Your compensation would then be reduced by 20%.

How Our Arkansas Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

Caddell Reynolds was founded as an advocate for the injured and wronged, and our Arkansas car accident lawyers are relentless when taking on insurance companies and other powerful organizations that work against our clients’ best interests.

What can you expect when you hire our firm?

• A Thorough Investigation: We immediately move to gather and preserve evidence critical to your case, reviewing police reports and scene documentation, analyzing vehicle damage, and working with accident reconstruction experts when needed to determine exactly how the collision occurred.
• A Complete, Accurate Damage Assessment: We’re committed to maximizing your recovery. Our attorneys work with medical specialists, vocational experts and forensic economists to develop a damage model that reflects the full scope of your injuries and losses.
• An Open Line of Communication: We treat all of our clients with the compassion and respect they deserve. Our team will keep you informed as your case progresses, so you always know what’s happening and what to expect.
• 24/7 Availability: We know questions don’t always arise during business hours. You can contact us anytime of the day or night, by phone and email, for the answers and guidance you need.
• Home and Hospital Visits: If your injuries make travel difficult, we’ll meet you where you are, so your case can move forward without a delay.
• Bulldog-Like Advocacy: We handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing parties, respond to requests for statements or records, and push back when insurers attempt to minimize injuries or shift blame, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
• Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience: Our attorneys bring deep, collective experience in car crash litigation and insurance disputes, allowing us to anticipate challenges and respond effectively as your case develops.
• No Win, No Fee: Financial circumstances shouldn’t prevent you from accessing the legal representation you need. Our attorneys handle head-on collision cases on a contingency-fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

You and your family have been through enough. Let our Arkansas car accident attorneys advocate for you during this traumatic time in your life.

The clock is already ticking on your claim, so don’t wait to get the help you need. Call 800-671-4100 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn how Caddell Reynolds Law Firm can help you get your life back on track.