KWWL reports on a head-on collision that killed one person and injured two others. The accident happened on the 3700 block of Blairs Ferry Road just after 8:30 a.m.
The two vehicles involved were a 2004 Dodge 4×4 truck and a 2015 Ford C-Max hatchback. According to authorities, the driver of the Dodge, Daniel Derhammer, 46, crossed the center line for unknown reasons and collided with the Ford. One of the occupants of the Ford, 67-year-old John Secl, died at St. Luke’s Hospital after the collision. Another person in the Ford, Gloria Secl, suffered serious injuries.
This crash is a tragic reminder that head-on collisions are likely to end with severe injuries. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a head-on collision, no amount of money can undo the emotional trauma; however, you may be able to restore financial stability by filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
If the accident occurred in Iowa, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC to discuss your case. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free initial consultation with an injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids.
Read on to learn the answers to a few frequently asked questions about head-on collisions:
- What are the leading causes of head-on collisions?
There is a myriad of factors that can cause a head-on collision, but the following six mistakes cause most of these accidents:
- Driving while fatigued;
- Distracted driving;
- Not obeying traffic signals and signs;
- Failing to adjust to poor weather;
- Drunk or drugged driving; and
- Using improper technique to overtake a vehicle.
How often do head-on collisions happen in the United States?
Head-on collisions are not as common as rear-end accidents and other types of wrecks; however, they cause an alarming number of deaths and catastrophic injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head-on accidents account for 13 percent of all deadly crashes in rural areas and 7 percent of all deadly crashes on urban roads.
- Should I hire an accident attorney after a head-on collision?
Yes. Insurance companies tend to take claims filed by attorneys more seriously than those filed by policyholders. Also, an experienced injury lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum settlement. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can represent your interests in court.
Your attorney can also help you avoid costly mistakes such as overlooking future damages, accepting a settlement too early, missing important deadlines, or making a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster. If you accept a settlement that does not include compensation for future medical bills or the loss of future earning capacity, you may wind up in overwhelming debt.
If you were injured by a negligent driver, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC to discuss your options for recovering compensation. Call 319-393-1020 to arrange a free initial consultation with an accident attorney in Cedar Rapids.