What causes head-on collisions?

Any car crash is a frightening experience. Few types of car accidents are more terrifying than head-on collisions. These accidents can result in serious injuries and sometimes have tragic results.

On June 18, a Tennessee police officer was killed in a two-vehicle collision in Brentwood. The incident occurred just before 5 a.m. on Franklin Road.

According to information released by the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Brentwood Police Department, the 30-year-old officer was driving back to the precinct at the end of his shift when another driver crossed the double yellow line and smashed into his cruiser head-on. He was rushed to Vanderbilt Medical Center for emergency treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, a woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the same hospital for medical care.

The officer, who comes from a family of cops, had been a member of the Brentwood Police Department for five years. His father is currently an officer with the Franklin Police Department. Investigators said they do not yet know why the other driver crossed the yellow line. However, the case has been classified as a criminal investigation. The officer is survived by his wife.

Causes of head-on collisions and taking action

Head-on collisions can be caused by a number of factors, including distracted driving, reckless driving and impaired driving. Individuals who are injured in car accidents caused by other drivers might have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for damages. This legal action can be taken independently of any criminal charges that may be filed. If the lawsuit is successful, the victim may be awarded a settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property loss and more.

If a victim is killed in the crash, his or her family have the right to file a wrongful death complaint against the at-fault driver. This action might result in a settlement that covers funeral and burial costs, loss of income, loss of companionship, emotional distress and other crash-related damages.