Deadly Outcomes of Head-On Collisions

 Posted on April 18, 2025 in Wrongful Death

On March 27th, 2025, a crash between two vehicles in North Barrington injured all three occupants. A Ford van crossed the center lane on Route 59 and struck an approaching Subaru SUV head-on. Both drivers were hospitalized for their injuries. The passenger in the SUV sustained critical injuries. After over a week of fighting for her life, this victim died.

If a head-on car accident harms you, a personal injury claim could provide much-needed compensation. For fatal collisions, our skilled Cook County, IL, wrongful death lawyers can help you seek justice by fighting for the monetary compensation you deserve.

Are Head-On Collisions More Likely to Cause Serious Injuries and Fatalities?

In 2023, only 2,682 of the 299,133 accidents reported in Illinois were head-on collisions. Although these crashes accounted for less than one percent of total accidents, they caused 138 deaths, 1,242 injuries, and 321 incapacitating injuries. That same year, 72,706 rear-end collisions, representing almost 25 percent of state totals, caused only 97 deaths. How can that be?

When two vehicles traveling in opposite directions hit each other head-on, the force of the impact is multiplied. For example, in a head-on impact between a car going 60 mph and another at 40 mph, the impact force is similar to colliding with an unmoving object at 100 mph.

Even with seatbelts and airbags offering protection against front impact, blunt force injuries are common in head-on collisions. Traumatic brain damage, neck and spinal cord injuries, organ damage, broken bones, and deep bruising are likely. Many times, these wounds prove to be fatal.

What Damages Are Available After a Fatal Head-On Crash?

In the accident mentioned above, the deceased victim eventually died after spending over a week in the hospital. During that time, she likely experienced excruciating pain. The medical attempts to save her life probably cost an astronomical amount. She was a passenger. Had the vehicle belonged to her, it would have been totaled, as it had to be cut to extract both her and the driver after the crash.

Eligible survivors can often collect compensation by bringing both survival and wrongful death actions. A survival action addresses the victim’s losses, and a wrongful death claim pursues compensation for the losses faced by the claimant(s).

Damages, which are specific losses, often include:

• Property damage
• Medical treatment and care expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial costs
• Other intangible losses suffered by the survivors

To collect the maximum amount you are entitled to receive, you need the assistance of an experienced attorney. Insurance companies are extremely likely to try to shortchange you. We know how to protect you against their tricks and obtain the highest available amount.

Call Our Compassionate Lake County, IL Head-On Collision Lawyers

When the results of your claim matter, you need a knowledgeable Barrington, IL wrongful death attorney from Barrington Injury Attorneys handling your case. We fight to win and provide you with much-needed compensation. Call 224-900-HURT or contact us online to arrange for your complimentary consultation today.