On Monday, July 21, 2014, a head-on accident occurred in Amite County, claiming the life of one person and injuring another.  The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports that the accident happened shortly before 6 p.m. on Mississippi 24.  Henry Spoler, a 68 year old man from McComb, was driving eastbound in his car when a car traveling westbound crossed into his lane.  Russell Lovett, of Liberty, was the 48 year old westbound driver.  He collided head-on with Spoler’s vehicle.

Authorities are still trying to determine why Lovett’s vehicle jumped out of the lane and in front of Spoler’s car.  Lovett was transported to Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.  Spoler was taken by helicopter to the Baton Rouge, Louisiana hospital of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.  His injuries have been described as moderate.

Days later, in another part of the state, a head-on accident between a pickup truck and an 18 wheeler sent both drivers to the hospital.  This head-on collision occurred in Jones County.  On July 25, 2014 at about 8:30 p.m., emergency medical responders were dispatched to an accident on Mississippi 29.  First arrivers found a GMC Sierra facing nose down into a ditch.  An 18 wheeler hauling chicken fertilizer was in a ditch on the other side of the highway.  Both drivers were injured, with the driver of the pickup truck slipping in and out of consciousness.  According to officials, the 18 wheeler had been traveling south and the GMC headed north.  The GMC apparently crossed over the center line after rounding a curve and went into the path of the 18 wheeler.  The accident remains under investigation.

These serious and, in the first crash’s case, fatal accidents highlight the devastating nature of head-on collisions.  Head-on collisions, while not common, account for nearly 20 percent of all fatal accidents.  When these accidents unfortunately occur, severe injuries and death often follow.  Negligence is the primary cause of head-on accidents.  Some of the most common causes of head-on accidents include: distracted driving, driving while impaired, passing when it is not safe to do so, failure to observe road signs, taking a corner at excessive speeds, obstacles in the roadway, and falling asleep behind the wheel.  Road rage and reckless driving can also frequently lead to head-on accidents, as these factors spur drivers to behave erratically and aggressively.

Those involved in a head-on accident will require the assistance of a seasoned automobile accident attorney.  These sorts of accidents often involve serious injuries, including broken bones, internal organ damage, brain injury, neck or back injuries, burns, and permanent disfigurement.  A skilled personal injury attorney can thoroughly assess your injuries and medical records to determine the potential long term consequences of your injuries.  Your attorney can then fight to receive compensation not just for your current medical bills, but for all future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Barrett Law PLLC: Proudly Representing Injured Mississippi Drivers Across the State  

The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have zealously represented the victims of car accidents occurring across the state for over 75 years.  Our unwavering dedication to seeing our clients obtain a full recovery has earned us a reputation for excellence and skill.  We operate on a contingency fee basis and can meet injured clients in their home or hospital.  The experienced car accident attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will provide you with the dedicated assistance you need to obtain the results you desire.  Call today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.