Ethan Farrell, a junior and cross-country runner for Macon County’s Franklin High School, was critically injured over the summer after hydroplaning into another lane as he drove down the mountain on Highway 441. It was a head-on collision that left Farrell seriously injured.
He was airlifted from the scene to Mission Hospital in Georgia where he was treated for a severe brain injury before being transferred to Shepherd Center in Atlanta for specialized care. Both Ethan’s cross-country team and community responded with an outpouring of cards, prayers, and financial support as he recovered at the facility.
On November 5th, he was finally able to return home, and received a warm welcome from his classmates, coaches, teammates, and family.
“It feels so great to see everybody,” Ethan said.
He still has a long road ahead before making a full recovery, but with such a strong support group, everyone is confident he’ll be back to his old self in no time. His coaches are even planning to make him a captain for morale support.
Ethan remains hopeful, saying, “I’ll be back running full next year.”
What to know about head-on collisions
Head-on collisions, or frontal accidents, are when the force of an impact occurs to the front portion of the vehicle or vehicles. Often, these types of crashes occur when 2 cars are driving in opposite directions then hit each other’s front bumpers; however, a single vehicle may be involved in a head-on crash if they hit into a road barrier, tree or other obstacle. More often than not, this type of accident occurs at high speeds and leads to serious damage for the cars, drivers, and passengers.
If you’ve been involved in this type of accident, the first step is to make sure you and any other passengers are safe before calling 911. After emergency responders arrive on the scene and check you for signs of injuries or a concussion, start gathering evidence such as pictures and witness information if you are able to do so safely.
Take several pictures from multiple angles of the scene and damages and collect contact information from the other driver as well as from any witnesses. Obtain a copy of the police report and file it with your insurance provider along with any and all medical records related to the accident.
Next, consult with an experienced Georgia car accident attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve to cover damages and medical expenses.
Common types of weather-related crashes
Like Ethan Farrell, it’s also possible to be involved in a head-on collision with a single vehicle.
But how are these caused?
Most often, the driver is drowsy or driving under the influence—or, as in Ethan’s case, weather conditions make the roads less than ideal for traveling.
An average of 5,891,000 car accidents occur each year, according to data collected by the Federal Highway Administration. Many factors such as mechanical errors and impaired drivers can cause vehicles to crash, but what many drivers may not know is that an estimated 21 percent of accidents are related to weather conditions.
Precipitation, high winds, and extreme temperatures can all affect the performance of the vehicle, the driver’s visibility, pavement friction, and traffic flow, thus increasing the risk of a car accident.
The most common types of weather conditions that cause vehicles to crash are:
- Rain
- Sleet
- Snow
- Severe winds
Wet pavement caused by heavy rain and ice are especially common culprits when it comes to weather-related accidents.
How can you determine who’s at fault in a single-vehicle accident?
Sometimes, mechanical failure can cause the brakes to stop working, which can be dangerous when driving down a hill or mountain at high speeds.
Even if you’re driving at the right speed and following traffic signals, a heavy rain or unseen patch of ice can cause the tires to lose friction and the car to hydroplane. When this happens, it can be difficult to regain control of the vehicle before hitting a guardrail or crashing into a ditch or pole.
But since you can’t sue Mother Nature, the next best thing you can do is hire a Georgia car accident attorney who can help you determine who’s liable.
Helping car accident victims with over 200 years of combined experience
Collisions are scary and can be caused by many different factors. If you’ve been involved in a single-vehicle accident or a head-on collision with another vehicle, it’s time to call the experts at the law firm of Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson. Our team has the knowledge and experience to get you back on your feet and your car back on wheels.
