A tragic crash in Casco recently illustrates the dangers of frontal collisions. The crash took the life of two and seriously injured one other motorist, as well as a service dog riding in one of the vehicles, according to local media outlets.
Unfortunately, fatal accidents such as these are all too common on maine roadways, particularly in winter when the likelihood of hazardous ice and snow conditions are increased. If you or a loved one has suffered injury in a head on collision in Maine, the attorneys at Hardy, Wolf & Downing are ready to hear you story and and help you determine if taking legal action is your most prudent option. All initial case reviews are free of charge.
Fatal crash on Route 302
The Bangor Daily News reports that Carol Honaberger, 70, was killed in the crash that occurred on Route 302 the afternoon of January 14. Honaberger was driving a 2000 Dodge Caravan west on Route 302 when she collided head-on with an SUV. The driver of the SUV, Allen Estes, 66, was injured in the crash, suffering broken bones and other non-life-threatening injuries. Honaberger’s husband, Dale Honaberger, 81, was also seriously injured in the crash and died later at an area hospital.
A golden retriever, a service dog of the Honaberger’s was also injured in the crash, suffering broken legs. The dog was taken by local animal control officers for emergency treatment.
The crash occurred around 1:50 p.m., according to the Bangor Daily News. Emergency vehicles were called to the scene near the entrance to Sebago Lake Park, in an area of Route 302 known as Roosevelt Trail. Lifeflight was also called to the scene and the road was closed immediately following the crash.
Head-on crashes and fatalities
Sadly, this is not the only fatality due to head-on collisions in Maine in recent months. Last August, residents of Bangor mourned two longtime residents and employees of the popular bar and restaurant, Paddy Murphy’s. According to the Bangor Daily News, Philip Carter, 32, and Roxanne Papken, 25, were killed when Carter’s GMC pickup was hit head-on by an SUV driven by Richard Olsen, 85. The crash occurred on Route 1A in Dedham on August 6.
Head-on collisions are some of the deadliest kinds of motor vehicle accidents, making up a significant percentage of fatal accidents overall. Although seat belt laws and frontal airbags have reduced the number of fatalities in recent years, they have failed to prevent them entirely. In 2007, nearly half of all frontal collisions resulted in fatalities, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A 2014 study from Indiana University found that certain factors lowered a person’s risk of dying in a head-on collision, including the age of the driver, the presence of safety features like airbags, use of seatbelts and the size and age of the vehicle. However, head-on collisions are still a major concern for all drivers, even those with a lower risk factor, because the results of these crashes can be traumatic even when they are not deadly.
Finding a qualified Maine head on collision lawyer
At Hardy, Wolf & Downing, we have seen the devastating impact of head-on collisions. Since 1976, we have been helping the victims of those accidents pursue compensation for their injuries. Most accident victims find they can get a larger recovery from an insurance company when they have experienced legal representation, which can go a long way in paying medical bills and making up for wages lost while you are recovering from your injuries. If the unthinkable happens and you lose a loved one in one of these crashes, we can help you get the compensation you need for funeral expenses and to carry on after your loved one is gone.
Victims of head-on collisions should not try to navigate the complexities of the legal and insurance systems alone. Our experienced team of Maine car accident attorneys is ready to evaluate your case and give you the representation you need to get the compensation you deserve. For a free case review, contact Hardy, Wolf & Downing at 1-800-INJURED.