J. Hartley | November 11, 2026 | Car Accidents
In California, the driver who crosses into oncoming traffic is usually at fault for a head-on collision. However, determining liability isn’t always straightforward. Depending on what caused the crash, both drivers or even a third party could share responsibility.
If you were injured in a head-on collision in El Segundo, California, understanding how fault is determined can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries.
The Short Answer: Usually the Driver Who Crossed Into the Wrong Lane
In most head-on collisions, the driver who crossed into the wrong lane is responsible for the crash. California law generally requires motorists to drive on the right side of the road, with certain exceptions.
Under California Vehicle Code § 21650, drivers must generally remain on the right half of the roadway. A driver who crosses the centerline and strikes an oncoming vehicle may be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.
Consider a driver who looks down at their phone and drifts into opposing traffic. If they strike another vehicle, their distraction could establish negligence.
Still, being on the wrong side of the road doesn’t automatically mean a driver is entirely at fault. The circumstances leading up to the collision matter, especially if another driver’s actions contributed to the crash.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions often happen when a driver loses control, makes a dangerous maneuver, or fails to notice that they’re traveling in the wrong direction. Some of the most common causes involve preventable driving mistakes.
Wrong-Way Driving
Wrong-way driving is particularly dangerous because other motorists may have little time to react to an approaching vehicle.
A driver might enter a highway using an exit ramp, turn the wrong way onto a one-way street, or cross into opposing lanes. These mistakes can happen because of confusion, impairment, or a failure to follow traffic signs.
When a driver ignores road markings or posted signs, they may be held responsible for the injuries that follow. However, investigators may also need to consider whether unclear signage or dangerous road conditions played a role.
Unsafe Passing
Passing another vehicle requires enough space and visibility to complete the maneuver safely. When drivers misjudge the distance between their vehicle and oncoming traffic, the consequences can be devastating.
California Vehicle Code § 21751 generally prohibits passing to the left of the centerline unless the opposing lane is clearly visible and free of traffic for a sufficient distance.
For example, a driver who attempts to pass a slower vehicle on a blind curve may suddenly encounter an approaching car. If there isn’t enough room to return to the proper lane, a head-on collision can occur.
Drunk, Drowsy, or Distracted Driving
Sometimes, a head-on crash happens because a driver simply isn’t paying attention to the road. Alcohol, fatigue, and distractions can all affect a person’s ability to stay in their lane and respond to changing traffic conditions.
Common examples include:
- Drunk driving: Alcohol affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it harder to maintain control.
- Drowsy driving: A tired driver may drift across the centerline or fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Distracted driving: Looking at a phone, adjusting a GPS, or reaching for something inside the vehicle can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
Even a brief lapse in attention can lead to a serious crash. When impairment or distraction is suspected, evidence of the driver’s behavior may help establish fault.
When Fault Isn’t Obvious
Although many head-on collisions involve a driver crossing into the wrong lane, some accidents are more complicated.
To understand what happened, investigators may examine:
- Police accident reports
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
- Statements from witnesses
- Vehicle damage and debris
- Skid marks and road conditions
- Cellphone records or other evidence of distracted driving
In more complicated cases, accident reconstruction experts may help piece together the events leading up to the crash.
The goal is to understand not just where the vehicles collided, but what each driver did before the impact.
How California’s Comparative Fault Rule Affects Your Claim
What happens if you were partly responsible for the collision? In California, sharing fault doesn’t necessarily prevent you from recovering compensation.
California follows a pure comparative fault rule (Civil Code § 1714), which allows injured people to recover damages even when they contributed to an accident. However, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
At J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our team brings over 20 years of combined experience and tens of millions of dollars recovered for injured clients. Our founding attorney, Jura Hartley, has also earned membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We understand how much is at stake when liability is disputed and work to build claims supported by the facts.
Common Injuries in Head-On Crashes
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Chest injuries and broken ribs
- Facial injuries, cuts, and burns
Some people recover after several weeks or months of treatment. Others face lasting pain, limited mobility, or permanent disabilities that change how they work and live.
The financial impact can be just as difficult. Medical bills may continue to arrive while an injured person is unable to earn their usual income.
If another party caused the collision, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future care, pain and suffering, and other losses related to your injuries.
Talk to an El Segundo Car Accident Lawyer
After a head-on collision, you may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting expenses, and questions about who caused the crash. When fault is disputed, getting clear answers can be especially difficult.
At J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we help injured people in El Segundo, California, understand their options and pursue compensation from those responsible. Our team can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.
Reach out to our El Segundo car accident attorney to schedule a free consultation.
J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers
880 Apollo St, El Segundo, CA 90245
(323) 284-2834