A head-on collision is one in which the front portions of two vehicles strike one another. Since these accidents involve significant force, the damage and injuries tend to be severe. The violent and jarring character of head-on collisions can also leave people with substantial mental trauma long after their physical wounds heal.
If you were injured in a head-on collision, you likely have a lot on your plate. You may have a damaged or totaled car, missing work hours, and doctor appointments. It can be overwhelming to manage all of this, especially if you are in pain. A Lawrenceville head-on collision lawyer with Butler Kahn can handle these matters while you focus on recovering.
How Common Are Head-On Collisions?
Head-on collisions are intense. But they are not the most common type of accident. In a recent year, head-on collisions accounted for roughly one in ten motor vehicle accidents in our country.
Although head-on crashes do not frequently happen, they can be devastating when they do occur. These crashes are the second most deadly type of auto accident, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Injuries from head-on collisions are frequently painful and distressing. They may include:
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limb
- Paralysis
The force involved in these accidents often makes even minor injuries more painful than in lower-impact accidents.
Leading Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions often occur when a car crosses another traffic lane and hits a vehicle going in the opposite direction. They also happen when cars turn the wrong way on one-way streets or highway ramps.
These incidents have many causes, such as:
- Distraction — Talking, texting, or any other action other than watching the road can cause a driver to take a wrong turn or float into another lane.
- Intoxication — Impaired drivers may miss a one-way sign or drive the wrong way on a highway off-ramp, causing accidents.
- Confusion — It is easy to get turned around in a new city. Also, poor sign visibility and construction can disrupt driving and lead drivers down the wrong streets.
- Fatigue — A shocking 20 percent of drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel, according to the Sleep Foundation. Driving while drowsy can greatly increase the risk of a head-on crash.
- Weather — Fog, heavy rain, snow, and other inclement weather can make staying in a lane or following signs correctly more difficult.
- Improper passing — Passing other cars when it is not allowed or when a driver doesn’t have a good lookout risks a head-on collision with oncoming traffic.
- Reckless driving — Speeding and other reckless behavior make it more likely that a driver will lose control and end up in the wrong lane.
Other causes may be beyond a driver’s control. For instance, poor road marking, inadequate signage, and mechanical failures can all cause head-on accidents.
How Do You Establish Fault in a Head-On Collision Lawsuit?
Impaired, careless, or fatigued drivers are typically the negligent parties in head-on collisions. Usually, one driver is at fault for the accident. For example, the fault is obvious if a driver takes the wrong way on a one-way road.
But cases involving weather, unclear signage, or poor road conditions make fault less clear. These cases require careful consideration of the facts to ensure the correct parties are held responsible. But often, fault may involve a mix of environmental factors and driver negligence, especially if a driver is speeding or distracted.
Multiple drivers could be at fault as well. For example, suppose a driver swerves to miss a driver coming into their lane and hits another driver head-on. The driver whose car was struck may be able to seek compensation from the driver who swerved and the driver who caused the swerve.
In Georgia, courts follow a comparative negligence law. Under this law, if the court awards you compensation, it will reduce it according to the percentage of your fault in the accident. However, you cannot recover any compensation if you are responsible for 50 percent or more of the injuries and damage caused by the accident.
What Compensation Can I Secure Through a Head-On Collision Lawsuit?
Personal injury awards often include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished wage capacity if you are left disabled and cannot work
- Funeral costs and final medical bills in wrongful death cases
Cases may settle early with an insurance company. If that doesn’t occur, then the case can go to trial. An attorney can assist you through both processes.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing My Head-On Collision Case?
You must file a lawsuit for injuries or wrongful death from a head-on collision in Lawrenceville within two years of the accident. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute. Settlement negotiations can take months and don’t usually conclude until you finish recovering physically. Collecting medical records, wage information, and evidence regarding your pain and suffering can also take time. Starting that process early is the best approach to these cases.
What Should I Do After Being Involved in a Head-On Collision?
- If you are injured, stay in your car — You don’t want to risk further injury. Wait for medical assistance. Do not worry about moving your car if you cannot do so.
- Call the police — The officer who reports to the scene will submit a report and document the accident. Many insurance companies won’t evaluate your claim without this report.
- Seek medical treatment — Head-on collisions frequently lead to severe injuries, many of which you may not notice right away. Internal injuries and head trauma may not be readily apparent when you are running on adrenaline. Even if you can walk without assistance and feel fine, an emergency room visit documents the accident and what happened to you. It can also help establish your claim later.
- Follow up with your medical care — Once you have established treatment, attend your appointments consistently. If you have nightmares, heightened anxiety, or fear about driving, do not ignore those symptoms. Seek mental health support. It’s not unusual for people to develop intrusive thoughts and feelings after a significant car wreck.
Our Lawrenceville Head-On Collision Lawyers Can Help You
Few accidents are as devastating as head-on collisions. You are likely hurt and wondering where to turn for help. At Butler Kahn, our concern is that you get the care you need while you recover from your injuries. If you feel overwhelmed or have questions, we can review your case, explain your rights, and help you to understand the role we can play in seeking the compensation you deserve.
