Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous traffic accidents. The impact of these accidents often leads to catastrophic injuries and even death. If you were injured in a head-on collision, speak to an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation.
The Roswell car accident attorneys at Butler Kahn are here to help you understand your rights and options. Our legal team has decades of experience helping individuals across Georgia pursue the compensation they deserve. Let us put our experience to work for you — call today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
How Serious Are Head-On Collisions?
When vehicles collide, the kinetic force of the crash is transferred to vehicle occupants. The size of the vehicles, their relative velocity, and the angle of impact are all important factors. The more direct the collision angle, the greater the force transferred to occupants — and the greater the potential for severe injury. By definition, head-on collisions occur at the most direct angle possible, often translating to some of the most severe injuries we see.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 112,729 head-on crashes in 2020. In total, these accidents led to 56,013 injuries and 3,631 deaths. Within the state, the Georgia Department of Transportation reported 10,126 head-on collisions. These led to 7,814 injuries and 225 deaths.
Common Injuries Sustained in Head-On Collisions
Injuries possible in a head-on collision are largely the same as in any other auto accident. All should be taken seriously. Among other things, they may include:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Cuts and puncture wounds
- Strains, sprains, bruises, and other soft-tissue injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Amputated limbs
- Permanent disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
How Do You Prove Fault in a Head-On Collision?
There is virtually never a time when two drivers on course for a head-on collision both have the right of way. Therefore, proving fault in head-on collision cases often boils down to proving which driver was in the right. Depending on the case, this may turn out to be fairly straightforward.
That said, you will still need strong evidence to support your claim and prove the extent of your injuries. Important evidence may include:
- Police accident reports
- Photographs and videos from the scene
- Witness testimony
- Expert reconstructions of the scene
- Medical records
What Compensation Is Available in a Head-On Accident Collision Case?
Injuries sustained in head-on collisions are often more serious than those sustained in other crash types. Ultimately, the extent and severity of your injuries will be evaluated to determine your legal compensation. Our Roswell personal injury attorneys can help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Wrongful death
- Damaged personal property
Do I Have a Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit?
Yes. All personal injury cases are governed by a law known as the statute of limitations. This law sets a deadline after which you may no longer file a case seeking compensation for your injuries. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Your case will most likely be dismissed if you miss the deadline, thereby destroying your chance to secure compensation in court.
Because the statute of limitations is strictly enforced, it is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Call Butler Kahn today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
What Should You Do After a Head-On Collision?
Head-on collisions produce some of the most serious injuries. Of course, if your accident is extremely serious, filing a lawsuit may be the last thing on your mind while at the scene. However, there are some important steps you should take where possible to protect your right to compensation for your injuries. These include:
- Report the accident – Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance. The crash report produced by the police will serve as one of the first pieces of evidence in your case.
- Document the scene – Visually document the scene using photographs and videos. Collect footage of your injuries, damaged vehicles, road conditions, signs of impaired driving, surveillance cameras that may have recorded the accident, and any other important evidence available at the scene. While your memory is fresh, consider writing down or recording as much as you remember about the crash.
- Collect contact information –Speak to any other drivers involved in the crash and collect their names, contact information, license plate number, insurer name, and insurance policy number. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses present at the scene.
- Seek medical attention –See a doctor right away to evaluate and treat your injuries. The treatment record created by your doctors will be used to calculate the extent and severity of your injuries. Therefore, even small injuries should be evaluated. Also, remember that some injuries may not appear until some time has passed after the accident.
- Exercise caution speaking about your accident –Anything you say about your accident can turn into evidence in your case. Therefore, be cautious when speaking to the at-fault party and their insurers. Do not admit fault or accept any settlement offers before speaking to an attorney. Also, exercise caution when posting on social media about your accident and injuries.
- Speak to a lawyer –Bring your case to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Butler Kahn are here to make sure you understand your rights and are not taken advantage of.
Speak With a Roswell Head-On Collision Lawyer Today
If you are reading this page because you or a loved one has been hurt in a head-on collision, we hope you are receiving the medical care that you need and are making a recovery. We hope the information on this page has been helpful. If you’d like to talk with us about your situation, call us or contact us online. There is no charge to talk with us about your case.
