What Is a Head-on Collision?
Auto Accidents
Head-on collisions are also commonly known as front-impact accidents or frontal crashes. These accidents occur when oncoming traffic traveling in opposite directions collides from front end to front end.
Most head-on collisions cause serious injuries and auto damage. People rarely escape one of these crashes without injuries or damage to their property. The force created during a head-on collision can cause life-threatening damage.
If you were recently involved in a head-on collision, an attorney can help. If you face sizable medical bills and must field calls from insurance agencies, you don’t have to go it alone. It’s recommended to work with a Charleston personal injury lawyer who can help you build a case and pursue compensation.
What Causes Head-on Collisions?
Typically, negligence or a failure of a duty of care is to blame for most head-on crashes. Anything that might cause any other type of car accident can cause head-on collisions. Unfortunately, sometimes the many risks on the road translate into real problems.
Here are some common examples of causes of head-on collisions. Many frontal crashes occur because one of the drivers is:
- Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Turning a corner too quickly;
- Faced with altered traffic patterns (because of weather, construction, etc.);
- Driving in adverse weather;
- Faced with obstacles in the road;
- Making a wide turn around a bend with a blind spot; and/or
- Not adhering to traffic signs, signals, etc.
- Driver fatigue
What if I Don’t Know Why My Accident Happened?
It’s normal to be unsure about what exactly led up to an accident, or why it occurred. Lawyers deal with this regularly.
If you work with an attorney, part of your car accident attorney’s job will be determining and proving who is liable for the accident in your case. That means that your lawyer will work to secure evidence that demonstrates why your accident happened. They may use CCTV footage, witness accounts, accident reconstruction specialists, or other tools to make their final determination.
What to Do After a Head-on Collision
Call 911
When you call 911, they’ll dispatch police and emergency medical services to the accident scene. This ensures that the police will file an accident report and that everyone involved in the accident receives appropriate medical attention.
If You Can, Collect Evidence
If you’ve been in a head-on collision, there’s a good chance that you or someone else was seriously injured. If you can safely move around without further injuring yourself, you can use the time after the accident to document evidence.
This includes:
- Taking pictures or videos of the scene;
- Taking photos of your injuries;
- Looking for other potential evidence nearby (like skid marks in the road); and
- Collecting the names of other people involved in or who witnessed the accident.
Make an Appointment With Your Doctor
Even if you received care at the accident scene (or you went to the hospital afterward), make an appointment to see your regular doctor
for two reasons:
- Your doctor should be up-to-date on your health; and
- Your doctor can examine you for delayed symptoms.
Find a Lawyer
The sooner you retain an attorney, the sooner he or she can take care of most aspects of your car accident case. Your lawyer can help you manage medical bills, plan for your future, and prepare to file your case while you recover and return to the life you love.
How Are People Injured in a Head-on Collision?
There’s no way to predict the injuries someone may sustain during a head-on collision. Some people are lucky enough to escape a crash with “mild” injuries, but these kinds of accidents often cause very serious physical damage.
The following are some examples of common injuries after a head-on collision.
- Cuts;
- Bruises;
- Burns;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Neck injuries;
- Back injuries;
- Internal bleeding; and
- Amputation.
How Serious is a Head-on Collision?
Unfortunately, there are deadly consequences after a head-on collision. Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents. Head-on crashes commonly kill their victims.
When this happens, the deceased’s family may bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident, and sometimes against additional responsible parties. Many lawyers who offer vehicle accident representation services also offer wrongful death representation.
What Damages Are Recoverable After a Head-on Collision?
Many people have questions about compensation after a head-on collision.
Here’s an overview of the compensation that you may be eligible to pursue after your accident:
- Medical bills: This includes past, present, and even projected medical bills associated with your accident.
- Pain and suffering: Every car accident can cause emotional suffering or physical pain; if you’ve experienced these because of a head-on collision, you may request specific damages from the at-fault party for your pain and suffering.
- Lost income: Often, head-on collisions cause enough damage that survivors need to take time off of work to heal. If you lose income because of your injuries, you may be eligible to pursue compensation to reimburse you for your lost income.
- Diminished earning capacity: Some injuries have a deeper impact than time off of work. If injuries permanently alter an accident victim’s ability to earn money, they may pursue damages for this long-term loss.
How Much Is My Head-on Collision Case Worth?
Nobody can tell you your case’s worth with certainty. The best way to get a rough estimate of your case’s potential value is to schedule free consultations with several experienced car accident lawyers. Most attorneys offer free case evaluations and they may give you an idea of what your case is worth.
Can a Lawyer Help After a Head-on Collision?
Yes. An attorney can help head-on collision survivors pursue justice. Instead of focusing on how you’ll afford your medical bills or who might have been liable for your accident, you can center your efforts on your recovery.
In the meantime, your lawyer can:
- Help document and collect evidence to prove what happened in your accident;
- Prove the guilty parties’ liability in court (or in other legal proceedings); and
- Help you communicate with insurance agencies and other entities to get you the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
It’s normal not to know what to do next after a head-on collision. A qualified attorney can help. You can take advantage of several free consultations to determine which lawyer is the best fit for your case. When you have found the right fit, your attorney will fight to protect your rights and pursue compensation in your case.
Nathan Hughey, an attorney and fourth-generation South Carolinian, founded Hughey Law Firm in 2007. Before that, he spent five years defending nursing homes and insurance companies. Leveraging his experience, he now advocates for those injured or wronged by such entities, securing over $220 million in verdicts and settlements.