A head-on car accident is one of the most dangerous types of car accidents in which you can be involved. While every car accident is serious, there is an added degree of hazard in a head-on collision because of the force and where your car has been hit. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a head-on accident, you may be entitled to a large settlement. Contact our experienced Wilmington car accident attorneys at Horton Mendez Injury Attorneys to discuss your legal case.
Causes of Head-On Car Accidents
One of the two cars is clearly to blame in a head-on car accident. One driver has ended up somewhere where they were not supposed to be, in the face of oncoming traffic.
Although you do not need to prove why when you can show that the responsible driver was in your lane, here are some of the causes of head-on car crashes:
- Distracted driving can cause a motorist to miss a road sign and enter the wrong lane.
- Carelessness or inattention can lead the driver to veer out of their lane on a two-lane road with no median.
- A mechanical issue in a poorly maintained car can cause the motorist to be unable to steer properly.
- Reckless driving or excessive speed can cause the motorist to lose control of their car.
- A driver might lose traction on the road in inclement weather conditions.
There Is Often Serious Injury or Death After a Head-On Accident
The dangers of head-on crashes are reflected in the high fatality rate for these crashes. Although head-on crashes are relatively rare, roughly one in every ten car accident fatalities occurs in a head-on accident.
These collisions unleash the most violent force of any type of car accident. The force of the accident is multiplied, and the drivers will feel the entire amount of force. In addition, the front of the car will collapse suddenly, increasing the chances that the driver will be severely injured by flying debris, shrapnel, the windshield, or even the occupant’s own car.
Here are some reasons why head-on car accidents are more dangerous than any other type of crash:
- The airbag can forcefully deploy, causing injury when the driver or passenger is struck by an explosive projectile.
- Vehicles are traveling at a much faster speed before a head-on collision.
- These accidents are sudden and startling, and the driver does not have time to brace for the crash.
There is very little chance that a driver will walk away unscathed after they have been involved in a head-on accident. They may suffer the following injuries:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and injuries (from the impact with the airbag or the seatbelt)
- Contusions and lacerations
Your Damages in a Head-On Car Accident Case
Before you can discuss financial compensation, you must prove that someone else was to blame for the car accident. Then, you have a legal right to be paid for both the economic and non-economic damages that you suffered from the accident. It is difficult to give you an estimate of what your particular case is worth until we can review your situation in detail.
In general, here is what you can expect to be paid in your car accident case:
- Your economic damages represent your own financial losses caused by your accident injuries. These losses can include a reduction in your earnings from missed time from work or loss of physical capacity, the costs of your medical care, and damage to your vehicle.
- Your non-economic damages represent harm to your person and quality of life. These damages can include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
If your loved one died in a head-on accident, your family could be paid for what you lost when your family member passed away. These damages can include:
- Loss of the financial support that the loved one provided
- Loss of guidance and support from your family member
- Your emotional trauma and distress from tragically losing a loved one
In the end, your case is worth what you agree to in a settlement, so you should work to maximize your financial compensation.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You
Besides dealing with serious accident injuries, you do not have the legal skill to go up against the insurance company, and that is precisely what you need to do to be paid in full.
Our lawyers help your case by doing the following:
- Investigating the cause of the accident and gathering evidence that proves what happened
- Reviewing your own situation and helping you come up with an estimate of your damages
- Submitting the claim to the insurance company or filing a lawsuit on your behalf in court
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a potential settlement
- Arguing your case in court if there is no settlement agreement
Contact a Wilmington Personal Injury Attorney Today
At Horton Mendez Injury Attorneys, we are standing by and ready to help you when you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a head-on car accident. You can begin the legal process by calling us today at 910-405-7751 or sending us a message online. [1] We offer free consultations to prospective clients, and you owe us nothing unless you win your case.
