Head-on collisions pose the most significant risk of death in any type of car accident. Even when motor vehicles are traveling at low speeds, the impact of striking another vehicle head-on can cause serious injuries. Damage to vehicles is a near certainty whenever a head-on accident takes place.

If you want to seek compensation to cover your damages, a car accident lawyer can help. A car accident attorney can lead your insurance claim or lawsuit while you recover from injuries or work through a loved one’s passing.

Why Head-On Collisions Happen

Several hazards increase the risk of any motor vehicle accident, including:

• Speeding: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites speeding as a factor in one-third of fatal motor vehicle accidents. Speeding can cause a motorist to lose control of their vehicle and cause a head-on collision.
• Driving while drunk: A drunk driver may be more likely to lose control of their vehicle, engage in distracting behaviors, veer into oncoming traffic without realizing it, and take other actions that lead to a head-on collision.
• Driving under the influence of prescription or illicit drugs: Driving under the influence of prescription or illicit drugs may be just as dangerous as drunk driving, if not more dangerous. Drugs can have a sedative or stimulating effect that causes a motorist to lose control or engage in risky behavior.
• Driving while tired: One journal described nine accidents where non-intoxicated drivers fell asleep and caused head-on accidents.
• Driving an unsafe vehicle: When motorists fail to regularly service their vehicle or ignore a potential or certain issue, they put others at risk. A tire blowout or brake failure are just two of many vehicular hazards that can lead to a head-on car collision.

Some motorist behaviors increase the risk of a head-on collision in particular.

These behaviors include:

• Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road: If a motorist passes a vehicle on a two-lane road, they may enter oncoming traffic. The lane-dividing lines will tell the driver whether it is legal to pass (solid double lines mean passing is illegal). Even if a motorist can legally pass by entering oncoming traffic, they must ensure it is safe to do so. Passing when it is illegal or dangerous to do so can be the direct cause of a head-on car accident.
• Ignoring or failing to heed traffic signals: Traffic signals prevent all kinds of accidents, including head-on collisions. If a motorist fails to heed one-way traffic signs, traffic lights, and other signals regulating traffic flow, they may cause a head-on accident.

Motorists must exercise caution at all times. This includes caution in how they drive, how they care for their vehicle, and the behaviors they refrain from while behind the wheel. If a motorist uses good judgment, remains alert and focused, and ensures the safety of their vehicle before driving, they are unlikely to cause a head-on collision.

Who Is at Fault for a Head-On Collision?

It is not always immediately obvious who you can hold liable for a head-on collision. In a rear-end collision, you can generally assume that the driver who struck the back of the other vehicle is liable. Because head-on accidents involve two vehicles striking each other in a similar way, an investigation may be necessary to determine fault.

The motorist who disobeyed the rules of the road, whether intentionally or not, is typically liable for the head-on accident.

Who Is Financially Responsible for the Damages from a Head-On Collision?

A motorist who causes a head-on collision may be financially liable for the accident. However, motorists are not always financially liable or may not be solely financially liable.

Circumstances that can shift financial liability to a non-motorist include:

• An accident caused by a vehicle defect: In this case, a vehicle manufacturer, mechanic, or vehicle owner may be liable for the head-on collision
• An accident caused by someone on the job: An employer may be financially liable if their employee causes a head-on accident in the course of their work, whether it is a delivery driver, mover, or another type of employee.
• Confusing or dangerous road conditions: For example, a municipality may be liable if a broken traffic signal or downed one-way traffic sign results in a collision.

Each head-on car collision happens under unique circumstances. A lawyer will gather all relevant evidence and information to determine liability for your accident.

Damages Resulting From Head-On Car Collisions

Three primary types of damage result from head-on collisions, and they are:

1. Death, which is the most tragic potential outcome of a head-on car accident
2. Serious injuries, are likely when two vehicles collide in a head-on manner
3. Property damage, which is also likely whenever two vehicles collide

The laws of physics dictate that a head-on collision is particularly dangerous for motorists and passengers. While the vehicle’s momentum may suddenly stop because it strikes another vehicle traveling in an opposite direction, the motorist and passenger’s momentum will continue forward.

Whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt, the victim of a head-on collision may:

• Strike their head against the steering wheel, dashboard, roof, or other interior vehicle components
• Suffer injuries to their ribs, breastplate, and internal organs because of the stress that the seatbelt puts on their body
• Be ejected from the vehicle, exposing the victim to a variety of other dangers (including scraping against the road and being run over)
• Encounter broken glass, hot vehicle components, and other hazards that can cause serious injury or death

Damage to your vehicle may be costly, as the impact of a head-on collision may require you to get a new car. The cost of your injuries or the cost of losing a loved one is even more expensive than property expenses.

Injuries That Can Result From a Head-On Accident

When a body moves at a high rate of speed in a certain direction and then stops suddenly, the resulting strain on your body can be catastrophic. This sudden stopping of a body in motion can cause whiplash.

A head-on accident can also cause:

• Fractured skull
• Other broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Injuries to internal organs
• Severe burns
• Amputation injuries
• Severe lacerations (cuts)
• Other injuries

These injuries can be life-threatening, cause lifelong symptoms, result in scarring and other types of disfigurement, or even claim the victim’s life.

Why Do You Deserve Money for a Head-On Car Collision?

First, remember this: You are the victim of your car accident. You should have no second thoughts about holding liable parties accountable for the harm they have caused you. A lawsuit or insurance claim may be the only way to get justice for your head-on collision.

You may need money after your head-on car accident because:

• You need a new vehicle
• You have medical bills that someone must pay for
• You have lost income and may be unable to work for the foreseeable future
• You are suffering psychologically and emotionally, and you may need treatment to deal with your suffering

The civil legal system allows victims to hold negligent parties accountable. You do not need a specific reason to pursue a lawsuit or claim. You simply need to be the victim of someone’s negligence.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Head-On Car Accident?

A lawyer will manage your lawsuit or insurance claim. These processes are important, as the outcome of each will determine if you get the money you deserve.

A car accident lawyer can help a head-on collision victim by:

Developing a Strategy

A lawyer will review the details of your case. They’ll consider what insurance policies cover your accident and how much coverage those policies provide. Your lawyer will compare this coverage with your accident-related losses. If the cost of your damages exceeds insurance coverage, or you have damages that insurance does not cover, your lawyer may advise that you file a lawsuit.

Completing the Daily Responsibilities of Your Head-On Accident Case

A lawsuit or insurance claim requires attention to detail, as the party in charge of these processes may need to:

• Draft and file paperwork
• Gather documentation to substantiate the claim or lawsuit
• Deal with insurance companies
• Deal with attorneys involved with the lawsuit
• Hire experts to help with either process
• Ensure that the claim or lawsuit reaches completion

A car accident law firm will have attorneys, paralegals, and systems to ensure the accuracy of your lawsuit or claim. Just as importantly, the firm will have the time necessary to complete a complicated claim or lawsuit.

Gathering Evidence From the Head-On Collision

Your attorney may gather evidence related to your accident, including:

• Witness accounts of the collision
• Video Footage
• A police report
• Photographs of the scene
• Photographs of damaged vehicles
• Any other evidence that indicates fault for the accident

Evidence will be an important part of your case. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can begin gathering evidence for your lawsuit or claim.

Documenting Your Damages

Your attorney will need to prove your losses and may do so with:

• Medical records and bills
• Images of your injuries
• Invoices for vehicle repairs and other accident-related expenses
• Testimony from doctors, mental health professionals, and others who can attest to your damages
• Proof that you have been unable to work

Your specific damages will dictate which types of documentation your lawyer seeks.

Fighting for a Settlement

Settlement negotiations are where your lawyer fights for the money you deserve. If liable parties offer the settlement you are entitled to, your lawyer may end your case at this stage.

Taking Your Case to Trial, if Necessary

If your lawyer does not settle your case, they may proceed to trial. Trials can be complex and time-consuming but may be worthwhile when the accident victim has substantial damages.

Recoverable Damages for Victims of Head-On Car Accidents

Your lawyer can seek money to cover:

• Repairs for your vehicle
• Replacement of a vehicle with total damage
• Temporary transportation
• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Lost earning power
• Pain and suffering
• Medications
• Counseling
• Rehabilitation
• Any other damages caused by your head-on collision

If your loved one passes away because of a head-on collision, you may also face funeral expenses, loss of a companion, loss of a parent, loss of financial support, and several other damages. Losing a loved one is the greatest price anyone can pay, and your lawyer should fight for a significant settlement or judgment in these circumstances.

Who Can Afford to Hire a Lawyer After a Head-On Collision?

Everyone can afford to hire a car accident lawyer. Law firms that represent head-on collision victims generally use contingency fees.

Rather than charging a flat rate or billing by the hour, a law firm that uses contingency fees:

• Has no guarantee of payment from the client
• Collects no upfront fee
• Pays all case-related costs and expenses
• Receives a percentage of their client’s financial recovery
• Receives no fee unless they win for their client

You may already be facing financial pressure because of your accident. This no-win, no-fee structure may be helpful, as you won’t have to pay out of your own pocket to hire a lawyer.

Call Car Accident Attorneys Today to Seek Compensation for a Head-On Collision

You can complete a free consultation with any law firm you consider hiring. This consultation is a chance to ask questions about the firm’s culture, capabilities, and fitness for your case.

Do not wait to hire a lawyer. Your state may impose deadlines for filing a lawsuit, and waiting to hire an attorney can compromise your case’s eligibility.

Schedule A Free Consultation