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Head-On Collision Attorney
In this article by Baltimore personal injury lawyer, John Leppler’s law firm, we will discuss head-on collisions and the type of devastation they can cause. We will also highlight different reasons why it is so important to hire a head-on collision accident lawyer.
What Does “Head-On Collision” Mean?
A head-on collision involves two cars moving in opposite directions crashing into one another. They are dangerous accidents because the drivers involved are vulnerable. Seatbelts can keep the drivers from colliding with the windshield, but they are still exposed to the full force of the crash. In addition, after the windshield shatters following the point of impact, it can also cause all kinds of additional injuries.
These collisions can easily lead to fatalities. However, even if they do not lead to deaths, they can still cause devastating injuries. Hire a head-on collision attorney to receive compensation for the injuries you sustained from that accident.
Are Head-On Car Collisions Common?
Compared to other types of car crashes, head-on collisions are less common. For example, numbers compiled over the years indicate that head-on crashes only account for around two% of all car accidents. Despite that, head-on collisions still account for a high percentage of car accident-related fatalities.
Statistics indicate that 58% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths back in 2020 stemmed from head-on crashes.
To put that number into context, fatal accidents where the initial impact was at the side of the vehicle led to the second-most passenger vehicle occupant deaths that same year. Those accidents accounted for 23% of the recorded fatalities over that timeframe. In other words, head-on collisions were more than twice as deadly as any other type of car accident. So, reach out to a head-on collision accident attorney if your loved one was in one of those fatal crashes.
What Are Some of the Causes of Head-On Accidents?
Frontal impact crashes are rare because several things must go wrong for them to take place. In this section, we highlight the factors that may line up to cause those collisions.
- Intoxicated Driving – Drunk drivers can become dangerously oblivious to their surroundings. They may not even know that they have veered off their lane and are now barreling down the road in the wrong direction. If you do not see that intoxicated driver in time, a head-on collision may soon occur.
- Distracted Driving – Many head-on collisions can be attributed to distracted driving. Drivers who are not focusing completely on the road are more likely to enter a nearby lane and hit another car. Wait until you are at a red light to text or pull over if you need to address an emergency. Avoid distractions while driving so you can prevent head-on crashes./li>
- Driving while Fatigued – Driving while you are sleepy is irresponsible and dangerous. Doze off even for a moment, and you may accidentally hit another car in the neighboring lane. You should contact a Baltimore car accident lawyer if you believe a drowsy driver caused your crash.
- Poor Road Visibility – Poor driving conditions also commonly cause frontal impact car crashes. For example, if the visibility is poor while you are driving around Baltimore or Towson, you may not see right away that another car is speeding toward you. By the time you see the other vehicle, it may already be too late for you to move away. Enlist the help of a car accident attorney so they can handle your case.
What Types of Injuries Commonly Occur in Head-On Collisions?
Head-on collisions can be life-changing incidents. That is mainly because many of the injuries they cause can be devastating. Learn more about the injuries people commonly sustain from head-on car crashes in this section of the article.
Broken Bones
The people involved in head-on collisions commonly sustain broken bones. Your extremities are exposed during that type of collision, so they are prone to breaking. Even if your seatbelt keeps you in place, you may still end up with broken ribs due to the force of the impact. More serious injuries to your neck and back may also stem following your involvement in a head-on car crash.
Damage to Your Internal Organs
Aside from broken bones, the victims in head-on car accidents may also suffer damage to their internal organs. As your ribs crack, they may damage your lungs. Your other internal organs are also vulnerable to bruising and other forms of more serious damage during that crash.
Concussions
Your head may hit on a hard object while the collision takes place. If that happens, you will likely develop a concussion. Concussions can cause various symptoms, including headaches, sleep problems, and increased sensitivity to light and noise. In addition, severe concussions can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life.
Seek compensation from the driver who caused the accident and your concussion by working with a local car accident lawyer.
How Is Fault Determined in a Head-On Crash?
Head-on collisions are similar to other types of car accidents because a plaintiff must establish the same things to attribute fault to the other driver involved. First, you must prove that the other driver owed you a duty of care. Establishing this should be easy enough as all drivers owe a duty of care to one another.
Next, you need to demonstrate to the court that the other driver breached their duty of care and that directly led to the accident. The breach could come in the form of the defendant driving while drunk. They could also be responsible for the accident if they were texting while driving around Baltimore County.
The last thing the plaintiff needs to prove is the connection between the accident and their injuries. You must prove that your broken leg stemmed from the head-on collision. Once they establish those elements, the defendant will have difficulty denying your claim. Therefore, work closely with an auto accident attorney to prove those elements in your case.
Head-On Collisions Resulting in Wrongful Death
We have already discussed the different injuries that victims may sustain from a head-on collision. Sustaining injuries from a car accident is not a fortunate outcome. However, considering the fatality rate of head-on crashes, that would still be the preferable scenario.
What happens if your loved one dies in a head-on collision? What actions can you take if you ever find yourself in that scenario? Placed in that position, you should seek a head-on collision lawyer as soon as possible and pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Filing a wrongful death claim is advisable if your loved one dies in an accident due to another party’s negligent or intentional actions.
Wrongful death cases are also considered personal injury claims. However, they are a bit different because a loved one of the person who died will be the one to file the lawsuit instead of the direct victim of the accident. Notably, Maryland law dictates that the spouse, children, or the decedent’s parents are allowed to file the wrongful death lawsuit. However, there are also exceptions to that rule.
For example, if none of the parties decides to file a claim, any other person related to the decedent by blood or marriage could file the lawsuit if they depended on the victim. Unsurprisingly, wrongful death cases can be complicated. Make sure you partner with a wrongful death lawyer in Baltimore so you can go through the process without much trouble.
How Much Is My Head-On Crash Case Worth?
If you are planning to settle so you can receive compensation for the accident faster, the amount you will likely receive will change based on the severity of your injuries. In cases where plaintiffs suffered minor injuries, settlement packages often end up in the $15,000 to $25,000 range. Considering how damaging head-on crashes often are, victims in those cases will receive more compensation.
Some of the payouts in these cases can reach millions of dollars. For example, a plaintiff might receive that kind of settlement offer if their loved one died in the accident.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer
In addition to head-on crash cases we also handle cases involving rear-end accidents, wrong way accidents, t-bone accidents, and more. Contact us at our Baltimore auto accident law firm and allow us to help you recoup compensation in your head-on collision case. We will present the strongest case possible to ensure that you walk away with fair compensation.