Typically, a head-on collision is caused when a driver is heading the wrong way into oncoming traffic – and fault for the crash will likely be with the wrong-way driver.
The cause of a head-on collision can sometimes be more complicated, however. A lawyer with our firm can determine the cause of your accident and help you prove who should be held responsible.
How Fault Is Determined in a Head-On Collision
With any car accident, fault will be determined by investigating the careless or reckless actions that caused the crash. Careless or reckless actions are often referred to as negligent actions.
In a head-on collision, some forms of negligence that can lead to a head-on collision include:
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Confusion or driver error
- Road rage or aggressive driving
- Illegal maneuvers
For instance, a drunk or tired driver might have entered a highway by using the exit ramp, leading to a head-on crash.Â
When Fault for a Head-On Crash Is Complicated
However, there are situations where a head-on collision is caused by more complicated factors. For instance:
- In a two-lane highway, a driver may have swerved to avoid an object in the road or veered after slipping on an ice patch.
- In a multi-lane highway, a driver may have been pushed into oncoming traffic by another vehicle.
In these cases, fault for the accident may not be with the driver who swerved into the wrong lane, or at least, fault for the crash may be divided among multiple parties.Â
In other situations, liability for a head-on accident can be complex because:
- The accident resulted from a defective part or vehicle, and liability for the accident lies with the manufacturer.
- A truck driver could have caused a head-on crash, but a trucking company may be deemed liable for negligent hiring or other negligence.
What Are My Legal Options to Hold the At-Fault Driver Responsible?
In every state, there are different laws regarding how injury victims can pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.Â
In Georgia and South Carolina, victims can seek compensation from the driver who caused the crash or another liable party. This means that:
- You could file an insurance claim through the other driver’s policy.
- You could file a civil lawsuit and take your case for compensation to trial.
If you work with us after your car accident, we can investigate the details of your case to tell you which of these options makes the most sense for your case.Â
It is often possible to secure a fair out-of-court settlement with a negligent driver’s insurance company. However, there are certain situations where pursuing a lawsuit may be the best option. For instance, if an insurance company refuses to accept that their driver was at fault and will not offer you a settlement, filing suit can motivate them to address your demand for compensation.Â
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive After a Head-On Crash?
Through a lawsuit or an insurance claim, you could seek compensation for:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages
Again, a lawyer from our firm can be beneficial in helping you determine the compensation you’re entitled to. If you have catastrophic injuries and are expected to require months or years of medical care, one of our lawyers can help you understand how to seek compensation for all anticipated future costs associated with the accident.
Should I Get Legal Help for My Injury Case?
A lawyer from our firm can be a beneficial asset to your case for compensation. This is because we will:
Investigate Your Case and Gather Evidence
Let’s say that the head-on accident was caused by a truck driver and a trucking company is liable. To prove your case, we can gather extensive evidence, such as:
- Black box data from the truck
- Trucking company logbooks
- Records of past violations on the part of the trucking company
- Other evidence, such as witness statements, police records, medical records, and more
Having strong evidence can be essential to the success of your case. Our lawyers gather crucial evidence that will persuade insurance companies and juries of what you deserve.
Help You Show that You Deserve the Best Possible Settlement
It’s one thing to say that someone caused a crash, but it’s another to pursue a settlement or award that accurately compensates you for your losses.Â
A lawyer on our team can determine not only the financial losses that resulted from the crash, such as income losses and projected medical care expenses, but also more intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. It can be hard to negotiate the value of pain and suffering on your own.
Protect Your Right to Seek Compensation
Some insurance companies will use aggressive tactics to lower or deny your claim for compensation. They may try to say that you caused the crash or you made your own injuries worse.
We will handle all conversations with insurance companies to ensure that your right to seek compensation is protected.
Get a Free Case Review from George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers to Learn Your Options
Our team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers knows how to seek the best possible compensation for you. We have a track record of results for our past car accident clients, and we are prepared to fight for your results today.Âą
Our team is ready to answer all your questions and help you get started on your case today. Call for a free case review at: (888) 612-7001.