A head-on car accident lawyer, such as the team Hite Law Firm Trial Lawyers, can tell you that these are the most serious and dangerous collision types. If you or your family member suffered injuries in a head-on collision, call our attorneys in Abbeville and begin the recovery process with our legal guidance.
Head-On Collisions Defined
Did you know that 10% of all motor vehicle collisions in 2020 were head-on? The Insurance Information Institute found that despite this seemingly low percentage, these accidents caused 3,631 deaths and many thousands of injuries.
A head-on car accident occurs when two cars collide at the front of both vehicles from opposite directions. These crashes are most often the result of one car drifting into or driving in oncoming traffic. Driving directly into a stationary object is also a head-on collision.
The force of such a crash can be significant. While the hoods of modern vehicles crush to absorb some of the force, these accidents are still some of the most dangerous.
Causes of Head-On Car Accidents in Abbeville
Head-on car crashes have similar causes to other accidents on the road, and negligence is usually a factor.
Distracted driving is a common cause. Drinking, eating, looking at a GPS, texting, making phone calls, or talking to passengers in the vehicle, especially if the conversation is funny or heated, can take someone’s attention away from the road. Bad weather or darkness may make it difficult to see while driving tired can cause an individual to drift off or fight to stay awake.
Driving under the influence, whether from drugs or alcohol, can also cause delayed reactions, reckless driving, or other tragic mistakes. Speeding, especially on curvy roads, can push a driver into other lanes or cause them to lose complete control of the car.
When drivers are in an unfamiliar area, they can turn the wrong way on a one-way street. Highways, their exits and entrances, and roadway intersections are common locations of head-on collisions as well. A driver may misjudge the amount of time they have to pass other vehicles or try to pass in no-passing zones, such as on hills and, around curves, on two-lane roads.
Serious Injuries in Head-On Crashes
A head-on car crash can cause very serious injuries due to the force exerted on the vehicle and body. At a minimum, you and your passengers can experience whiplash, severe lacerations, back injuries, and blunt force trauma.
You may also receive spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, back injuries, facial deformities, and traumatic brain injuries. Surgeries or injuries may also produce scarring. In some cases, you and your passengers can get thrown from the vehicle or pinned beneath or inside the car.
Liability for a Head-On Collision
A head-on car accident lawyer’s investigation should determine who is at fault in the collision. Those who drove distracted, intoxicated, tired, or dangerously may be responsible for the accident. In such cases, the at-fault driver is likely the one in the wrong lane or location. Sometimes all of the drivers involved may have some responsibility for the accident. Ultimately, the court will determine who is liable.
At times, it may not be either driver. Road work without adequate signage or roads that confuse drivers can cause these incidents. In addition, defective vehicles can lead to a head-on car crash. In these cases, the liability falls on the state, community, construction company, or vehicle manufacturer.
In South Carolina, you can sue the at-fault driver for damages over and above what the insurance company may pay. A head-on collision attorney at our firm can tell you which liability laws apply to your incident.
Damages for a Head-On Car Crash in Abbeville
Although no car accident lawyer can guarantee specific damages, legal professionals can fight for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. It is also possible to seek wrongful death compensation in any case where the driver or a passenger died.
If you cannot return to work or your injuries adversely affected your earning capacity, your lawyer can help you sue for loss of earning capacity. An attorney may also pursue property damage, such as the cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
Factors That Impact Settlements and Awards
You can sue even if you share fault in the accident. However, the judge may reduce your compensation by the percentage of the fault. For example, when you are 20% at fault, the judge may reduce the damages by 20%, so a $100,000 award may receive a reduction of $20,000. Awards can vary from a few thousand dollars to $1,000,000 or more.
Other factors the courts consider include the severity of your injuries and whether they resulted in permanent disability or disfigurement. Your age, education, and occupation may also impact your compensation. Courts will consider your quality of life, including whether you are still able to do things you enjoy or go back to work full-time.
How a Head-On Collision Attorney in Abbeville Can Help
A head-on car accident lawyer can help you build a personal injury case and your rights as an accident victim. Our South Carolina lawyers are familiar with the laws specific to this state. We are well-versed in the tort law that applies to car accidents.
One of our attorneys can also offer you applicable legal advice. We understand what you should expect after the incident and how you can present a solid case. The stronger the case, the better your chances of gaining compensation. During a consultation, we can also teach you how to protect your case, especially as proceedings shift to dealing with insurance companies.
Finally, we may negotiate a settlement or represent you in a jury trial. Both of these tasks involve extensive investigations, including gathering evidence, such as police reports, photos and videos, witness statements, and damage reports. We can represent you during pretrial and trial proceedings in an attempt to get you the best compensation available, but more importantly, hold the negligent party accountable.
Contact a Reputable Head-On Car Accident Lawyer
You should not have to pay for damages in an accident you did not cause. A car accident lawyer at Hite Law Firm Trial Lawyers is available now to help you after a head-on collision in South Carolina. Trust us to pursue your best interests and fight for your well-being. Contact us today for a consultation.
