Head-on Car Accident Lawyer

Head-on car accidents are usually traumatic for everyone involved. No one expects to see another vehicle rapidly headed toward their car, too fast to control an inevitable crash. When these accidents happen, they usually catch the driver off guard. Head-on collisions may cause the hit car to flip, roll over, or even strike other nearby vehicles. This makes head-on accidents very dangerous.

If you have been injured in a car accident, then consider hiring a head-on car accident lawyer who can explain your legal options. Here at DFW Injury Lawyers, we understand the life-altering effects of a head-on crash, and work hard to ensure you get paid for your losses. Together, we will fight the good fight to help you get the maximum compensation possible for your head-on car accident claim.

What is a Head-On Collision?

A head-on crash, or a frontal collision, happens when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with each other’s front ends. Sometimes, a head-on crash happens if a car directly strikes a motorcycle, pedestrian, or truck that is traveling in the opposite direction. These accidents can also happen when one vehicle runs straight into a stationary object, like a tree or a light pole.

A head-on collision is less common than other types of car accidents because it is atypical for vehicles to drive in opposite directions in close proximity. However, when such head-on car accidents do happen, they tend to be severe and cause serious injuries to all parties.

What Should I Do After a Head-On Accident?

It’s important to know the steps to take after a car accident to ensure that you protect both your physical health and your right to compensation.

Immediately following a car accident, you should call the police to report the car crash. Your local police official will document the accident by creating a report. They will likely also call in emergency responders who can help the people involved get the medical and other attention they need, including emergency care.

While you are at the accident site, make sure you take photos and videos of the accident and your injuries. If possible, you should also memorize all important details and exchange contact information with the other party involved in the head-on crash.

If you don’t require emergency care, you should still visit a nearby hospital to get a full physical checkup. Keep all medical bills, diagnostic reports, and associated expense records for future use.

If you think your losses are significant, then your next move should be to contact a Texas car accident lawyer.

Head-on Collision Statistics

Texas does not have the strongest reputation when it comes to car accidents. While it has seen a decrease in the total number of fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2022, it still continues to account for a large number of car accidents. An accident is reported in the state every 57 seconds.

According to the data from the Texas Department of Transportation, 636 individuals were fatally injured in head-on collisions in 2022. Sadly, many of these head-on collisions could have been avoided.

Causes of Head-On Collisions

There are many common causes of head-on collisions in Texas. While poorly designed roads, bad weather conditions, or improper signage may cause head-on collisions, they are usually the result of negligence.

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of head-on collisions is distracted driving. Drivers looking down at their phones, attempting to eat, or otherwise not paying attention to the road are the ones who often swerve out of their lanes and into oncoming traffic while trying to avoid an accident.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is another common cause of head-on collisions. Fatigue can cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel and skid outside their lanes. They might not realize when they head straight toward other cars or stationary objects due to impaired judgment and slow reaction time.

Driving Under the Influence and Reckless Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to a head-on crash. Alcohol or drugs can significantly influence a person’s ability to drive safely. It can cause a driver to go the wrong way on the road and fail to realize their error. Extreme stress or emotional distress may also catalyze reckless driving.

Failure to Slow Down the Car

Failing to slow down or driving too fast can result in head-on collisions. Speeding is not only a traffic violation but also a safety hazard. If a speeding vehicle collided with the front end of your car, you might be able to prove negligent per se (i.e. negligence in itself).

Not Following Traffic and Road Safety Rules

All drivers, bikers, and pedestrians must follow traffic and road safety rules. When drivers violate traffic laws, they end up engaging in risky driving maneuvers and generally, become less predictable for other drivers, which can easily cause a crash. Examples of traffic disobedience include:

• Speeding
• Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs
• Tailgating
• Road rage

Wrong-Way Driving Accidents

A wrong-way crash happens when a driver is mistakenly headed in an incorrect direction and collides with another vehicle as a result. This type of accident occurs when a driver is intoxicated, misinformed, inexperienced, or unable to comprehend road signs.

Loss of Control Over the Vehicle

Loss of control over the vehicle may happen when there is a braking failure, steering failure, or another type of mechanical failure that occurs due to a lack of maintenance. If a driver loses control of the car, then it can swerve into the wrong lane.

Missing Signs, Bad Weather Conditions, or Other External Causes

Poor road infrastructure, like missing or incorrect signs, can lead to a head-on crash. Other external factors, like bad weather conditions, can also lead to an accidental head-on collision due to reduced visibility and slippery roadways.

Head-On Collision Injuries

Since head-on accidents cause the front end of a car to get crushed, it can cause severe injuries from the impact of the car wreck. Here are some of the most commonly reported injuries after a head-on accident:

• Wrongful death
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord, back, and neck injuries
• Paralysis
• Disfigurement, disability, and loss of limbs
• Broken bones
• Whiplash
• Blunt force trauma
• Internal bleeding
• Burns
• Cuts, bruises, and scarring
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

After a head-on accident, some individuals sustain permanent and long-term injuries. A head injury could lead to long-term care, permanent disability, or even death. When injuries are this substantial, it’s necessary to talk to a Texas car accident lawyer about your losses and legal options.

Who is Responsible for a Head-On Car Accident?

In Texas, fault is determined based on the legal principle of negligence. According to Texas personal injury law, a person, such as a driver, who owes a duty of care to everyone on the road, may be held responsible for an accident if such a driver breaches the duty of care. In other words, everyone on the road should conduct themselves in a reasonable manner so as not to put anyone else at risk, whether it’s a pedestrian, motorist, biker, or another driver. The amount of compensation an injured person may receive will depend on the degree of harm suffered.

In order to establish liability, your head-on car accident lawyer will investigate all aspects of the car accident. They will likely go through all police reports, speak to witnesses as well as other experts like your doctor or an accident site reconstruction expert, and examine every piece of evidence available. Not all types of evidence are admissible in court; therefore, it is important to hire a lawyer with the relevant background and experience who knows how to present evidence in court so as to strengthen your claim.

Can I Sue for a Head-On Car Accident

You should consider suing for a Texas car accident if you believe that another party bears more than half of the responsibility for the accident. If you were more than 50% at fault for the head-on car accident, then you will likely not secure any compensation.

The second most important factor to consider prior to filing a lawsuit is your total losses following the accident. If your injuries and property damage were minor, then you may not need to file a claim. On the other hand, if your medical bills and other expenses are high, then you could sue the other party to pay. Your losses may include damages in the form of a wrecked car, bodily injuries, loss of employment or livelihood, pain and suffering, and more.

When Should I Call a Head-On Car Accident Lawyer

Ideally, you should contact a head-on car accident lawyer if you were recently involved in a head-on collision that resulted in significant losses due to somebody else’s negligence. Contact a lawyer who has experience with head-on collisions as soon as possible as it might help you in the following ways:

• Filing a head-on car accident injury claim: The statute of limitations in Texas for a personal injury lawsuit is typically two years, so it is imperative you contact an attorney much further in advance so they have adequate time to prepare for a lawsuit.
• Negotiating with other parties: In many car accident cases, you might find there is more than a clear, at-fault defendant who was responsible for the head-on collision. Your attorney might need to negotiate with multiple parties, such as the other party’s insurance company or investigate a car manufacturer, before they are able to help you secure compensation, if any.
• Gathering evidence: You need relevant evidence to be able to fight for the compensation you deserve following a car accident injury. It is always a good idea to collect evidence such as cam footage, eyewitness contact, and other info on time. Sometimes, witnesses leave the state or important records get lost, so it is important to act fast.

A car accident injury attorney can help you determine your options based on your specific circumstances and your goals. At DFW Injury Lawyers, our Texas car accident lawyers will not charge you any fees unless you win. Rest assured, we have the resources and motivation to thoroughly investigate your case, build a strong lawsuit, and fight for your rights in court for as long as it takes. With us, you do not have to worry about paying any upfront or hidden charges unless you win.

What is the Average Settlement for a Head-On Collision?

So, how much can someone sue for a car accident? Just like every car crash is different, so are settlement amounts. According to Forbes though, the typical car accident settlement in 2020 amounted to about $20,235. However, a car crash settlement can be much higher than this amount or lower depending on the severity of the injuries.

The idea behind seeking compensation from the at-fault party is to legally make you ‘whole,’ as you were before the accident. Thus, at minimum, you should be able to pursue compensation equal to the amount that you have lost in terms of car repair costs, medical bills, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and other rehabilitative care costs. In addition, you can seek compensation for mental distress, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and other non-economic damages.

Let Our DFW Injury Lawyers Muscle Up For You: 100% Free Consultation

Have you recently suffered from a serious injury after a car accident? If so, then it might be in your best interests to speak with a head-on car accident lawyer. The right attorney can help you go over what happened and identify who could potentially be responsible for the accident.

Here at DFW Injury Lawyers, our team will muscle up to help you throughout the process so you may get paid what you deserve. Schedule a meeting with us today. You won’t pay anything to work with us unless we recover compensation for you.