Some of the most devastating accidents are head-on car collisions. Even when two vehicles are traveling at low speed, the combined force when they strike directly from opposite directions magnifies the impact–and the injuries. If you have been hurt in a head-on collision, you may be wondering where to turn for help. A Fort Worth car accident lawyer at the Patterson
How head-on collisions occur
Head-on crashes usually occur when one driver mistakenly enters an oncoming lane of traffic. One common scenario is when a drunk driver enters the freeway via an off-ramp instead of an on-ramp and ends up traveling directly into oncoming traffic. Other common causes include:
- Drowsiness
- Distracted driving
- Improperly marked changes in traffic patterns
- Reckless lane changes
- Drug impairment
- Swerving to avoid an obstruction
- Weather-related low visibility
- A mechanical problem like a blown-out tire
- Road construction
Common injuries from head-on accidents
The physics of a head-on collision makes certain types of injuries more common, which are often severe. Head-on car accident injuries often include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Chest injuries
- Back injuries, including spinal cord damage
- Organ damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Seat belt injuries
Who is responsible for a head-on collision in Texas?
In a head-on collision, the driver who was traveling in the wrong direction is usually at fault. Under Texas law, they are liable for the injuries they cause. First, however, the plaintiff needs to prove that the other driver was negligent–meaning they caused the accident by violating a traffic law or acting recklessly or unreasonably. However, a thorough investigation is necessary because blame may also lie with other parties such as another motorist, an individual who placed an obstruction in the road, the manufacturer or distributor of a defective product, employers of at-fault drivers, or others yet-to-be-determined.
Proving a head-on collision case
No matter who is named as a defendant, proving fault will require evidence, including eyewitness testimony, documentation, expert reports, business records, traffic camera footage, and other sources. Some of this you can gather on your own, but some will require subpoenas, depositions, or other legal strategies. It is important to name all potentially liable parties. Obtaining all the information and evidence to prove fault can be overwhelming. A Fort Worth personal injury lawyer can help.
What compensation is available for a Fort Worth head-on collision?
In Texas, a personal injury victim is entitled to recover the compensation that will make them financially “whole” again. In reality, nothing can truly undo the effects of a serious accident, but a head-on collision lawyer can help you obtain compensation for:
- Past medical expenses and related costs such as medication and transportation to appointments
- Future necessary treatment and associated expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and future loss or reduction in income
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral costs and wrongful death compensation in fatal accidents
Recovering maximum compensation requires thorough recordkeeping, documentation, and strong advocacy. Your head-on car crash lawyer will review your case to ensure you do not overlook losses that should be eligible for compensation. Because once you receive a judgment or settle your case, you will not be able to re-open the claim if you discover you had additional damages.
What to do after a head-on accident
Knowing what to do after a serious accident like a head-on collision can save time and further complications.
- Call 911 and request help from the police and paramedics. Ask for a copy of the police report.
- Seek medical attention. If you do not have serious injuries that would warrant a visit to the emergency room, get a medical evaluation within 24 hours–minor injuries may worsen over time.
- If possible, take photos of the scene and write down the names and contact information of witnesses or others on the scene.
- Do not speak with the other party’s insurance representative. Insurance companies aim to pay as little as possible. Therefore, early conversations with unrepresented injury victims are an ideal time for them to settle a case for a low amount.
- Speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Once a lawyer is working for you, they can take the lead on tasks like obtaining medical bills and discussing your case with the insurance companies.
How a lawyer helps a victim file a claim for a head-on collision
Anyone who experiences a head-on car accident will have many questions. A personal injury lawyer will answer them while investigating who was involved, who was responsible, whether there were any outside factors like defective road conditions or car parts that may have contributed to the collision.
Also, some collisions raise special questions. For example, if your accident involved a large commercial vehicle, there will likely be unique factual and legal issues that you should trust with a Fort Worth truck accident attorney.
If your attorney determines that someone else was at fault, they will examine the insurance coverage available and present appropriate claims to the relevant parties. Your attorney will also present evidence of fault and damages and advocate for full and fair compensation. If the insurance company is unwilling to cooperate, they may file a lawsuit to hold them accountable.
Nothing can undo the experience of a serious accident but choosing the right lawyer can relieve much of the burden of fighting for justice.
Contact us for a free consultation
Retaining a car accident attorney early in the process can level the playing field for you. The other parties may have an attorney and insurance company representatives on their side, fighting hard to reduce the amount you receive in compensation. Contact Patterson Law Group to review your case and take the first step toward advocating for your rights. We put our clients first. Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
