Usually, if you’re an attentive driver, you can avoid most types of motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, when it comes to a head-on collision, this isn’t the case. Our Roswell car accident attorneys have handled their fair share of these cases and understand how devastating they can be.
Here, we’ll discuss the common causes of head-on collisions. We’ll also explain how an experienced Roswell auto accident lawyer can help get you the compensation you deserve.
Are Head-On Collisions Really All That Common?
There are hundreds of thousands of motor vehicle accidents in this country every year. While only 2% of all accidents are head-on collisions, many of them prove fatal. Most others result in devastating injuries for the people involved. It’s because of the nature of these injuries that victims in head-on crashes are typically entitled to significant damages.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Head-On Collisions?
It’s hard to imagine what would cause someone to drive the wrong way down a road or highway. However, in almost every head-on collision, this is what happens. A driver is either driving down the road in the wrong direction or they veer into oncoming traffic on a two-way highway.
The most common causes of these accidents include the following:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Fatigued driving
Roswell Car Crash Lawyers Handle Many Head-On Accident Caused by Drunk Driving
It makes sense that drunk driving would be one of the most common causes of a head-on car crash. When people are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they don’t make the best decisions.
It’s also true that people who are under the influence take much greater risks than sober drivers. It’s not hard to imagine someone driving down a one-way street in the wrong direction if they’re intoxicated.
It also makes sense that someone who is drunk or high would lose control of their car while driving above the speed limit.
Distracted Driving Is Another Common Cause of Head-On Collisions
One of the other common causes of head-on collisions is distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,500 people involved in distracted driving accidents don’t survive their injuries.
Studies have shown that taking your eyes off the road for just three seconds is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. All it takes is someone reading or typing a text message. The next thing they know, they’re driving in the wrong direction, heading right for an unsuspecting motorist.
Our Accident Lawyers Have Seen Their Fair Share of Collisions Caused by Reckless Driving
When someone makes an innocent mistake, it is considered negligence. However, when someone has no concern for the consequences of their actions, it is often considered reckless.
It may be hard to think of a reason why anybody would knowingly drive into oncoming traffic. However, imagine the person who is late for a meeting. They figure they’ll take a shortcut down a one-way road that is rarely used.
They assume they’ll make it down the street without anyone making them late. Unfortunately, they don’t plan on what to do if someone is, in fact, driving down that one-way street. This would be considered reckless behavior.
Your Attorney Will Still Need to Prove Fault
Even if the defendant hit your vehicle head-on, your Roswell car crash lawyer still has to prove fault. The defendant’s attorney may claim that you had ample opportunity to avoid the collision.
Or they may argue that, even though their client was driving in the wrong direction, you were the one who caused the crash. Of course, your lawyer will hire experts, if need be, to prove that this wasn’t the case.
What Kind of Damages Can Your Accident Attorney Demand in Your Initial Complaint?
Once your Roswell accident attorney proves fault, they’ll have to prove your damages. Just because you were involved in an accident, that doesn’t mean you are automatically entitled to damages.
In most of the cases our lawyers handle, they demand some, or all of the following:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Pain and suffering
Your attorney will need to support your demand for damages with evidence.
Medical Bills and Future Medical Bills
If you’re hurt in a head-on collision, your attorney will demand compensation for medical bills. This includes any bills you’ve already accrued in addition to future medical bills.
Your auto accident lawyer will have to submit copies of your medical bills, explanation of benefit forms, and out-of-pocket expenses. You may also have to retain a medical expert to testify as to any future medical care you’ll need.
Lost Wages and Lost Future Income
Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, you may not be able to do the same kind of work you did prior to the crash. If this is the case, your attorney will demand that you be compensated for any future income you’ll lose.
In addition, you can demand reimbursement for any lost wages you suffered as a result of the accident. This can add up to a significant amount if your injuries are very serious.
Pain and Suffering
Most accident victims demand compensation for pain and suffering in their initial complaint. This is meant to compensate you for any mental and physical anguish you experience as a result of the accident.
The general rule is that your pain and suffering will be equal to three times your medical bills. When your lawyers negotiate a settlement of your case, they’ll make sure they fight for these damages.
Property Damage
Obviously, if your vehicle sustains any damage in the collision, the defendant will be liable for that. If your car needs to be repaired, the insurance company will have to pay for these repairs.
If the damages are so bad that your vehicle is deemed totaled, your attorney will demand compensation equal to the fair market value of your car at the time of the head-on collision.
It’s a Good Idea to Contact a Seasoned Roswell Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision, there’s a good chance you’ll be entitled to damages. This type of accident tends to cause life-changing injuries. That’s why it’s in your best interest to contact a skilled Roswell accident attorney.
In the days and weeks after your accident, you’re going to need to focus on recovering from your injuries. While you do this, your lawyer will deal with the insurance company.
As long as they can prove the other driver caused the crash, you should recover significant damages. The only way to know for sure if your claim has merit is to talk to a seasoned accident attorney.
All you have to do is contact our office at 770-HELP-NOW and schedule your free, initial consultation.
