Head-on collision accidents may happen due to the negligence of another driver. In such cases, you may be entitled to compensation for damages following the accident. A proficient and experienced Swainsboro head-on collision lawyer will help you fight for the maximum possible settlement.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a head-on collision accident, reach out to The Weinstein Firm at 770-HELP-NOW to speak to one of our Swainsboro car accident lawyers and find your rights and legal options.
Car accidents range from a minor fender-bender to more serious crashes, including head-on collisions. Head-on collision accidents happen when vehicles crash head-on at high speeds, and the effects of these accidents can be devastating. While head-on collisions are not as frequent as other accident types, they often end in death and severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, neck and back injuries.
Common Causes of Head-on Collisions
Most car accidents occur due to human error, and head-on collisions are no exception. The most common causes of head-on collisions include:
Distracted Driving
Drivers can easily get distracted when on the road, be it visually, manually, or cognitively. Taking your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or the mind off driving could easily make you veer off your lane and crash onto an oncoming vehicle head-on.
Driver Fatigue
Fatigue comes with insufficient rest or sleep, or getting poor quality sleep or rest. Like alcohol and other drugs, fatigue can impair your driving and can easily lead to a head-on collision. Driver fatigue is particularly common with commercial vehicle drivers who clock many hours on the road.
Weather Conditions Leading to Poor Visibility
Heavy rains or extreme snowy conditions can hinder visibility while one the road, and drivers may not always be fully aware of the traffic around them. In such conditions, it is advisable that you adjust your driving behavior, particularly by slowing down and keeping your headlights on. Without proper behavior adjustment, you may not see oncoming traffic, increasing the chances of a head-on collision.
Reckless Driving
Careless behavior on the road could easily lead to a head-on collision. Ignoring traffic signals and signs and poor technique when overtaking other vehicles are some common forms of reckless driving that could cause a head-on collision.
Intoxicated Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs impairs your driving, and you may not be able to make poor judgments while on the road. For instance, you can miscalculate the distance between your vehicle and an oncoming one, leading to a head-on collision.
Damages You Can Receive Through a Head-on Collision Claim in Georgia
A head-on collision will most likely occur due to the negligence of another driver, and you may be entitled to receive compensation for damages. In head-on collision accidents, victims may be awarded economic, non-economic and in some cases, a judge may award punitive damages.
Economic damages are awarded to compensate you for the monetary losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. These damages include:
- Medical expenses, including prescriptions and hospital visits
- Present and future lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
Non-economic damages refer to those whose dollar value may not be easy to find, and are often referred to as pain and suffering. Some of the common ones in head-on collision accident claim include:
- Emotional and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (for couples)
- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
Where a judge establishes that the actions of the at-fault driver amounted to gross misconduct or wanton endangerment of other drivers, they may award punitive damages.
Why Do You Need an Attorney for a Head-on Collision Claim?
Proving that the other driver was negligent and at fault in a head-on collision accident case may get complex, and the legal assistance of a Swainsboro head-on collision lawyer could make a difference in your claim. Particularly, a car accident attorney will help you in the following ways:
Filing a Claim
In Georgia, there are time limits within which you are supposed to file a personal injury claim. After a car accident, you may have so much to do, including receiving medical care, filing an insurance claim, and repairing your car. Doing all these alone can be overwhelming, and a head-on collision lawyer can help you file your claim and prepare a solid case to help you pursue compensation.
Settlement Negotiation
Most car accident cases never go to trial, as the involved parties may settle the case through their insurance companies. An experienced car accident lawyer will help you negotiate for the highest possible payout to help cover all your losses. Their experience at handling cases with insurance companies and adjusters can help you avoid pitfalls in the settlement process, including falling for low-ball awards.
Trial Preparation and Representation
Your car accident lawyer can help you take your case to court if you fail to reach an agreement with the at-fault party’s insurer. By doing a thorough investigation and preparing a solid case, your head-on collision lawyer will convince a judge that you deserve compensation for your losses by presenting the facts of the case.
How Much Will an Attorney Cost?
At The Weinstein Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we will represent you throughout your claim process without paying anything until we win your case and compensation is awarded. A percentage of the compensation award is then used as legal fees, and in most cases won’t exceed 33%.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for a Head-on Collision in Georgia?
Like all other personal injury claims in Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your head-on collision accident claim. Failure to bring forth their claim within this time, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for damages.
Contact a Swainsboro Head-on Collision Lawyer at the Weinstein Firm
Head-on collision accidents, though not as frequent as other accident types, often result in death or serious injuries to the involved parties. While there are various causes of head-on collision accidents, they majorly occur due to driver negligence. In such cases, you may qualify to receive compensation for your losses.
If you have been injured in a Swainsboro head-on collision accident due to the negligence of another driver, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Call us at 770-HELP-NOW to speak to our Swainsboro head-on collision lawyer at The Weinstein Firm for a case review.
