A Head-on collision is an automobile crash where two vehicles strike each other squarely or nearly squarely front bumper-to-bumper. This type of collision is distinguished from other types of collisions because the deceleration forces involved in a head-on collision of medium to high speed can be extremely great, often resulting in serious traumatic injury or death to the vehicle occupants. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed as a result of a head-on collision, call a head-on collision lawyer today to determine your rights. When we take your car accident case, we do not charge any attorney’s fees unless we make a recovery for you.
What Are Common Injuries From Head-On Collisions?
According to the Texas DMV, 635 people were killed in Texas by a head-on collision in 2023. More common injuries sustained as a result of head-on collisions include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Concussions
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Broken sternum
- wrongful death
More severe head-on collisions may produce traumatic brain injury or death.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Head-on Collision?
- First, an auto collision lawyer can help make sure that a proper investigation and reconstruction of the accident is done if there is reason to doubt what the police report reads. It may come as a surprise, but head-on collisions are not always investigated properly. One of the reasons for this is that the severity of the injuries often renders one or more parties to the collision legally incapacitated or dead. As a result, one or more of the parties involved in the head-on accident may not be available to give his or her side of the story at the time the investigating officer conducts his evaluation of the evidence. The officer is then often left to piece things together from the evidence at the scene and what the other driver says. Well, of course, that driver is going to paint the facts in the light most favorable to him.
- Second, a head-on collision attorney will act as your voice to the other party’s insurance company so that they don’t trick you and/or record you saying something that can be twisted and used against you. Did you know that Texas is a one-party consent-to-record State? It is true. Only one person has to consent to record a phone call if both parties to the call are in the state of Texas when the recording occurs.
- Third, a head-on collision lawyer can help you get the medical care you need by finding doctors who will work with you on a letter of protection or your health insurance versus you having to pay out-of-pocket for your medical care.
- Fourth, a head-on collision attorney can locate and front the high cost of expert witnesses that you will need which may very well include:
- an accident reconstructionist
- a testifying medical expert
- treating medical experts
- an economist to project lost wage earnings and earning capacity.
- Fifth, a head-on collision attorney can take necessary legal actions on your behalf such as
- document your injuries for your claim
- issue subpoenas and temporary restraining orders to preserve evidence
- file a lawsuit
- take witness depositions
- pursue mediation and/or car collision settlement negotiations
- draft a Stowers demand, and;
- pursue trial if necessary to seek a fair and just resolution of your case.
Why Should I Hire Simmons and Fletcher?
There are many lawyers to choose from. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., has been in business since 1979. We have the knowledge and the resources to help you get the medical care you need, the expert witnesses your case requires, and the legal attention to detail you deserve on your case. We fight exclusively for injured victims in our practice and do not do any other types of law other than personal injury. You know you are getting a lawyer who knows your area of law when you select Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. In addition to this, we work on a contingency fee basis and all consultations are free. So call now to get a free case evaluation at 800-298-0111.
Frequently Asked Questions About Head-On Collisions
What Are the Common Causes of Head-On Collisions?
Head-on collisions almost always mean that one driver has crossed the center stripe and moved illegally into the oncoming traffic lane. This can be the result of several errors or omissions including:
- Falling asleep at the wheel due to driver fatigue
- Failure to maintain a proper lookout
- Driver distraction due to texting, operating a radio, or other device
- Steering failure
- Overcorrecting after leaving the roadway on a curve
- Loss of control of the vehicle due to braking during weather conditions
- Failure to properly slow down on a curve
- Turning when unsafe to do so
- Attempting to pass when it is unsafe to do so
- Wrong-way driving accidents
The majority of the causes of a head-on collision are the result of the negligence of the driver who left his or her lane when it was not safe to do so. Indeed, the Texas Transportation Code prohibits moving from a lane when the maneuver cannot be made safely. Thus, it is generally considered negligence when a driver does so without a valid excuse for his action.
What is the Fatality Rate of Head-On Collisions?
Head-on collisions have about a 10% fatality rate. This is the second highest behind rollover accidents.
What Makes Head-On Collisions So Deadly?
The reason head-on collisions are so deadly is that they involve a large change in velocity (Delta V) due to the impact and abrupt stopping of the vehicle’s momentum. The transfer of force is substantial, and you are caught in the middle of it.
What Sort of Experts Can Calculate the Delta V in a Head-On Collision?
The best expert witnesses to do calculations of force in a head-on collision are biomechanical engineers or qualified accident reconstructionists. The role of the expert witness in these cases is to do the mathematical calculations to piece together scientifically what happened. It is not basic math and science.
Can A Police Officer Testify About the Forces in a Head-On Collision?
Just being a police officer does not qualify the officer as an accident reconstruction expert witness. There are courses officers can take, and certifications that officers can earn that can qualify them in the field of accident reconstruction.
Talk to a Head-on Collision Attorney
If you have been injured due to the actions of a driver crossing into your lane and hitting your vehicle head-on, call the injury lawyers at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. for a free consultation. Our head-on collision lawyers are here to help you put your life back on track. Having an attorney could be the difference in you making a physical and financial recovery from your injuries.
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