Head-on collisions happen when the front ends of two vehicles collide from opposite directions. These types of accidents often cause catastrophic and even fatal injuries. Head-on collisions are preventable and are often caused by a driver who has negligently crossed over a center dividing line or drives down the wrong way on a street.
Additionally, head-on collisions are among the most frightening types of car accidents a person can experience in his or her lifetime. For those who survive a head-on collision, recovering physically and emotionally can take months or even years. Victims can incur millions of dollars of medical expenses over their lifetimes. If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a head-on collision, the attorneys at Hunt Law are prepared to advocate for you. We have a proven track record of successfully recovering the most compensation possible for our clients.
Common Causes of Head-on Collisions
A head-on collision, also called a front impact accident or frontal crash, occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with each other. Unlike rear-end accidents or T-bone collisions, head-on collisions can be clearly identified by damage of varying degrees to the front ends of both vehicles.
Head-on collisions can occur nearly anywhere, but they are especially prevalent on rural roads with poor lighting, no guardrails or traffic dividers, and narrow lanes. Whether a frontal collision occurs in a city, in a neighborhood, or on a rural road, there are plenty of causes that can lead to these dangerous and deadly accidents, including but not limited to the following:
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Defective or dangerous roads
- Distracted driving via texting and driving
- Poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, etc.
- Unsafe passing
- Driving the wrong way down a road
- Hazardous construction zones
Providing Liability After a Car Accident
Regardless of the specific cause of the head-on collision, negligence nearly always causes these accidents. When a negligent act or omission causes a car accident, the victim can pursue compensation from the negligent driver, company, government agency, or another third party. Injured victims or surviving family members have the right to pursue compensation for their losses by pursuing a personal injury claim in civil court.
Every driver has a legal obligation, called a duty of care, to use reasonable care to prevent injuries to others on the road. When a driver fails to use reasonable care under the circumstances, he or she has engaged in negligence and is liable for any injuries caused by his or her negligence. Injury victims must show the other driver’s negligence directly contributed to the collision that seriously injured them, called the “burden of proof.”
The knowledgeable car accident attorneys at Hunt Law have the skills and resources to investigate your accident claim thoroughly. We will gather evidence showing the at-fault driver’s liability for the head-on collision that caused your injuries. We frequently work with experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, to determine which party or parties are liable. After we determine which party is at fault, we will begin aggressively pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Head-on Collisions Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Due to the force and angle involved in head-on collisions, these types of accidents are more likely to cause devastating, life-long injuries, including the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Death
Wrongful Death
Even when a collision occurs at relatively low speeds, there is always the potential for a head-on collision to cause fatal injuries. If a victim dies in a head-on collision, the deceased individual’s representative has the option to file a wrongful death lawsuit on the victim’s behalf. While no amount of compensation can bring the victim back, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help the victim’s family members pay for funeral and burial expenses and recover compensation for their loved one’s lost income.
Damages Available in Head-on Car Accident Cases
Once liability has been proven, an injury victim must prove the extent of his or her damages. Head-on collision damages can include physical and emotional injuries and property damage. When victims have suffered severe injuries, most of their damages are related to current and future medical expenses, which may include:
- Hospital visits
- Assisted car expenses
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Adaptive medical equipment
Victims can also pursue compensation for missed time at work, property damage, and other financial losses. When a victim has become disabled due to his or her injuries, he or she may be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity. Finally, when the at-fault driver engaged in reckless driving that showed a callous disregard for human life, the victim may be entitled to additional punitive damages.
What to Do After a Severe Head-on Collision
In the moments after a head-on collision where someone is seriously injured or killed, the victim may understandably feel paralyzed with fear and shock. It’s important for car accident victims or their loved ones to work with an attorney to gather as much evidence and information as possible at the accident scene. Calling 911 and requesting medical help and a police officer is an important first step.
When possible, victims should begin gathering the contact information of witnesses and taking photos of the accident scene. An attorney can help you obtain a copy of the police report. It’s crucial you seek immediate medical attention and continue with your treatment plan. Doing so can help you prove the head-on collision caused your injuries as well as the severity of your injuries. After you receive medical attention, it’s important to reach out to an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Head-on Collision Attorney
Victims of head-on collisions can suffer enormous pain and suffering. At Hunt Law, we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for the injuries they cause. If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a head-on collision in New Mexico, don’t hesitate to contact Hunt Law to learn more about your legal options.