Drivers who enter a wrong-way road or leave their lane of traffic typically are at fault when their actions cause a head-on collision. However, if the negligence of a third party leads to a head-on collision, they may be liable for a victim’s losses.
Determining who is at fault for a head-on collision is critical to your claim for compensation.
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover After a Head-On Collision
After a head-on collision, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit to pursue damages for your economic and non-economic losses. These include:
- Medical expenses, such as surgery, medication, doctor’s appointments, and ongoing rehabilitation
- Permanent disability
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Home modifications
A lawyer from our firm can calculate your losses to ensure that you do not leave any money on the table when negotiating a settlement.
Wrongful Death Damages
When a head-on collision results in the loss of a family member, you can file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit to pursue damages. Compensation may include:
- Your loved one’s medical expenses
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
- Loss of inheritance for the income your loved one provided
- Loss of consortium for the companionship your loved one provided
These awards can help your family cope with the unexpected loss.
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Defining Negligence to Determine Fault in a Head-on Collision
Like any other type of accident, head-on collisions require evidence to show that a party was at fault for the accident due to some negligent or careless behavior. All drivers have a legal duty to drive safely, both for their own benefit and the benefit of others. When drivers breach that duty, they may be liable if they cause an accident that injures others.
Negligence can take many forms. Some typical examples of careless or reckless behaviors that may lead to head-on collisions include:
- Driving the wrong way down a one-way street, road, or highway
- Crossing the center line when traveling on a two-lane road
- Swerving outside your lane into oncoming traffic
- Striking another vehicle, which can then cause a head-on collision with a third vehicle
While determining fault in some head-on collisions is fairly straightforward, it may not be so easy in others, especially when multiple drivers are involved. Evidence of a traffic violation or other criminal act can provide strong proof that a driver was negligent. Even if a driver did not violate any traffic laws, they may still be negligent for a head-on collision.
Potentially Liable Parties in a Head-on Collision
A third party (or multiple parties) may be liable for damages after a head-on collision. Aside from the driver of the car that hit you, here are some examples of other parties that may be responsible.
An Auto Parts Manufacturer
In some cases, vehicle defects can lead to head-on collisions. A defective auto part that causes an accident means that a third-party manufacturing company could be liable for your injuries.
A Government Entity
Sometimes, a hazardous road design or a misplaced traffic sign can lead to a head-on collision. If this is the case, a government agency may bear liability for any resulting injuries and losses. Pursuing a government entity for compensation involves its own set of procedures and deadlines.
A Third-Party Driver
If another party caused a driver to hit you, they may bear liability for your injuries. For example, if a driver rear-ends another vehicle at a stop sign, the impact of the crash may force the vehicle outside of its lane and cause a head-on collision.
877-239-4878Available 24/7 | 356 Days | se habla español
Meeting Deadlines in Car Accident Injury Cases
After a head-on collision, you have a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Failure to meet this deadline can result in the court dismissing your case. Even if the other party is clearly negligent, you may be unable to recover any compensation from them once the deadline has passed.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you generally have two years from the accident to file your lawsuit. There are a few exceptions to this statute of limitations. However, every case is different, and you must be aware of any deadlines that might apply to your case.
Call Us Today for Help if You Are Injured in a Head-On Collision
As a victim in a head-on collision or another type of vehicle accident, you could have the right to hold the liable parties accountable for their conduct. We can determine who is at fault for a head-on collision and seek damages for your injuries and other accident-related losses.
Contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins today by calling (877) 239-4878. Learn more about who is responsible for your head-on collision and how you may be able to get compensation for your injuries.
