Head-on collisions are some of the deadliest car accidents recorded annually in Texas. This type of motor vehicle accident is often catastrophic, meaning it inflicts serious or life-changing injuries on victims. If you get involved in a head-on collision in Austin, you may need assistance from an Austin car accident lawyer to guide you through the recovery process.
A head-on collision is a motor vehicle accident where two cars crash into each other from their front ends. It is a direct collision between two cars that were traveling in opposite directions on the same road. Head-on collisions can occur when one driver is in the wrong place at the wrong time, such as someone who crosses over the centerline of a road and enters oncoming traffic.
Head-on collisions are particularly dangerous because they occur at the combined speeds of both vehicles. If one driver is traveling at 65 miles per hour (mph) and the other is traveling at 75 mph, for example, a head-on collision between the two cars would occur at 140 mph.
Common injuries from head-on collisions include:
Sadly, many victims die from the injuries they sustain in head-on collisions. The National Safety Council stated that almost 30 percent of all fatal car accidents in the U.S. in 2022 were head-on collisions, accounting for a total of 5,800 deaths.
If you have lost a loved one due to such an accident, an Austin wrongful death attorney can provide the legal support needed to seek justice and compensation for your loss.
Negligence is often behind head-on collisions in Texas. If a driver is negligent, it means he or she did not use the correct amount of care while operating a motor vehicle. A negligent, careless or reckless driver could cause a head-on collision by breaking various traffic laws.
Examples include:
Other common reasons for cars to enter the opposite lane besides driver error include bad weather, poor visibility and mechanical failure.
Texas is a fault-based car insurance state. This means that when a car accident occurs, injured victims have the right to pursue damages, or financial compensation, from the insurance provider of the at-fault party.
To collect compensation, you or your attorney will have to prove that someone else is at fault for your head-on collision. The evidence available to support a car accident case often includes a police report, eyewitness statements, and accident reconstruction.
Hiring an attorney to represent you can make it easier to prove your head-on collision case. Your lawyer can investigate the accident, speak to witnesses, gather evidence, and hire experts, as necessary, to strengthen your claim.
A head-on collision in Austin can result in debilitating injuries, immense pain and suffering, and expensive medical bills. If you wish to obtain the financial compensation that you deserve for this serious type of car accident, you may need to hire an attorney to represent you.
Our experienced attorneys at FVF Law Firm – Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers handle a variety of cases including those involving truck accidents and construction accidents. As an Austin truck accident attorney and Austin construction accident lawyer, we are committed to helping victims educate you on your legal rights and options.
An Austin personal injury attorney can get to work right away to pursue the financial justice you need to become whole again after your crash. At FVF Law Firm – Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers, we have more than 100 years of combined experience. Call (512) 640-2146 or contact us online to request a free case review.
Fault in a head-on collision depends on the actions of each driver leading up to the accident. The driver who crossed into oncoming traffic is typically at fault. However, other factors—like whether the driver was forced into the other lane due to another vehicle, road hazard, or mechanical failure—can influence liability. An investigation into the crash can help determine fault.
After a head-on collision, you may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. If the accident caused permanent injuries or disabilities, you may also be eligible for future medical costs, loss of earning capacity, and compensation for diminished quality of life.
Compensation in a head-on collision case is calculated based on the severity of injuries, cost of medical treatment, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. Other factors, like the impact on your ability to work or the need for long-term care, may also affect the amount. An attorney can help assess your case to pursue fair compensation.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those from head-on collisions, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
An attorney can assist by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and building a case to hold the at-fault party accountable. They can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. If necessary, they can represent you in court.
It’s generally recommended not to accept the first settlement offer, as it is often lower than the actual value of your claim. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly for less. Consulting with an attorney can help you evaluate the offer and negotiate for a fair settlement that fully compensates for your injuries and losses.
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