Almost nothing is more frightening than seeing a car coming straight toward you and not being able to avoid a wreck. That is the terror that many head-on collision victims feel in the moments before impact. Head-on collisions are devastating accidents. They often leave victims with life-altering injuries that can take years to recover from physically. Financially, they suffer from growing medical bills and the stress of time away from work.
A head-on crash can change the course of your life. At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, we focus our efforts on getting you back on your feet while maximizing your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Our Lawrenceville personal injury law firm can provide compassionate and exceptional service combined with aggressive legal representation.
If you have been injured in a Lawrenceville head-on collision, contact our car accident lawyers today to set up a free consultation.
The Dangers of Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision occurs when the front end of one vehicle hits the front of another. These often catastrophic accidents are also called front-impact crashes.
Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents in Lawrenceville. Although head-on crashes are not as common as other types of accidents, they account for a relatively high number of fatalities because they are so traumatic. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that 58 percent of passenger deaths result from frontal impacts.
What Are the Major Causes of Fatal Head-On Crashes in Lawrenceville?
One of the most common causes of fatal head-on crashes is when a driver travels the wrong way down a roadway. This can happen when a driver goes the wrong way down a one-way street, merges or exits incorrectly, or crosses the centerline of a roadway.
The primary cause of head-on collisions is almost always negligent driving or driver error. Distracted and intoxicated driving are the two more common causes of fatal head-on crashes.
However, other behaviors that can lead to head-on collisions include the following:
- Fatigued driving
- Driver or GPS confusion
- Speeding
- Improper lane changes
- Not following traffic signs and signals
- Reckless driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Mechanical defects
Common Injuries from a Head-On Collision
Head-on collisions can result in life-altering and catastrophic injuries. These collisions can shatter windshields and crumple the front of a car to the point where it seriously harms anyone in the vehicle’s front seats.
Tragically, head-on collision injuries are typically significant and life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries associated with head-on crashes are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Paralysis
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Broken bones
- Punctured lungs
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Lacerations
Who Is At Fault in a Head-On Collision in Georgia?
Determining fault after a head-on collision may seem simple. However, getting to the bottom of the cause of a significant crash is not always easy. If you have been hit by a driver going the wrong direction, you may think you have a slam dunk case for recovering compensation. Yet this isn’t always the case.
Establishing fault is essential for maximizing your compensation after a head-on collision. Having a car accident attorney on your side is the best way to investigate and establish liability. An attorney can conduct a complete investigation into the cause of the accident and gather evidence that can strengthen your case. Police reports, witness statements, the state of the crash scene, and cell phone records can all be valuable pieces of the puzzle to help a lawyer get to the bottom of who is responsible for a head-on crash.
What to Do After a Lawrenceville Head-On Collision
In the time after the collision, consider doing the following:
- Get medical attention — When facing a head-on collision, you need to immediately seek medical attention. Call 911 to get law enforcement and emergency services on the scene as soon as possible. Your health and safety should always come first.
- Gather evidence — You should take photographs of the scene, get witness contact information, and exchange information with the other driver.
- Stay on track — Follow your physician’s medical advice. Keep all follow-up appointments, and take all medication as prescribed. Your recovery should be your top priority. Keep in mind that your medical records may also play a critical role in determining compensation.
- Do not post on social media — Avoid posting about the accident online and ask friends and family to do the same. Insurers or other attorneys can twist innocent statements to reduce your compensation.
- Keep all documents — Medical bills, repair receipts, and other documents can be vital to your case. Keep all paperwork related to the crash, even receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. You may also want to keep a journal that logs your mileage to and from doctor’s appointments and any pain you are experiencing.