Head-on collisions occur for a variety of reasons: a distracted driver or one driving under the influence, a driver on the wrong side of the road, or a driver suffering brake failure. While head-on collisions only represent about 2 percent of car accidents every year, they account for 10 percent of crash-related deaths and often cause more serious injuries than other types of car accidents. If you suffered serious injuries in a head-on collision, you may need legal help to get the compensation you deserve. Contact The Robert Pahlke Law Group today at (308) 633-4444 to learn how we can help.
Why the Robert Pahlke Law Group Is the Right Head-On Collision Attorney for You
At The Robert Pahlke Law Group, we deal with a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents. In one notable case, we won a $3.25 million settlement for a client who suffered serious injuries after a rear-end accident. In other cases, we have helped our clients achieve settlements that represent the compensation they deserve for their injuries. If you want an attorney with experience, compassion, and determination, The Robert Pahlke Law Group can fulfill your needs. While we can’t offer guarantees to our clients based only on past results, our past case results and satisfied clients nonetheless speak volumes.
Common Injuries From Head-On Collisions
In a head-on collision, your airbag may deploy. Unfortunately, airbags may not prevent all of your injuries. In some cases, airbags may even cause injury. Common injuries in head-on collisions include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Severe fractures, including facial fractures
- Spinal cord trauma, including paralysis
- Severe lacerations, sometimes requiring plastic surgery
- Amputations
Regardless of how you feel at the time of the accident, if you suffer injuries in a head-on collision, you should visit a medical facility as soon as possible. A doctor can help evaluate your injuries and determine what treatment you need to recover.
Who Bears Fault in a Head-On Collision?
In a head-on collision, one or both drivers likely drifted out of their lanes or chose to travel the wrong way. Sometimes, you can determine who bears responsibility for a head-on collision by looking at the placement of the cars: the car positioned in the wrong lane likely belongs to the driver who caused the accident. On the other hand, other factors may contribute to the accident:
- Both drivers drifted out of their lanes. Unfortunately, distracted drivers may struggle to remain in the right lane without realizing it.
- One vehicle remained stationary at the time of the accident. If one vehicle sat stationary while the other moved, the moving vehicle belongs to the responsible driver.
- One or both drivers chose to drink and drive. An inebriated driver may lack appropriate reaction times or struggle to control their vehicle. A bar or restaurant that over-served the driver may bear partial liability.
- Mechanical failure led to the accident. In this case, either the manufacturer or a mechanic who recently worked on the vehicle may bear partial liability.
What Damages Do Victims Often Recover After Head-On Collisions?
Head-on collisions may cause serious injuries, which means you may need substantial funds to pay for your injuries. While we can offer no guarantee about what compensation you may acquire after your accident, you may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses. Your immediate visit to the emergency room often represents just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to medical expenses after an accident. You may face the cost of long-term hospitalization, surgeries, and physical therapy. You may also need an in-home caregiver or to make alterations to your home or vehicle to help you get around after your accident.
- Pain and suffering. In addition to your physical injuries, you also suffered substantial trauma: ongoing physical pain, certainly, but also deprivation from activities you previously enjoyed. You may struggle to return to normal activities. Insurance companies usually have a formula to help calculate pain and suffering based on your medical and property expenses.
- Lost income. While you recovered from your injuries, you had to miss time at work. You might have missed a few weeks or even months in immediate recovery, which you should include as part of your claim. Some people also find that their physical injuries prevent them from returning to their former occupation after an accident, which they should include as lost earning potential in their claim.
Insurance Companies Will Fight Your Claim. We Can Help!
After a head-on collision, you expect the claim process to be relatively smooth. The accident report clearly shows liability, and you documented your injuries clearly. Unfortunately, insurance companies may still utilize common tactics to reduce their financial liability. The company may:
- Contest responsibility in the accident. If the company can shift part of the responsibility to another party, including you, it decreases the amount the company must pay.
- Try to prove your injuries do not pose the problems you claim. The company may attempt to track your activities to prove you can do things you claimed inability to do or insist that your injuries occurred at another time.
- Offering a low initial settlement. The company may reach out with a settlement offer soon after your accident. Unfortunately, this settlement may not reflect the amount you deserve for your injuries.
Call Us When You Need an Attorney After a Head-On Collision?
At The Robert Pahlke Law Group, we understand that funds may get tight after a car accident. Not everyone can afford an attorney. Instead of taking payment immediately, we start with a free consultation to discuss your accident and your claim. Often, we accept clients on a contingent fee basis. We base our payment only on our clients’ successful settlement or judgment. Whether the case goes to court or is settled out of court, our clients do not have to worry about paying attorney fees in advance.
If you need an attorney after a head-on collision, do not attempt to handle your claim on your own. Instead, contact The Robert Pahlke Law Group online today or call at (308) 633-4444 to schedule your free consultation.