Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous and terrifying car accidents on West Virginia roads. Victims involved in these accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries and significant emotional distress, not to mention the heavy burden of mounting medical bills incurred as they try to recover from the accident.
If you were injured in a head-on collision at little to no fault of your own, do not hesitate to get started on the road toward compensation by speaking to an attorney. The skilled legal team at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, is standing by to help. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions typically occur when one driver crosses a median and drifts into the path of oncoming traffic. Though rare, this is not unheard of. Common causes of head-on collisions include:
- Distracted driving – Phones, GPS navigators, radios, reaching over for food, and chatting with other passengers can all cause a driver to take their eyes off the road. When they do, they may cause a head-on collision.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol and drug use impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of a head-on collision.
- Fatigue – Drowsy drivers are more prone to losing control of their vehicles and drifting into lanes of oncoming traffic.
- Speeding – Driving too fast around curves or on narrow roads can cause motorists to lose control and collide with approaching vehicles.
- Weather conditions – Rain, snow, and fog can affect visibility and vehicle control, resulting in a higher risk of head-on collisions.
How to Prove Fault in a Head-on Car Accident Case
If you are seriously injured in a collision, what should you do? How do you prove fault? An attorney can help you gather crucial evidence to support your claim, including things like:
- Police reports – Official crash reports often contain valuable information about accidents, including statements from involved parties and any citations issued by police. The reporting officer normally also includes their own determination of fault based on evidence available at the scene.
- Footage from the scene – Pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and road conditions can help establish fault and demonstrate the severity of the crash. Footage from nearby surveillance, traffic, and dash cameras often turns the tide of a case.
- Witness statements – Statements from witnesses can confirm essential details about the accident and substantiate your version of events.
- Expert testimony – Testimony from doctors, traffic engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and other reliable experts can provide insight into the causes and consequences of a head-on collision.
Compensation Available in Head-On Collision Lawsuits
Those who suffer injuries in head-on collisions could be legally entitled to significant compensation from the at-fault party. Among other things, our skilled legal team can help you pursue compensation for things like:
- Past and future medical costs associated with your injuries
- Lost wages if you missed time at work during your recovery
- Lost future earning capacity if your injuries leave you permanently disabled
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lowered quality of life
- Property repair and replacement costs
Is There a Deadline for Filing My Head-on Collision Claim?
Yes. West Virginia law sets a two-year deadline for filing most personal injury lawsuits, including those involving head-on collisions. Failure to file on time normally results in your case being dismissed in court. An experienced West Virginia car accident attorney can make sure your case is filed before the deadline passes. Do not wait.
Contact a West Virginia Head-On Collision Attorney Today
In an instant, a head-on collision can completely change your life. Often, these accidents are fatal. If you or a loved one was hurt in one of these devastating accidents, do not wait to seek legal assistance. Contact the West Virginia head-on collision car accident attorneys at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled attorney.
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
