As the name suggests, head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other directly. These accidents can be especially devastating because they involve the fully combined force of both vehicles.
If you were involved in a head-on collision you did not cause, the best thing to do is have your case reviewed by an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. The sooner you do, the sooner they can get started building your claim for full and fair compensation from the responsible party.
The legal team at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, has decades of experience defending the rights of injury victims in West Virginia. We believe that no one should lack excellent legal representation in their hour of need, and we are committed to providing that representation to our clients every time. Contact us today to get started on the road toward compensation with a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Injuries Suffered in Head-On Collisions
Again, head-on collisions are especially dangerous because they expose the involved drivers and passengers to the fully combined force of both vehicles. The results can be catastrophic. Injuries we commonly see in these accidents include:
- Soft-tissue strains, sprains, and tears
- Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Dislocated, fractured, and broken bones
- Facial and dental injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Scars and permanent disfigurement
- “Road rash” and other burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Amputation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death
What Compensation Is Available Through a Head-On Collision Accident Lawsuit?
Many factors go into determining the value of a personal injury claim, the most important being the extent and severity of your injuries. At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, we can help you recover compensation for things like:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Cost of long-term care if you were left with a permanent disability
- Lost wages and lowered earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death
- Property damage repair or replacement costs
How Do I Prove Fault in a Head-On Car Accident Lawsuit?
To recover compensation through a personal injury claim, you must prove the at-fault driver’s responsibility for the accident by a preponderance of the evidence. In other words, you must show that they more likely than not caused the accident and your resulting injuries. To satisfy this standard, your attorney can draw on evidence like:
- Police accident reports
- Photographs and videos of the scene
- Footage from surveillance, traffic, and dash cameras
- Data from traffic signals and road sensors
- Witness statements
- Toxicology test results
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection records
- Medical treatment and billing records
- Testimony from doctors, traffic engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and other expert witnesses
You can rely on the Morgantown personal injury lawyers at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, to thoroughly investigate your accident, gather the necessary evidence to substantiate your claim, negotiate aggressively with insurers on your behalf, and put your best foot forward should your case end up going to trial. We are here to fight for you.
What Should I Do After a Head-On Crash?
The best time to start working on your auto accident claim is immediately after the accident. Of course, depending on the extent and severity of your injuries, that may not be possible. That said, taking even a few of the steps listed below can make a significant difference in your case.
- Reach out to local authorities for emergency assistance and have them prepare an accident report.
- Stay at the accident scene until law enforcement arrives.
- Even if you think you were not seriously injured, get medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Take photographs and videos of your injuries, the scene, and anything that may help establish the at-fault party’s liability.
- Identify other involved drivers and gather their contact information, insurer name, insurance policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
- Identify witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information.
- Write down everything you can remember about the accident while your memory is still fresh.
- Keep a pain journal documenting your day-to-day discomfort and suffering (both physical and psychological) caused by your injuries during recovery.
- If you speak to the at-fault party’s insurer, do not provide a medical record release, allow them to record your conversation, or accept an early settlement offer.
Finally, get in touch with an experienced Morgantown car accident lawyer. This is the best way to make sure you are fully informed about your legal rights and options, as well as that you are not taken advantage of by insurance adjusters eager to deny your claim. The legal team at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, knows how to investigate catastrophic accidents, identify all potential sources of liability, and build a strong case on your behalf.
What is the Statute of Limitations Governing Head-On Collisions in West Virginia?
Each state sets a limit on how much time injury victims have to file a personal injury case after an accident. The deadline is set by a law known as the statute of limitations. In West Virginia, the deadline is normally set at two years after the date of the accident. Subject to very limited exceptions, cases filed after the deadline passes will be dismissed in court, effectively eliminating your legal right to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Consult With an Experienced Head-On Car Accident Lawyer in Morgantown Today
If you or a loved one was hurt in a head-on collision, you should not hesitate to have your case reviewed by an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. If someone else was to blame, they could owe you compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.
The head-on collision lawyers at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, have decades of experience helping injury victims throughout West Virginia secure the full and fair compensation they deserve. We are ready to do the same for you. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Morgantown.
This post was originally published in June 2021 and was updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness on May 2023.
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
Our Awards and Certifications
