A head-on collision is one of the most serious types of car accidents. They are also one the most terrifying for the occupants of the vehicle. Such accidents can cause severe injuries and property damage.
If you or a loved one has suffered a head-on collision in Milwaukee, you can get in touch with us at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs LLP. We are a Milwaukee personal injury law firm that has the legal expertise and resources to help you navigate the complexities of car accident claims and lawsuits. Our experienced Milwaukee head-on collision attorneys are committed to fighting for full and fair compensation for auto accident victims.
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles hit one another from front end to front end while traveling in opposite directions. A head-on collision can also occur when a vehicle crashes into a stationary object, such as a tree or street light pole. As the vehicle hits the front, the impact of such an accident is often substantial. While the front of the vehicle might be able to absorb some of the impact of the collision, the occupants can still be subject to serious injuries due to the force transferred to them.
The severity of the car accident injuries can be significantly higher if the vehicle that crashes is traveling at high speeds, or the collision involves a commercial truck or other large vehicle. The mass and momentum of the vehicles involved in the collision can be a major factor in the severity of the impact.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), head-on collisions are the most harmful car crash and cause approximately 14% of all US traffic fatalities each year. They also result in 27% of all Roadway Department fatalities. These are accidents where the vehicle crashes after crossing the centerline or edge line.
Common Causes and Consequences of Head-On Car Accidents
Head-on collisions can happen in many ways. They are most common when one vehicle crosses the centerline and hits another vehicle traveling in the opposite lane. For example, when a vehicle is trying to overtake a slower-moving vehicle and misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming traffic, a head-on collision can occur. Such accidents are also common at intersections where traffic is moving in different directions or when a driver goes the wrong way down a one-way street.
The risk of suffering a head-on collision increases on rural roads due to narrow roads, wildlife crossings, and poor road maintenance resulting in the centerline not being visible. Poor weather conditions, intoxicated driving, reckless driving, and distracted driving can also play a role in head-on collisions.
The biggest life-altering impact of a head-on collision is severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries, burns, facial deformities, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). If the passengers are not wearing a seatbelt, they might get ejected from the vehicle through the windshield, increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries or death.
While physical injuries can be devastating, the impact of psychological trauma can be equally debilitating. Car accident victims can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that can have a long-term impact on their lives.
There can also be financial consequences to a head-on collision. Not only do the victims have to deal with the costs of vehicle repair or replacement, but they might also suffer lost wages and loss of future earning potential. Victims of such accidents often have extensive medical bills to cover their doctor visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and other forms of medical care. If you are successful in your car accident claim, you can recover compensatory damages for your losses. Contact our experienced car accident lawyer to learn more about the damages you can seek in your claim.
Who Is at Fault in a Head-On Collision?
In head-on collisions that involve more than one vehicle, at least one of the drivers is at fault. For example, if a driver crosses the centerline and crashes into oncoming traffic, they would be at fault for the accident. However, not all head-on collision cases are that straightforward because there could be shared liability in such a collision. For example, if one driver is speeding and the other driver is intoxicated, then the liability could be shared. The percentage of fault could vary, depending on the extent to which each driver’s actions contributed to the collision.
In some cases, the design or maintenance of the road could be the cause of the crash. Inadequate signage or confusing roadways can be the primary cause or contributing factors in head-on collisions. There could also be other causes, including mechanical failure or poor visibility.
To establish fault, you need to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care toward you, and they breached this duty, causing you to suffer harm in the form of injuries, property damage, or other types of losses. A key component of establishing liability is gathering evidence to support your claim. For example, you can use witness statements, police reports, photos, videos, surveillance footage, and other types of evidence to prove the fault of the opposing party.
You can also use the services of accident reconstruction experts who can use evidence to recreate the events leading up to the collision. In addition, you can use expert testimony from medical doctors and other subject matter experts to build a strong case. Depending on the complexity of the case, it can be challenging to gather evidence in head-on collisions, especially if you are recovering from serious injuries. We welcome you to work with our car accident lawyers in Milwaukee to establish liability for your case. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to gather evidence that can help establish liability for the head-on accident.
Consult with a Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyer At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs LLP
At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs LLP, we offer a comprehensive range of legal services for head-on collision cases and other auto accident crash cases in Milwaukee. In our initial consultation, our accident lawyers in Milwaukee will assess your case and discuss your best legal options to recover maximum compensation.
With one of our experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyers on your side, you can have peace of mind that your case will be handled with the expertise and dedication necessary to secure the best possible outcome.
Our Milwaukee car accident attorneys can handle all the legal aspects of the car accident case, including completing all the legal paperwork and communicating with the insurance company and the insurance adjuster for a fair car accident settlement, and advocating for your rights in court. Our attorneys will work with you to gather evidence, evaluate each party’s actions to determine liability and allocate fault appropriately.
In addition, we can work with you to calculate the full extent of damages, including your economic and non-economic damages in the auto accident. Our head-on collisions lawyers in Milwaukee can also guide you to medical experts to help you with the recovery process. To schedule a free consultation with our car accident attorney, please contact us.