As devastating as many kinds of car accidents can be, head-on collisions can be even worse. They almost always lead to horrible injuries – and, unfortunately, often result in fatalities. Head-on accidents are often due to negligence. When this happens, the victim, or the victim’s family, will be eligible to obtain compensation.
Sand Law attorneys have years of experience fighting for the rights of people who were forced to suffer terribly due to the negligence of others. If you were hurt in a head-on collision, or you suffered the tragic loss of a loved one in this kind of accident, please contact us as soon as you can. Give us a call at 651-291-7263 or use our online form for a free review of your case.
Causes of Head-On Collisions
It’s almost unfathomable to consider that two vehicles traveling in opposite directions can somehow hit each other head-on. You would think that both drivers would be able to avoid this kind of collision. But the hard truth is that head-on collisions do happen. Here are just some of the reasons why.
- Poor weather conditions – Blinding snow or rain can make it hard to even see a few feet in front of your car, much less 100 yards or so. If you don’t have enough time to react, then you can’t get out of the way of someone coming straight at you.
- Driver impairment – Drivers who are drunk or on illegal narcotics get behind the wheel far too often. When they lose focus or pass out, a head-on accident can be the result.
- Driver distractions – Taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds can cause a driver to veer off the road and into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Texting while driving, putting on makeup, or even talking to a passenger can have terrible consequences.
Common Injuries as a Result of Head-On Collisions
The potential injuries that can occur due to a head-on collision run the gamut from soft tissue issues, broken bones, nerve damage and many, many others. These are just some examples.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – A TBI occurs when the brain is disrupted due to some sort of outside force. When two cars meet head-on, the heads of drivers and passengers are incredibly vulnerable. They could strike a windshield, a side window, or even the pavement if they’re ejected from their vehicle. TBIs can sometimes be severe enough to lead to a lifetime of debilitation or death.
- Spinal cord injuries – The force of a head-on collision can do severe damage to the spinal column. A serious spinal injury can make it impossible for the brain to communicate with the rest of the body, leading to permanent partial or total paralysis.
- Other kinds of injuries – Head-on motor vehicle accidents can also result in severe internal injuries, burns, lacerations and more.
Important Steps to Take Following a Head-On Collision Accident
If at all possible, it will be critically important to take the following steps in the event of a head-on collision. Taking these steps will not only be important for your health, but also your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Seek Medical Care
Obviously, you’ll want to obtain medical care as quickly as you can after this kind of accident. If at all possible, you must help any other people who are hurt as best you can. Call 911 to summon the police and emergency medical personnel. Even if you think you haven’t been seriously injured, talk to a doctor anyway. You could have some sort of internal injury that could eventually cause serious issues.
In addition, seeking medical help will prove that you took the measures necessary to prevent any health issues associated with the accident from getting worse. You’ll also show that whatever injuries you experienced were due to the accident, and not any pre-existing condition.
Document Everything
Use your phone to take photos and/or videos of the accident scene if at all possible. The insurance company will do whatever it can to either reduce your claim or deny it completely. Photo and video evidence will be about the most powerful evidence you can show that the accident wasn’t your fault. Your attorney may also be able to obtain video footage from any security cameras in the area that captured the accident.
File a Police Report
You should also call the police if you’re physically able to do so. They will typically investigate serious accidents such as head-on collisions, and give their opinion of who they believe was at fault. This report could also go a long way toward proving you were not to blame.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
The sooner you obtain legal representation, the better the chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney can perform an investigation into the accident while evidence is still fresh. This evidence could well be the difference between the success and failure of your case.
What is Minnesota’s Statute of Limitations for Filing a Head-On Collision Claim?
It may seem harsh, but it’s a fact. You only have a certain amount of time to take legal action regarding a head-on collision – or any other kind of personal injury claim, for that matter. Minnesota law states that you must file a claim within two years of the date the injury took place. If the head-on collision resulted in a death, the family members will have three years.
Who’s Liable for a Head-On Collision Claim?
In order to be eligible to receive compensation for the damages you’ve incurred in your accident, you’ll have to establish that the other driver was liable. In most cases, fault will be assigned to the driver who drifted from their lane and caused the collision.
However, there could be extenuating circumstances that caused that driver to drift, circumstances that were beyond their control Take, for example, where a driver is rear-ended. The force of that impact causes the car to move into oncoming traffic. In this instance, the motorist responsible for rear-ending that car will be liable.
Let Us Help You with Your Car Accident Claim
A Minnesota head-on collision attorney with Sand Law is ready to help if you’ve been injured or suffered the tragic loss of a loved one. We’ll work to help you obtain a fair settlement from the insurance company. But if that offer isn’t forthcoming, we’ll prepare an effective strategy to take to trial.
Please contact us online or call 651-291-7263 for a free consultation.