Who Is At Fault in a Head-On Collision Accident?

On This Page

1. What Is a Head-On Collision?
2. Causes of Head-On Collisions You Can Sue For
3. What You Should Do After a Head-On Collision
4. Determining Liability in a Head-On Collision
5. Call Berger and Green for a Free Case Review After an Injury

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

April 04, 2022

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

A head-on collision accident is one of the most devasting car accidents.  Although rare, these types of accidents can result in serious, catastrophic injuries and even death. Because these accidents can be so severe, sometimes the hardest part is determining who was at fault for the accident and a personal injury lawyer can do just that.

Head-on collisions can leave vehicles mangled and victims blindsided. Typically, when a head-on collision occurs, neither driver was ready or knew it was about to happen. In return, serious and fatal injuries occur.

A head-on collision can be caused due to several factors such as distractions, road conditions, and even a defect in the vehicle itself. Although determining fault can be difficult, it is crucial to helping accident victims make a full recovery and receive the compensation they need after a car accident. If you or a loved one were injured in a head-on collision, it is important to contact an experienced car accident attorney to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need.

What Is a Head-On Collision?

A head-on collision is when two cars, that are driving in opposite directions, strike one another front-end to front-end. Because both vehicles are traveling toward one another at the time of impact, the force of that impact is much more severe and prone to catastrophic and sometimes even fatal injuries. Due to the severe nature of these accidents, it is important to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions, and a personal injury lawyer can help you through the process.

When someone is involved in a head-on collision, their life can change dramatically. Pursuing a claim for the damages one sustained in the accident can help get them to the quality of life they were once used to.

Determining fault in these accidents is imperative to winning a personal injury case. It can be difficult to determine whether one or both drivers were negligent in these types of accidents. Hiring a personal injury attorney can help you win against the at-fault party.

Causes of Head-On Collisions You Can Sue For

A head-on collision can be caused by several factors. In a head-on collision, forms of negligence may include:

• Texting or any cell phone use while driving
• Distracted driving
• Drunk or impaired driving
• Failing to yield
• Speeding
• Unsafe passing
• Aggressive driving
• Driving an unsafe vehicle

Injuries from a Head-On Collision that You Can Include in Your Claim

Head-on collisions typically involve the most serious types of injuries, including death.

Common injuries to occur in a head-on collision include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Burns
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Death

If you suffered an injury as a result of a head-on collision, you may be entitled to compensation. A car accident lawyer can help you pursue your claim.

What You Should Do After a Head-On Collision

Below are a few steps you should take after being involved in a head-on collision.

• Medical Treatment: It is important to first seek any medical treatment you may need after the accident. Keep records of your medical treatment and the names of doctors you have seen.
• Report Your Accident: Contact your insurance company and let them know someone struck your car.
• Documentation: Take pictures of the accident scene and of your injuries, and get the names of any witnesses, if possible. You should also exchange information with the at-fault driver as well.
• Protect Yourself: Do not discuss your accident with too many people and especially on social media.
• Contact an Attorney: Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to review your claim. It is important to hold negligent parties accountable for your injuries.

Determining Liability in a Head-On Collision

Insurance companies can be quick to deny claims. They will try to place the blame on the accident victim in order to protect their insured and head-on collisions are no exceptions, especially since determining fault can be more complex in these types of cases. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney can help your claim.

In a head-on collision, the person who caused the accident is the one who is found to have lacked sound judgment or behavior. An example of this would be not paying attention to the road signage, crossing over the yellow lines due to a distraction or being impaired due to drugs or alcohol.

Sometimes proving who was negligent is not always so clear. Preserving evidence at the scene of the accident can be crucial to a successful claim. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney right away who can advocate for you while you focus on your recovery, is always a good idea.

Our lawyers can fight for your rights by:

• Evaluating your case
• Conducting an investigation
• Hiring a reconstruction expert
• Determine liability or fault
• Filing all paperwork and notifying all liable parties
• Negotiating with the insurance company
• Going to trial, if necessary

Call Berger and Green for a Free Case Review After an Injury

A head-on collision can have a lasting impact on your life. At Berger and Green, our car accident lawyers take into account our client’s present and future needs. We will fight for the compensation you deserve and help you through this difficult time.

Do not assume blame in a head-on collision. These cases can be complex and require great attention to detail. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can help you successfully win your claim. We will evaluate your case for free. There is never a fee unless you get compensated.