A head-on collision occurs when the front of one vehicle impacts the front of another vehicle. Head-on collisions usually occur at intersections, and often involve a driver who is encroaching upon another driver’s right of way.
These types of accidents often result in devastating harm to the occupants of both vehicles. If you or your loved one were injured in a front-end crash, a Columbus head-on collision lawyer can help. Our team of experienced Columbus car accident attorneys will review your case and determine if you have grounds for a civil action.
Common Injuries in Front-End Collisions
Head-on collisions often occur at high-speeds and can result in a catastrophic injuries. For example, it can cause damage to a person’s shoulder, rotator cuff, and the ligaments in their hands and fingers from holding onto the wheel when the wreck occurred.
These accidents can also cause blunt force trauma injuries to their chest, sternum, and rib cage. With head-on collisions, our Columbus lawyers often see traumatic brain injuries from a person’s head impacting the steering wheel, airbag, windshield, or other parts of the vehicle. We also often see lacerations from shattered glass.
Additionally, abdominal injuries from seatbelts and injuries to the lungs may also occur. A fairly common injury is a collapsed lung, as well as neck and spine injuries from whiplash. This could also result in fractured vertebrae if the impact is severe enough.
How is Fault Assigned in a Head-On Crash?
The most important issue in head-on collisions is usually going to be determining who had the right of way. Generally, if someone is proceeding lawfully in their lane of travel, then they have the right of way.
What we see with head-on collisions is that one of the vehicles has encroached upon the other driver’s right of way. Our lawyers in Columbus will investigate who violated the right of way and why, as well as whether either driver had a chance to take evasive action to avoid the front-end collision.
Our team will look at whether either driver was speeding or violating any traffic laws at the time of the accident to establish fault. This could include running a red light, texting while driving, or operating a vehicle while intoxicated. We may collect witness statements, video footage from the scene, and the vehicle’s black box. We also look into where the impact occurred on the vehicles. That can oftentimes reveal how the accident occurred and who is more at fault.
Are Punitive Damages Available in Head-On Accidents?
Punitive damages can be available in front-end accidents under certain circumstances. If you can prove that the other driver was operating recklessly by speeding, driving while intoxicated, or using their cellphone, our lawyers can argue that is grounds for punitive damages.
Another basis that our Columbus lawyers look into is the history of the driver that caused the head-on collision to determine if this is a pattern. If we can establish a pattern, then we can prove punitive damages.
Speak with a Columbus Head-On Collision Attorney Right Away
Due to the severity of front-end collisions, it is imperative to seek legal representation in order to ensure you are rightfully compensated for all your losses. Our Columbus head-on collision lawyers are here to help. Our team of experienced attorneys will develop a personalized claim to meet your specific needs. To learn more, call our office now and set up your free case consultation.
