Bethesda Head-On Collision Lawyer
While head-on collision accidents are not as common as other types of motor vehicle accidents, statistics estimate that it can generate well over 10% of driving fatalities. The reason they are more uncommon is because they usually happen when a driver is under the influence or at freeway speeds, which is not every route. Most streets and routes have signals, barriers, traffic lights, and speed limits on purpose for indication purposes, however, if it within the driver to respect them (after all they are there for their safety). If you or your loved one has been seriously injured in a head-on collision caused by another driver, contact a Bethesda Head-On Collision Attorney at Malloy Law Offices, LLC today. We know how to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Do Head-On Collisions Occur?
Head-on collisions can occur for many reasons, while usually, the cause is related to the driver being under the influence of the lack of indicating signals on the street or road. However, some of the common causes of head-on collisions include:
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs are often cited as a contributing cause for head-on crashes. Alcohol use rises in the afternoon and evening hours, which increases the chance of nighttime disorientation causing a driver to enter a lane of oncoming traffic. Alcohol’s ability to impair driving judgment is greatly intensified by certain over-the-counter medications. Drivers should not get behind the wheel if they are impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Fatigue: In many cases, the driver causing the accident was drowsy or actually fell asleep at the wheel. The monotony of driving after dark can lull a driver into a semi-hypnotic state.
- Fog or snow: Surprisingly few head-on crashes cite weather conditions as a crucial factor. However, bad weather that limits visibility could cause an accident.
- Distracted driving: Cell phones, electronic gadgets, eating, drinking, daydreaming, and other distractions take a driver’s mind off driving safely, a driver’s hands off the wheel, and a driver’s eyes off the road.
- Confusion over one-way roads. Poor signage indicating that a road is one way, or the failure of a GPS to warn a driver about a one-way road can result in a serious head-on crash.
- Other issues, such as debris in the road that causes a driver to swerve into another lane, can also result in a head-on accident.
Common Injuries in Head-On Accidents
Often times, these types of accidents produce catastrophic injuries. There are very few people that have experienced this type of crash and only received minor bruising. Common injuries in head-on collisions include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck injuries
- Leg injuries
- Fractured bones
- Internal organ damage
- Death
- Spinal Cord Issues
- Life-long disability
It is not uncommon for the victim to have to claim a disability shortly after the accident. Most people have such severe injuries that they can no longer work or need years to recover before they can even think about working. With that being said, head-collision claims dig deeper than just compensation for the medical bills. The loss of income, pain and suffering, and possible disabilities are taken into consideration as well and are actually more common in these types of cases.
What Damages Can You Claim for a Head-On Collision?
Any victim is entitled to claim compensation for their injuries. Damages can be economic or non-economic. Economic damages are designed to compensate you for specific, direct costs, such as property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages due to the accident. Non-economic damages are compensation for more abstract losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of consortium (companionship with one’s husband or wife).
What other factors impact the recovery settlement?
- Past, current, and future medical expenses.
- Past, current and future lost income.
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including any funeral costs.
- Physical pain and emotional suffering.
Why You Need a Bethesda Head-On Collision Attorney
A head-collision is one of the most fatal motor vehicle accidents. As mentioned previously, few people make it out of those accidents with just a few scratches. For the others, they usually have severe catastrophic injuries that produce a 360 spin on their lives. The insurance company may fight back and try to minimize the amount that it pays you for the accident injuries. Accordingly, it is important to be prepared and to contact an experienced Bethesda personal injury attorney as soon as possible so that you can be sure that your rights—and your recovery—are protected.
Contact Malloy Law Offices, LLC Today
Head-on crashes can cause serious injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and time away from work. Call (888) 291-6445 to contact a Bethesda Head-On Collision Lawyer at Malloy Law Offices, LLC right away if you or your loved one has been the victim of a head-on collision. You can also find a personal injury attorney in Maryland.