We know how hard a Head-on Collision can be. In this case, it's harder not to see it coming. It won't surprise you when you hit the back of your car, but you'll see the impact from the front of the oncoming traffic. What do you do when faced with such an impact?
What are the chances of survival? Imagine that you are following your route correctly, and a recklessness that escapes from your hands ends up in a 4-wheeled machine destroying all the glass in front of you. What are the actual chances that you will come out unscathed?
Head-on collisions are among the most fatal car accidents. The impact can involve the total loss of control of your vehicle and glass flying through the air. A car accident case could be challenging to deal with.
If you live on Long Island, you know that these cases can occur frequently due to the major highways that connect all of New York State. Usually, drivers accelerate at speeds above average on these roads, and on two-way roads, you will always have a car going the wrong way.
Why Do I Need a Head-On Accident Lawyer?
The Ward Law Group's approach to securing the necessary compensation for damages and suffering in head-on collision cases is to be assertive on behalf of our clients. People who don't have legal representation run the danger of not getting compensated fairly for their medical bills, ambulance rides, counseling, and other accident-related expenses.
Determining who is at fault and identifying the victim is critical when handling head-on collision situations. The victim may be entitled to compensation to cover various accident-related expenses, regardless of whether they are dealing with short-term injuries or long-term effects.
The Ward Law Group's legal team takes a sensitive approach to these car crash cases to help victims recover their lives.
Now is the time to consult a Long Island personal injury attorney regarding your head-on collision case.
Head-On Collisions on Long Island
According to Long Island crash data, there were over 160,000 traffic accidents in just 2018 and 2019. This indicates that car accidents occur far too frequently. These crashes typically happened in the most populated areas of Suffolk and Nassau counties and around holidays in November and December.
On Long Island, November and December are the busiest months for head-on collision car accidents. The number of auto accidents rose during those months, from 4,864 crashes in February 2018 to 7,247 in December. A few things could be responsible for this, including snowy conditions and a spike in holiday travel.
Head-On Collisions LawSuits
- Determining Fault for Compensation: Establishing fault is crucial in head-on collisions. A skilled attorney can help analyze evidence, such as traffic camera footage or witness statements, to determine liability.
- Compensation for Medical Expenses: Victims are entitled to compensation for medical costs resulting from head-on collision injuries. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, therapy, and other related expenses.
- Recovery for Pain and Suffering: Victims can seek compensation for the physical and emotional pain from injuries. This may include chronic pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on the quality of life.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If injuries lead to missed work and a subsequent loss of income, victims may seek compensation for current and future lost wages, considering long-term effects on employability.
- Property Damage Compensation: In addition to personal injuries, victims can seek compensation for property damage to their vehicles. This covers repair costs or the fair market value if the vehicle is deemed a total loss.
- Coverage of Rehabilitation Costs: Serious injuries often require ongoing rehabilitation. Compensation can include expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services.
- Consideration of Long-Term Care: Some injuries may necessitate long-term care, such as nursing assistance or accommodations for permanent disabilities. Legal representation can ensure that these costs are considered.
- Emphasis on Emotional Distress: The emotional impact of a head-on collision can be substantial. Compensation may be sought for emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health consequences.
- Navigating Insurance Claims: Attorneys can assist in navigating the complexities of dealing with insurance companies. They ensure that victims receive fair and adequate compensation and avoid the pitfalls of accepting insufficient settlement offers.
- Legal Representation for Legal Actions: Legal action may be necessary if negotiations with insurance companies prove inadequate. Attorneys can guide victims through the legal process, representing their interests in court to secure just compensation.
Head-On Collison Injuries
Some of the specific common injuries our personal injury lawyers have witnessed in all these years handling head-on collision accident cases are as follows:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The force of impact in head-on collisions can lead to traumatic brain injuries, ranging from concussions to severe brain damage.
- Concussion: A direct blow to the head or violent shaking can cause a concussion, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.
- Whiplash: The rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision can cause whiplash, which can result in neck pain, stiffness, and potential long-term complications.
- Broken/Fractured Bones: The impact of a head-on collision can lead to broken or fractured bones, including those in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Amputation: Severe collisions may result in traumatic injuries requiring amputation of limbs or extremities. The damage will depend on the type of car accident. A personal injury lawsuit will be requested to find compensation.
- Organ Damages: Internal organs can be damaged due to the impact, leading to internal bleeding and other life-threatening conditions.
- Internal Bleeding: The force exerted on the body during a head-on collision can cause internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent but can have serious consequences.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The spine can be affected, resulting in spinal cord injuries that may cause paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Paralysis: Severe spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, impacting the victim's ability to move certain body parts.
- Neck and Back Injuries: The violent jolt experienced in a head-on collision can cause various neck and back injuries, such as herniated discs or vertebral fractures.
- Facial Injuries: Impact on the airbag, dashboard, or other surfaces can lead to facial injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and dental damage.
- Fatalities: Unfortunately, head-on collisions often result in deaths due to the severity of the impact, making them one of the deadliest types of accidents.
Suppose you have suffered any of the injuries we have specified from car accident victims. In that case, you should receive appropriate medical treatment and seek the advice of a legal professional to guide you through the entire process following the events that occurred.
Role of Insurance Companies in Head-On Collision Claims
Insurers play an essential role in post-accident actions. It will depend on the clauses in the insurance policy of the drivers involved in the accident and the level of compensation to which they could aspire. Some aspects in which insurance companies are especially relevant are the following:
- Liability Assessment: Insurance companies play a crucial role in determining liability by assessing evidence, statements, and police reports to establish which driver was at fault in the head-on collision.
- Compensation Evaluation: Once liability is established, insurance adjusters evaluate the extent of damages and injuries to determine the appropriate compensation for the victim. This includes medical expenses, property damage, and other related costs.
- Policy Limits: Insurance policies limit the amount they will pay for different types of damages. Understanding these limits is essential, as they can impact the overall compensation available to the victim.
- Communication with Insurers: Victims should promptly report the head-on collision to their insurance company and the at-fault party's insurer. Communication is key in providing necessary information and initiating the claims process.
- Statements and Documentation: Insurance companies may request statements, medical records, and other documentation to assess the claim's validity. Victims should be cautious about providing recorded statements without legal representation.
- Negotiations: Insurers often negotiate to settle claims. Victims may benefit from legal representation during negotiations to ensure fair compensation that adequately covers their damages.
- Subrogation: If the victim's insurance company covers initial costs, it may pursue subrogation to recover these expenses from the at-fault party's insurer, seeking reimbursement on behalf of the victim.
- Denial of Claims: Insurance companies may deny claims based on policy exclusions, disputed liability, or other reasons. Victims have the right to appeal denials and seek legal recourse if necessary.
- Legal Proceedings: In cases where insurers and victims cannot reach a fair settlement, legal action may be necessary. Victims may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to pursue compensation through the legal system.
- Timely Reporting: Victims must promptly report the head-on collision to their insurance company, as delayed reporting may affect the claim's processing.
We know that the whole experience from the time you've been involved in an accident to everything that comes after can be truly exhausting. However, remember that being able to delegate your case to experts in the field will save you a lot of lost time and help you understand how the legal procedures work in your favor.
Contact a Head-On Collision Lawyer on Long Island
Suppose you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident on Long Island, particularly in a head-on collision caused by another party's negligence. In that case, the seasoned car accident lawyers at The Ward Law Group are here to assist.
Contact us today for a free consultation to explore your options for seeking justice and rightful compensation in your case. Call now at 855-DOLOR-55 for help!