Head-On Collisions

Helping Victims of Head-On Car Accidents

There are thousands of fatalities each year due to car crashes. Head-on car collisions are an especially fatal type of crash. In 2005, head-on car collisions accounted for only 2% of all crashes but represented over 10% of fatal crashes, indicating there is a much higher likelihood of a fatality in a head-on crash than in others. If someone you know has died in a head-on collision, speak to a car accident lawyer in Sacramento for legal help.

A head-on collision is a type of car crash considered as a lane-departure or road-departure crash. In head-on collisions and other types of car incidences of this category, the driver of at least one vehicle neglects to stay within their lane. This may result in a departure from the roadway or into oncoming traffic.

This type of accident is more likely than other types to have one individual that is much more responsible than the other. It is quite unlikely for two cars traveling in opposite directions to both lose control of their cars and drift into oncoming traffic at the same time. One instance where this may be likely is in very poor weather conditions. When there is ice on the road and many people are losing control of their vehicles, it is likely to be the fault of multiple individuals.

It is important to determine how much at fault each individual driver is as California is a comparative fault state. This means that instead of one person always being held completely responsible for an incident, all individuals involved may be considered partially at fault and thus partially responsible for the damages (and cost thereof). This is not always the case as there are of course instances in which one individual is clearly completely at fault. Even if there is one person who would normally be held completely responsible, the behavior of the other driver may affect this. For example, if a driver falls asleep and drifts into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on collision, but the driver who was hit was texting at the time of the accident, the sleepy driver may try to argue that the texter is in some part at fault. Because car accident cases are extremely tricky and involve many variables, it’s best to consult with a car accident lawyer in Sacramento who can not only explain the nuances but legally represent you in court.

Right to Compensation

When an individual harms another due to their negligence, it is necessary for them to compensate the victim for their injuries. Even passengers involved in a crash have the right to compensation. Compensation is owed in the case of physical harm because there is no way to restore the victim to the state they were in before the crash. Perhaps a person can make a full recovery, but keep in mind there is an emotional and financial strain to consider.

Compensation may include payment for:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Physical therapy
• Future medical costs

How does one go about getting compensated? To be reimbursed for damages, it must be shown that the person from whom you are seeking compensation is responsible for the damages because they acted negligently. A car accident lawyer in Sacramento is well equipped to handle this.

How to Pay for Medical Bills

Though the individual(s) or group that is responsible for your injuries ought to compensate you for your expenses, this is done after a settlement or trial. Until then, you are responsible for covering whatever medical costs are incurred. Since head-on collisions can result in serious injury, this may mean significant costs. Be sure to keep a record of all costs relating to the accident in order to get properly reimbursed later. Luckily, there are several options of how to pay in the meantime.

• Health insurance. Insurance companies will typically cover the cost initially with the understanding that they will be reimbursed after the case is settled.
• Medicare/Medi-Cal. These groups also will cover costs but are aggressive about being repaid.
• Lien. A medical lien is when a healthcare provider or facility will perform necessary treatment with the understanding that they will be reimbursed after the case is settled.
• Out of pocket.
• No fault coverage. This is optional coverage included in some automobile insurance policies. These policies often have relatively low limits, especially in the case of a head-on collision, which often causes severe damage.

Have you or someone you know been involved in a head-on collision? It’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible in order to build the strongest case possible and to get the compensation you deserve. If you lost a loved one due to a head-on collision, you may be able to seek damages on that individual’s behalf.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento Immediately If You’ve Suffered Injuries from a Car Accident

With over 20 years of experience helping victims get the justice they deserve, we have the resources, dedication, and compassion to get you the compensation you deserve during this difficult time in your life. Give us a call at (916) 357-6767 to speak to a car accident lawyer in Sacramento.

Call (916) 357-6767 today for a free consultation with our Sacramento personal injury lawyer regarding your auto accident injury case.