Head-on collisions are some of the most catastrophic types of collisions that can occur on the roadways. There were 636 people killed in head-on crashes in 2022 within Austin Texas. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), with 10% of them involving fatalities. Because these accidents typically involve serious injuries, victims and their families face an incredible and overwhelming time following the accident, attempting to navigate medical appointments, pain and suffering, health care bills, lost wages, and property damage. If you suffered injuries or losses as a result of a head-on collision, or your loved one died as a result of a head-on collision, consider visiting with our legal team to learn more about how an Austin head-on collisions lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 can help you learn more about your legal rights following your car accident.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are also known as frontal collisions, and they occur when the fronts of two vehicles collide. Many head-on collisions occur as a result of one driver crossing the lane of traffic into another lane, therefore driving on the wrong side of the road. There are many reasons why a head-on collision could occur and making that determination can help a victim understand who they can pursue for compensation for their injuries and how much compensation they may have the legal right to receive.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collisions lawyer serving Austin, call (844) 730-0233
Why the Cause of a Head-On Collision Accident Matters
The cause of a head-on collision, as determined by an investigation, can provide a victim of the accident with a better understanding regarding the amount of compensation they are owed for injuries and losses. The reason is that more egregious head-on collisions that are the result of a driver operating a motor vehicle with a wanton disregard for human life can allow a victim to receive additional compensation in a settlement offer or lawsuit. In many cases, an independent investigation will help a victim understand the true underlying cause of the head-on collision and help them build their personal injury case.
Driving While Intoxicated
If a driver operates a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol and causes a head-on collision, a victim may have the ability to file not only a civil claim against the driver, but a criminal case against the driver as well. If a victim suffers serious injuries or losses as a result of a drunk driving accident, they may have the right to pursue additional compensation for punitive damages depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. Punitive damages are a way that a court will provide additional compensation to a victim if the facts of the head-on collision case are particularly flagrant. If you suffered injuries or losses resulting from a head-on collision with a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, consider visiting with an Austin head-on collisions lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC to learn more about your legal right to receive compensation and punitive damages following your car accident.
Driving While Distracted
Texting and driving cause a significant amount of accidents on the roadways every year. When a driver is distracted for any reason at all, they may veer or drift into an oncoming lane of traffic due to the inability to keep their full attention on the roadway. While texting and driving remains a national concern, it is important to understand that distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s full attention away from the roadways, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In some cases, an investigation must occur to make the determination as to why the driver veered into another lane, and to prove that a driver was distracted at the time of the head-on collision.
Driving While Fatigued
Any time a driver operates a motor vehicle while drowsy or fatigued, they may momentarily fall asleep at the wheel or simply lose complete concentration on the roadway. As a result, the driver may drift or swerve into oncoming traffic and cause a head-on collision. In many cases, a driver may attempt to course-correct after realizing that they drifted into an oncoming lane and sharply attempt to correct their error, causing a catastrophic accident or even a multiple-car pileup.
Austin Head-On Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Types of Compensation for Victims of Head-On Collisions
Each head-on collision accident has its own set of facts and circumstances. However, a majority of head-on collisions are the result of another driver’s negligence in some way. If you suffered injuries or losses as a result of a head-on collision, the following are some different types of compensation you may have the legal right to pursue:
- Medical costs including emergency room treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, medical treatments, psychological counseling, physical therapy, and medical devices
- Lost wages including lost salary due to an inability to return to work, employee benefits missed, lost potential promotions and bonuses, lost pension contributions, used vacation and sick leave, and possibly lost transportation allowances and other benefits
- Property replacement or repair costs for the vehicle or the contents inside
- Pain and suffering including loss of enjoyment of life and ability to perform daily tasks, as well as the pain endured as a result of an injury resulting from a head-on collision
- Punitive damages in certain cases and under specific circumstances
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Learn How an Austin Head-On Collisions Lawyer Can Help
Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003 states that a victim of a car accident only has two years from the date of an accident to file a claim, or they lose their legal right to do so. If you suffered injuries due to a head-on collision, consider visiting with our legal team for a free consultation to learn more about how an Austin head-on collisions lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 can ensure your legal rights remain protected.
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