When two different vehicles smash into each other with their front ends, that is considered a head-on collision. Because head-on collisions are often at high speed and without warning, these accidents often cause serious injuries and multiple deaths.
In fact, head-on collisions are the number one cause of deaths in car crashes, as of 2018, according to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) report. More than half (56%) of passenger vehicle deaths occurred in head-on collisions.
Being in a head-on car accident can instantly change your life as a result of the traumatic injuries at risk in such accidents. Persons hit in head-on collisions suffer injuries like brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and more.
If a loved one passed away or is in severe circumstances because of a head-on collision caused by another driver, then you should explore legal options for recourse with a Chicago head-on collisions lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Our legal experts will pursue every available option to support you in retrieving fair and full compensation for your loved one’s injuries or death. Contact us today at (800)-959-1444 for your free case evaluation with a member of our team.
Common Causes of Head-on Collisions
Head-on car crashes can be caused by a wide group of reasons. These may include drowsiness, inebriated driving or drug use involved, texting while driving, impatience, or other forms of distracted driving. Any one of these poor driving behaviors can easily cause a deadly head-on collision.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, in a recent crash in St. Charles, IL, an impatient motorcyclist was trying to catch up to his fellow motorcyclists when he switched into the oncoming lanes to pass cars and ended up smashing head-on into a Ford Escape. He died later in a hospital.
Head-on collisions also occur as a result of reckless driving or angry drivers. Drivers who speed carelessly, swerve in and out of lanes, or make turns at high speeds are all considered reckless drivers.
Those drivers having a bad day, filled with road rage and other aggressive behavior, can also produce deadly car crashes. Poor driving habits like these can turn into head-on collisions. Your lawyer may be able to use the information in the police report to determine why your accident happened.
Insurance companies may scheme to lessen the amount of compensation paid to your family. There are other ways the defendant can trip you up as well if you seek restitution on your own. Working with a personal injury attorney from Ben Crump Law, PLLC can be beneficial to you.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collisions accidents lawyer serving Chicago, call 800-598-7557
Liability for a Head-On Collision
A Chicago head-on collisions lawyer would be able to develop a legal strategy for determining liability in a head-on collision case. Liability in a head-on collision is usually answered in a court of law by determining if the at-fault driver had a “legal duty of care” in driving among other cars. Did the driver who smashed head-on into another car show any aspect of care? Essentially all drivers are expected to care for the other drivers and their surroundings and follow the rules of the road.
Admittedly, this does not always happen. That is called negligence (of driving laws, and of the legal duty to care). When the reckless behavior of a driver causes a head-on collision, that is negligence. It is also negligence if a driver intentionally crashes head first into another car, in an effort to maim or kill a person. Courts will see this as a breach of the duty to care on the roadways, and in this breach, the driver will be held responsible.
In a lawsuit against a driver who caused a head-on crash, the plaintiff must show that the negligence of the driver caused the damage. The damage would be shown as irreparable harm, injuries, loss of limbs, mental, physical and emotional trauma, loss of income, and much more.
Managing all these aspects in a lawsuit can be too much for one person. That is why at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we will work with you to fight for your legal rights. We will listen to your story, and help uncover evidence to seek compensation from the at-fault driver and the insurance company. Call today for a free consultation.
Chicago Head-On Collisions Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-598-7557
Evidence for Negligence
The types of evidence that will be crucial in a negligence case against a head-on collision driver will include:
- Photos and video of the scene of the crash
- Testimony from drivers, barring any immediate deaths
- Eyewitness testimony to indicate fault of a driver
- Complete medical records that show that the crash contributed to your loved one’s lengthy hospital stay, recurring hospital visits, rehabilitation, and more
Our team can help you and your loved one gather this evidence and uncover any other details that can support your fight for winning a large settlement.
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Types of Damages for Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions can alter one’s life in an instant. That is why when a negligence lawsuit is brought forth, it will include a wide array of claims against the defendant and the insurers, in order to win a large amount of money for damages like:
- Emotional and physical suffering
- Loss of wages (past, present, and future) from the accident
- Medical fees for the past, current, and future
- All relevant expenses in case of death
- All property damages to the car, and other belongings within the car
Once all the accident damages are added up, and one of our lawyers sorts through the numbers, a ballpark number for a financial settlement will be discussed. That number will usually be a starting figure in any discussion with the defendant, and depending on the circumstances, could lead to an out-of-court settlement.
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Illinois Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents
Your car accident case requires careful case building, evidence collection, and timely action. Act quickly if you were injured in a head-on collision in Chicago. The statute of limitations, per § 735 ILCS 5/13-202, is two years from the date of the car accident that caused your injuries. If you don’t file your lawsuit by the deadline, you could be barred from pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you file your lawsuit, handle all necessary paperwork, and retrieve and compile all requisite documents related to your case. Get a free consultation by calling 800-959-1444.
Work with a Chicago Head-on Collisions Lawyer
Whenever you or a loved one are involved in a car accident in the Chicago area, the best thing to do is to immediately reach out to a Chicago head-on collisions lawyer. Proving negligence in a head-on collision can be difficult and complex, and attorneys can take on the task for you.
It is not encouraged to represent a loved one who suffered injuries in a head-on collision. Insurance companies may scheme to lessen the amount of compensation paid to your family. There are other ways the defendant can trip you up as well if you seek restitution on your own. Working with a personal injury attorney from Ben Crump Law, PLLC can be beneficial to you.
Call us today at (800)-959-1444 for a no-fee consultation. We will support you in seeking compensation for the losses incurred.
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