Car crashes can cause severe physical and emotional trauma, from which it may take months or even years to recover. If you or a family member were severely hurt in a head-on collision, a Long Beach head-on collisions lawyer might be able to support you in your time of need.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC wants to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call the office today at (844) 730-0233 to set up a free, no-obligation meeting with a legal team member.
Causes of Head-On Collisions
Most car crashes, including head-on collisions, share a common factor in causation: human error. This error is usually a result of negligence or failure to exercise the expected level of responsibility and caution on the roadway. Sometimes, it is a result of defective road conditions. In other instances, a manufacturer’s mistake or negligent act may cause a collision.
Head-on collisions can occur when:
- A driver crosses over the roadway centerline without signaling
- A car is going in the wrong direction down the road, for example, when merging onto a highway
- A vehicle enters an arterial from a smaller road
- A car unsafely passes another on a two-lane road
Underlying factors that can contribute to a head-on collision include driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while fatigued, distracted driving, or swerving between lanes. Other elements that can increase the likelihood of a crash or severity include speeding, faulty traffic signals, vehicle malfunctions, inclement weather, or reduced visibility.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that most fatal crashes involve speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or a combination of the two.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collisions lawyer serving Long Beach, call (844) 730-0233
Injuries Associated with Head-On Collisions
The nature of head-on collisions makes this one of the most dangerous types of crashes. These can result in a broad range of injuries, ranging in severity from lacerations and fractured bones to death. Some injuries commonly associated with head-on collisions include:
- Broken facial bones: The impact of a head-on crash may be severe enough to crush bones in the face, such as the cheek, jaw, chin, nose, or eye sockets.
- Whiplash: One of the most common injuries in car crashes of all kinds, whiplash can occur when the driver’s or passenger’s head, shoulders, and neck snaps back and forth, injuring the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Lacerations, contusions, and abrasions: If windows or the windshield breaks or pieces of the car detach, victims may be cut by shards or hit by flying objects.
- Back and neck injuries: Victims may suffer severe spine, back, or neck injuries, such as herniated discs, a bruised or severed spinal cord, or torn muscles or ligaments. This injury can result in severe pain and, in some cases, paralysis or death.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): If a person’s head hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield, the brain may violently collide with the skull, resulting in a concussion or another traumatic injury. This injury can result in severe and permanent brain damage. In some cases, such injuries are fatal.
In addition to physical harm, victims may also suffer emotional trauma. This trauma includes but is not limited to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.
After a crash, you must seek prompt medical attention. Doing so may reduce your risk of severe long-term impact or even save your life. An immediate medical evaluation will also help you in your pursuit of compensation, whether via an insurance claim or in a civil suit.
Long Beach Head-On Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Legal Options for Pursuing Compensation
No amount of money can undo the trauma you have suffered. However, pursuing compensation may provide you with the resources you need to pay for medical costs, lost wages, counseling, and long-term care. If a loved one died in a crash, you might also have a right to compensation for the funeral and burial costs, as well as the loss of household income if other surviving members were financially dependent on the decedent.
Typically, victims have three options, depending on the circumstances:
- Personal injury lawsuit: A personal injury case seeks to cover the cost of injuries, including any physical harm, as well as emotional pain and suffering. According to California Civil Code of Procedure (CCP) § 335.1, victims usually have two years after the incident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Property damage: You may also pursue monetary awards to cover the cost of vehicle damage or other real property damage. The statute of limitations for this is usually three years from the accident date under CCP § 338.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one died in a crash as a result of another person’s carelessness, you might have the right to pursue this type of lawsuit. The statute of limitations is typically two years.
You may choose to file a civil suit, along with an insurance claim. Some victims file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company and seek additional compensation through a civil suit. This action may be necessary if the responsible party’s insurance coverage is not sufficient to cover the full extent of your injuries.
Grappling with the complexities of filing a case while trying to recover from your injuries may cause undue stress and strain. Consider letting a Long Beach head-on collisions lawyer handle your case, so you can focus on getting better. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today to get started.
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Get in Touch with Ben Crump Law, PLLC
Ben Crump Law, PLLC can support you in your time of need. A Long Beach head-on collisions lawyer at our law firm can help you throughout the process, from filing a claim to gathering evidence, building a case, and negotiating for a fair payout. When you feel well enough to do so, consider contacting us at (844) 730-0233 to talk with a staff member in a free case consultation. This law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you will not pay anything unless you receive a settlement. Get in touch today to get started on your case.
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