Head-on collisions typically result in catastrophic injuries and in many cases, fatalities. In fact, more than 3,400 head-on collisions result in fatalities in the United States every year, totaling 10% of all traffic fatalities according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). If you suffered injuries and losses resulting from a head-on collision in Washington DC, you may face astronomical medical bills, the loss of wages due to an inability to return to work, property damage, and pain and suffering. If you feel overwhelmed after your head-on collision, learn how a Washington DC head-on collisions lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 today for a free review of your case.
Devastating Results of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are frontal crashes between two motor vehicles that hit each other directly while traveling in opposite directions. Statistics that detail the types of injuries and losses resulting from head-on collisions are often harrowing. When one motorist crosses a lane of traffic into oncoming traffic, the result is two motor vehicles colliding with a direct impact at a high rate of speed. In some cases, head-on collisions occur due to distracted driving, driving while fatigued, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In these cases, a driver’s attention is not on the roadway, and therefore a head-on collision occurs. In more rare circumstances, a driver may attempt to avoid an animal or debris in the roadway resulting in a head-on collision. Whatever the actual reason for the head-on collision, the result is typically devastating for both drivers and their passengers.
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Causes of Head-On Collision Accidents
Every accident has its own set of facts and circumstances, however, there are some causes that can result in head-on collision accidents including the following:
Driving While Distracted
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists distracted driving as one of the primary causes of several different types of serious accidents. Distracted driving does not only include texting and driving, but also anything that would distract a driver from their focus on the roadways. Some of the other reasons for driving while distracted may include checking a navigational device or map, attempting to grab something within the car, a distraction from other passengers in the car, distraction due to events occurring outside of the car, talking on a cell phone, or eating and drinking. When a motorist loses their focus on the roadway, a head-on collision can occur.
Illegal Actions
Drivers that commit either illegal maneuvers or fail to follow road signs can cause a head-on collision. For example, if a motorist recklessly speeds on the roadway, fails to stop at an intersection, or fails to adhere to rules regarding passing other vehicles on a roadway, a head-on collision can occur as the motorist crosses over into another lane of oncoming traffic.
Driving While Intoxicated
Drivers that operate a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol make poor decisions while driving on the roadways and often cross into other lanes of oncoming traffic at high rates of speed causing severe injuries and death.
Fatigue
The NHTSA states that driving while drowsy or fatigued caused almost 800 deaths in 2017 alone on the roadways. When drivers feel drowsy or fatigued, they may doze or drift off to sleep behind the wheel of a vehicle which can cause them to swerve into oncoming traffic causing a head-on collision.
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Compensation Following a Head-On Collision
After an investigation determines liability and responsibility regarding a car accident, a victim may suffer from several different physical or psychological injuries or losses. If you suffered these injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence resulting in a head-on collision, you may have the right to receive compensation. While every car accident will have its own set of facts and circumstances, the following are some of the types of compensation a victim may receive following a head-on collision.
- Physical Injuries. You may have the right to receive compensation for doctor’s visits, emergency room visits, ambulance trips, hospitalizations, medical equipment, surgeries, rehabilitative treatments, physical therapy, diagnostic testing, or future medical expenses.
- Psychological Injuries. You also may suffer psychological injuries after a serious head-on collision, which could include post-traumatic stress disorder. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research determined that post-traumatic stress disorder following a serious car accident remains a frequent occurrence in car accident victims. You may have the right to receive compensation for any doctor’s visits, prescription medications, therapy, or future expenses related to your psychological injuries.
- Property Damage. If you experienced a head-on collision, you likely have serious property damage to your vehicle. You may have to eventually repair or replace your vehicle as a result of the accident, and therefore you may have the right to pursue compensation for your property damage.
- Lost Wages. If you suffered injuries as a result of a head-on collision, you likely are unable to return to work as a result of your injuries. However, it is important to note that lost wages does not only refer to a salary or compensation for time worked. Lost wages also refers to vacation and sick pay, retirement benefits, employee benefits, expected bonuses and promotions, and any other benefits provided to an employee that they failed to receive as a result of not being present in the workplace for a specific period of time due to their injuries suffered from a head-on collision.
- Pain and Suffering. Many of those victims that suffer from either psychological or physical injuries following a car accident also have pain and suffering. While a victim may have the legal right to pursue compensation for pain and suffering resulting from a car accident, the calculations regarding pain and suffering can be legally complex and challenging.
If you suffered injuries related to a head-on collision, learn how a Washington DC head-on collisions lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you calculate the compensation you may be eligible to receive.
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Washington, DC Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents
Washington, DC statute of limitations Code §12-301 allows three years to file a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident, including one as devastating as a head-on collision that was not your fault. That means the clock starts ticking from the date of the incident that may have left you or a family member with mounting medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and more.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC to discuss your case with a member of our team today. You may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and damages you suffered. Call 800-959-1444 for a free consultation.
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Learn How a Washington DC Head-On Collisions Lawyer Can Help
You may currently have injuries, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering related to a head-on collision. Find out how a Washington DC head-on collisions lawyer can help you develop a personal injury case in order for you to receive the compensation that you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation with a member of our team today.
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