head-on collision

Head-on collisions are some of the most devastating crashes that occur on the roads in and around Athens. They are terrifying events that often result in catastrophic injuries, even for survivors.

If you were injured in a head-on collision caused by someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced Athens car accident lawyer for help right away. You could be owed significant compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. Time is limited to take action, though. Don’t wait until it is too late to get justice.

We Have Some of the Best Head On Collision Lawyers in Athens

At R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, our skilled Athens head-on collision lawyer could help you hold negligent parties accountable and recover the money you need to get back on your feet. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation.

What Is a Head-On Collision?

A head-on collision is an especially destructive type of car accident that occurs when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the front of another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Also known as “frontal” or “front-impact” collisions, these accidents occur most frequently at intersections and on undivided roads.

Common Causes of Head-On Accidents in Athens

Here are some of the most common causes of head-on collisions we see in the car accident cases we handle:

  • Distracted driving – Drivers who are absorbed in text messages, phone calls, or other distractions are more likely to cause head-on collisions when they drift out of their lane or ignore the right-of-way.
  • Impaired driving – When drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they risk causing head-on collisions due to impaired situational awareness, visual acuity, depth perception, and reaction time.
  • Driver error – Drivers who are young, inexperienced, or elderly are more likely to commit certain errors, such as not yielding or driving the wrong way down a one-way street. These mistakes can easily result in head-on accidents.
  • Reckless driving – Reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and lane weaving increase the risk of head-on collisions by reducing the time and distance drivers have to react.
  • Defective car parts – When critical car parts such as brakes, tires, and airbags are defective due to poor manufacturing or maintenance, they can fail in transit and lead to head-on collisions caused by loss of driver control.
  • Poor road conditions – Bad road conditions such as poor drainage, large potholes, or missing road signs can lead to driver confusion or loss of control. This can then contribute to head-on collisions when drivers drift or swerve into an oncoming lane.

Common Head-On Crash Injuries in Athens

The violent force of a head-on collision can leave vehicles with irreparable damage and occupants with life-changing injuries. Some common types of head-on collision injuries include the following:

  • Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Facial injuries and dental trauma
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Dislocated or fractured bones
  • Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding
  • Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
  • Bruises, burns, and cuts
  • Amputation and loss of limb
  • Back and spinal cord injuries
  • Partial or total paralysis
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Other emotional and psychological injuries
  • Wrongful death

Who Determines Fault in a Head-On Wreck in Athens?

One of the most important aspects of a Georgia auto accident case involves determining who was at fault for the accident. Under Georgia law, the party at fault for a crash is responsible for compensating anyone else who suffered injuries or property damage as a result.

Police officers, insurance adjusters, and attorneys are typically the ones to investigate car accidents and determine fault. Because they usually weren’t there to witness the collision itself, they must rely on the following types of evidence to decide who was responsible:

  • Police accident reports
  • Photos of the accident scene
  • Video footage from traffic cameras or dashcams
  • Statements from eyewitnesses
  • Testimony from experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists

It’s important to get an experienced head-on collision lawyer involved as early as possible to make sure the at-fault party preserves their vehicle and other evidence. Most vehicles have an electronic control module (ECM) that captures important data about the accident that could help you prove your case.

Downloading the data requires the use of an expert, and an experienced Athens head-on collision attorney will be able to hire an expert for you to save the data and other evidence before the vehicles are repaired or scrapped and the data is destroyed.

Some Facts About Head-On Collisions

The following data from the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Georgia Department of Transportation highlights just how dangerous head-on collisions can be:

  • In a single recent year, there were 260,000 head-on collisions throughout the U.S., about 2 percent of all motor vehicle crashes. However, they resulted in almost 12 percent of all accident-related deaths.
  • They also caused 228,000 non-fatal injuries, with nearly 50 percent of all head-on crashes resulting in injuries.
  • In Georgia alone, there were over 10,000 head-on crashes that year. These accidents resulted in over 7,000 injuries and 200 fatalities.

Head-On Collisions & Your Legal Rights

If you have been hurt in a head-on collision in Georgia, it’s normal to wonder about your legal options. Under Georgia law, you have the right to demand compensation for your losses from an at-fault driver after an accident. You may be entitled to financial recovery for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life

Georgia’s statute of limitations laws limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit, though. When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, you have just two years from the date of the accident to file. If you wait too long to file your lawsuit, you likely won’t be able to recover compensation.

Contact Our Head-On Collision Lawyer in Athens, GA

When you need legal help after a head-on collision in Athens, GA, look no further than the team at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC. We can answer your questions and provide dependable legal advice in addition to one-on-one attention. Contact us today for a free consultation with a compassionate Athens head-on collision lawyer.