Head-On Collision Lawyer in Charlottesville, VA

Head-on collisions are among the most devastating motor vehicle accidents. They account for only a small portion of all crashes but represent a disproportionate share of serious injuries and fatal accidents. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a head-on car collision caused by another driver, you may have a right to seek full compensation for your medical bills and other accident expenses. A Charlottesville head-on collision lawyer with Kendall Law Firm can help you hold the driver who hit you accountable.

The Kendall Law Firm has a long track record of serving injured Virginians. Our record includes multiple six- and seven-figure settlements for clients injured in head-on collisions in Charlottesville. While past results are not predictive of future case outcomes, our results do show our extensive experience with motor vehicle accident cases. Our success on behalf of our clients is reflected in the positive reviews they’ve left us on Google and our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

If you have been seriously injured in a head-on collision caused by a negligent driver, seek the legal representation you need and the justice you deserve. Reach out to Kendall Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Speak with a knowledgeable Charlottesville head-on collision lawyer about your legal options to pursue a financial recovery.

What Is a Head-On Collision?

A head-on collision is an auto accident in which the fronts of two vehicles moving in opposite directions collide with one another. Head-on crashes usually occur when one vehicle drifts into an oncoming lane in front of an approaching vehicle. A head-on collision also can refer to a single-vehicle crash in which a car crashes into a stationary object such as a telephone pole, barrier, sign, or tree.

Causes of Head-On Car Accidents

Some of the most frequent causes of head-on car accidents include:

• Distracted driving – Using a cell phone behind the wheel takes a driver’s eyes off the road and the driver’s concentration off the task of driving. While a driver’s attention is diverted, their vehicle may drift across the center line into the path of an oncoming car.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – Intoxicated motorists have impaired judgment which may mean they fail to realize they are driving on the wrong side of the road. When drunk drivers get confused and get on Interstate 64 or Interstate 81 traveling the wrong way against traffic, the impaired driver may cause a wrong-way head-on crash. These collisions can be deadly when they occur at interstate speeds. The at-fault driver’s insurance should pay your medical bills and other expenses if you are injured in a head-on accident caused by an impaired driver.
• Fatigued or drowsy driving – Drowsy or tired drivers may be slow to recognize hazardous traffic situations. A dangerously fatigued driver may fall asleep behind the wheel, causing their car to cross the center line into opposing travel lanes.
• Taking curves at excessive speed – A motorist who takes a sharp curve in the road at excessive speed may drift across the center lane and collide with an oncoming vehicle that the driver does not see until too late.
• Unsafe passing – Drivers who attempt to pass slower vehicles in the opposing lane when unsafe or illegal to do put themselves and others at risk of head-on collisions.

Dangers of Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are considered one of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. In a head-on crash, both cars hit each other with their full combined force. The increased forces involved in the collision typically lead to more serious injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, frontal impact collisions accounted for 58 percent of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths in a recent year.

Common Injuries After a Head-on Car Accident

Due to the significant forces involved in a head-on car accident, these collisions tend to result in life-altering injuries such as:

• Spinal cord injuries —Vertebrae can be compressed in the force of a head-on collision, causing fractures or ruptured discs that can damage the spinal cord
• Traumatic brain injury—A car occupant’s head can strike the inside of the passenger cabin, or the jerking motion of the head can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull
• Internal injuries—The violent force of a head-on crash can leave crash victims with internal injuries, which can lead to shock, a serious condition.
• Facial injuries — Airbag deployment or collision with dashboards and seatbacks can cause facial injuries, especially if a person is not wearing a seat belt.
• Broken bones—Bone fractures including a crushed sternum are a common result of being thrown into the steering column by the force of a head-on collision.

Who’s at Fault in a Virginia Head-On Collision

In head-on car collisions in Virginia, the driver on the wrong side of the road is typically presumed to be at fault for the accident. However, in rare cases, another party may be liable for a head-on collision. For example, an auto part manufacturer might have liability for a head-on car crash caused by a mechanical failure that allows a vehicle to veer into the wrong lane.

A third driver may have responsibility for a head-on collision if the driver recklessly operates their vehicle in such a way as to cause another driver to swerve over the center line while trying to avoid a collision.

Available Compensation After a Head-On Car Crash

If you were hit by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for the losses you suffered as a result.

A personal injury lawsuit may seek compensation for the following losses:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Future anticipated medical expenses
• Costs of long-term care and household services if you are left permanently disabled
• Loss of wages while you are out of work
• Future loss of wages/income and employment benefits if you cannot work because of your injuries or disabilities
• Physical pain and emotional trauma or distress
• Physical disability and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Vehicle repair expenses or reimbursement of your vehicle’s value

Contact Our Experienced Charlottesville Head-On Car Accident Lawyers

An experienced Charlottesville personal injury lawyer at Kendall Law Firm can help you seek the financial relief you need to move forward after a head-on collision that was not your fault. Contact Kendall Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss how our car accident lawyers can assist you. Give us a call at (866) 590-9773, or reach out to us online.