Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. These crashes typically occur when a driver crosses the centerline, drives the wrong way, or loses control of their vehicle. The force of impact in a head-on collision is significantly higher than in other types of accidents, making them particularly devastating.
In Charlotte, NC, our team at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers has seen the catastrophic consequences of these accidents. Victims often face life-altering injuries, extensive medical bills, and emotional trauma.
Contact us if you or a loved one has been affected by a head-on collision, or reach out to us at (704) 980-9999 to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte head-on crash lawyer.
How Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Charlotte
If you or a loved one are in a head-on collision in Charlotte, North Carolina, you need experienced legal help. At Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers, that is exactly what we offer. Our team has over 32 years of combined experience, and we have recovered over 35$ million for our clients over the years. When you trust us with your case, we will:
- Meet with you to discuss your accident
- Gather evidence to support your case
- Keep you updated throughout your case
- Negotiate with all other parties on your behalf
- Fight for a substantial settlement
- Take your case to trial if a settlement can’t be reached
Call, stop in, or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Charlotte car accident attorneys.
Head-On Collisions Are Deadly
You can no doubt imagine that head-on car crashes are devastating, but you might be surprised to know just how much damage they can truly cause. In particular:
- More than ten percent of deadly car accidents were head-on collisions in 2022.
- Head-on crashes were responsible for approximately 11% of all fatal auto accidents In 2021.
The speed at which head-on crashes occur is a huge factor in just how deadly these kind of crashes can be.
How Do Head-On Crashes Happen?
Head-on crashes happen for a variety of reasons, unfortunately. As Charlotte car accident lawyers, here are some of the most common causes of head-on collisions that we see:
- Passing unsafely: When someone misjudges how much space they need to pass a vehicle in the on-coming lane, head-on collisions can happen.
- Driving the wrong direction on a one-way: This is another way preventable head-on collisions occur.
- Poor driving conditions: Wet, slippery roads can cause cars to hydroplane into oncoming traffic. Likewise, poor visibility can make it next to impossible to see the lines of the road, which can cause cars to unknowingly drive in the wrong lane, causing head-on crashes.
- Impaired driving: Drunk and high drivers have slow reaction times, may drive recklessly, and can get drowsy. These are all things that can cause a driver to drift across the double yellow lines.
- Distracted driving: Texting, putting on make-up, reaching for things in the backseat, having deep conversations, and fiddling with your music can all lead to head-on collisions.
- Speeding: Speeding makes any and all types of accidents worse. Head-on crashes are no exception.
Head-on collisions are often preventable, yet they remain one of the most dangerous types of car accidents. Whether caused by poor judgment, bad road conditions, or driver negligence, these crashes can have devastating consequences.
Common Head-On Collision Injuries In Charlotte
The aftermath of head-on crashes is quite daunting. Aside from the extensive damage to your vehicle, these are common head-on collision injuries we see as personal injury lawyers:
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries, including everything from concussions to severe brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries like paralysis or whiplash
- Burns
- PTSD, insomnia, depression
- Organ damage
- Broken bones, particularly ribs, and limbs
Head-on collisions often result in severe, life-altering injuries that can take months or even years to recover from.
How Is Liability Determined in a Head-On Crash?
While it might seem challenging on the surface to determine the driver responsible when two cars collide head-on, your personal injury lawyer is going to be investigating which driver crossed the center. While the impact may have been simultaneous, the driver who left their designated lane of travel is generally liable.
Your attorney will determine this by looking at the police report, talking to witnesses, and examining evidence. An expert witness can also be consulted. Sometimes, a head-on crash can be both parties’ fault; for example, if both vehicles went wide around a curve due to speeding or bad visibility, it was a major factor.
The Process After a Head-On Collision
Here is the general process you should expect after head-on crashes and tips to ensure everything flows smoothly:
- Call 911 and get fully examined by a doctor
- Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information
- Take pictures of both cars and the scene
- Ensure a police report is filed and get a copy of it
- File a claim with your insurance company
- To ensure the best possible financial compensation, hire a lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Do not accept the first offer the insurance company makes, and do not provide any written or recorded statements until consulting your attorney.
- If the insurance company does not agree to an appropriate settlement, your lawyer will send them a demand letter, the unofficial beginning of the lawsuit process.
- If the demand letter does not result in a fair settlement, your lawyer may then officially file a lawsuit.
- From this point, the process can vary based on the unique details of your case. A settlement is possible at any point. Generally, the process involves doing recorded interviews with all involved parties, sharing research with the other party’s legal team, further investigation, and, ultimately, a trial.
Your accident lawyer can advise you more specifically on the status of your case as things progress, but this gives you an idea of what to expect generally.
Were You in a Head-On Crash in Charlotte, NC?
If you’ve endured the pain and destruction of a head-on crash in Charlotte, NC, the team at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers can help you negotiate with the insurance company for a better financial settlement. Contact us now to speak to a Charlotte head-on crash lawyer. Let us fight for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries.