Being involved in a car accident is a frightening experience. Unfortunately, fear is only one small consequence of an auto accident. The negative effects of a car accident can be severe and long lasting, especially when the accident is a head-on collision. Head-on car accidents can result in serious personal injury, significant financial losses, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. It is important for victims of head-on car accidents to understand their legal rights following such a traumatic event.
The experienced car accident attorneys at Tipp Coburn Schandelson PC can build a case to prove liability following such an accident. Victims of head-on car accidents in the Missoula, MT area should talk to one of our experienced attorneys before accepting any settlements offered by insurance companies.
Causes of Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions occur when the front ends of two different vehicles collide into each other. These accidents are most common on rural roads, although they can take place on city streets as well. Statistics show that about 75 percent of head-on collisions occur on two-lane roads where there is not a median or divider to create a barrier between the opposite lanes of traffic. Unfortunately, without this barrier of protection, reckless or negligent driving can easily lead to a head-on collision. Below are some of the driving situations that most commonly cause head-on accidents:
- Driving while distracted (i.e. texting, talking on the phone, paying attention to other occupants in the vehicle, etc.)
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while overtired
- Failure to obey traffic signs or signals
- Improper passing
Damages in Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions can lead to serious personal injuries, especially if drivers were not wearing seatbelts, or if other safety measures (such as airbags) were not in place. Some of the injuries that may be incurred in a head-on collision include:
- Head or brain injury
- Neck or back injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts or contusions
- Whiplash
- Internal organ injuries
Aside from physical injuries, head-on collisions can cause a great deal of emotional damage. Traumatic injuries can lead to stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is important to seek immediate treatment for any physical or emotional injuries following a head-on car accident to minimize the long-term impact these injuries may have.
Compensation for Damages
Victims of head-on collisions that were caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another driver have a right to financial compensation for damages suffered. Unfortunately, even when a driver’s insurance company accepts fault for an accident, they are often quick to offer a substandard settlement.
The best way for accident victims to ensure they are justly compensated for the full extent of their damages is to work with an experienced attorney, such as those at Tipp Coburn Schandelson PC. Our attorneys work hard for our clients and will not stop fighting until they have been compensated to the maximum extent of the law.
Contact
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to work with an experienced auto accident attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss your case in further detail with one of our experienced lawyers at Tipp Coburn Schandelson PC.
