Head-On Accidents
A head-on collision is a devastating type of car accident that often results in severe levels of damage and harm to those involved. In the aftermath of a head-on crash in California, it is important to understand your legal rights, as you may have grounds to file an insurance claim.
Filing a claim or personal injury lawsuit against the driver or party that is at fault for causing your head-on collision could result in the financial compensation you need to move forward with peace of mind.
Common Injuries From Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are some of the most damaging car accidents reported in California. The injuries suffered by a driver and his or her passengers in a head-on collision can be catastrophic, meaning they can impact the victim for life with effects such as permanent disability or disfigurement.
Common injuries suffered in head-on collisions include:
- One or more broken bones
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Lacerations and scarring
- Spinal cord injuries
- Irreversible paralysis or nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Burn injuries
Sadly, those involved in head-on car accidents do not always survive their injuries. When these accidents are fatal, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation through wrongful death claims.
Seeking Financial Compensation for a Head-On Car Accident in California
To hold someone else liable, or financially responsible, for your head-on car accident, you or your personal injury attorney in Los Angeles must prove fault. According to the burden of proof in a car accident case, fault must be proven “based on a preponderance of the evidence.”
To meet the burden of proof, you or your attorney must prove that the other driver (or a third party) is more likely to be at fault for your head-on collision than not. You must provide evidence to establish your claim, such as a police report, accident reconstruction, videos and photographs, the other driver’s cell phone records, and eyewitness statements.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim After a Head-On Accident
Call 911 immediately if you get involved in a head-on collision in Los Angeles. The police can investigate your accident and write a report that includes an opinion regarding fault for the crash or causation, such as one driver who was traveling the wrong way or driving drunk.
Next, get prompt medical care for your injuries. This is critical not only for your physical safety but also to protect your eligibility for insurance coverage. Many car insurance companies reject claims where the victims waited to see a doctor.
When you are ready to seek compensation for your head-on accident, contact your own car insurance provider to report the crash. Then, file a claim with the insurance carrier of the at-fault driver. Contact an attorney for assistance negotiating with an insurance claims adjuster for a fair settlement.
The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney After a Serious Head-On Collision
Head-on collisions often inflict life-changing injuries on those involved. Unfortunately, car insurance companies are notorious for using tactics to underpay claims. Don’t risk your future by taking on your car accident claim alone. Contact an attorney who specializes in head-on collision cases for claims assistance.
A car accident attorney in Los Angeles can investigate your accident, preserve and collect key evidence to support your claim, and go up against an insurer on your behalf to fight for a fair settlement. Meanwhile, you can focus on picking up the pieces of your life and putting them back together after this traumatic type of car accident.