While head-on collisions are typically rare, they are the most catastrophic and deadly types of crashes. That's because the impact of a head-on collision is often the combined speed of two cars traveling in opposite directions. For example, let's say you have two cars traveling in opposite directions at 45 mph. The impact would total 90 mph when the two cars collide. This is enough impact to result in serious injuries, damage to property and death.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a head-on collision in New Orleans, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. You're likely in for a long and costly recovery. It's critical that you understand your rights and know what course of action to take.
Common causes of head-on collisions
To build a strong legal case, causation must be established through an in-depth investigation. Like most states, Louisiana follows the fault-based system. This means you must prove that the negligence of another driver caused your crash. An experienced attorney can gather evidence to support your claim by:
- Working with crash reconstruction experts and obtaining physical evidence from the crash scene.
- Obtaining a copy of the official police report.
- Checking surveillance camera footage if it's available.
- Getting a subpoena for the at-fault driver's cellphone records.
- Speaking to witnesses and cross-referencing their statements with other evidence.
The most common causes of head-on collisions include:
- Distracted driving - Any activity that causes manual, visual or cognitive distraction.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs - Impaired driving often affects drivers' ability to focus and maintain control.
- Falling asleep at the wheel - Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel often make no attempt to slow down or avoid a crash. Drowsy driving crashes often happen at full speed.
- Speeding and driving too fast for conditions - Head-on collisions are often caused by drivers who drive too fast around curves or fail to drive at a speed that is safe and prudent for the road conditions.
- Illegally or negligently passing another car - It's illegal to pass in the oncoming lane on many stretches of the road. In areas where it is legal, head-on collisions occur when drivers fail to be aware of oncoming traffic.
- Vehicle defects - In this case, the car parts manufacturer or a mechanic would be responsible
Determining the damages after a head-on collision
If you were involved in a head-on collision, the damages will likely be significant. The most common injuries drivers sustain in head-on collisions include:
- Traumatic brain injuries - concussion, skull fracture, open head injury, diffuse axonal injury, hematoma, hemorrhage or coup-contrecoup.
- Facial injuries - severe lacerations, bruises, burns, contusions, bone fractures and disfigurement.
- Bone fractures - broken ribs, femur, hips, pelvis and arms are common in head-on collisions.
- Spinal injuries - herniated disc, spinal cord injury, quadriplegia or paraplegia (paralysis of the torso and limbs).
- Crushed or amputated limbs - crushed or amputated limbs often occur when a car gets crushed or severely caved in during a head-on collision.
- Internal injuries - nerve damage, internal bleeding and damage to internal organs.
After a head-on collision, the hospital bills quickly add up. On top of that, you will likely need rehabilitative treatment and several months away from work. The legal team at The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC knows how devastating this can be for crash victims and their families. Not only are you struggling to make ends meet, but you're also dealing with mental and emotional trauma. Our attorneys will place an accurate value on your claim and fight to help you recover every dollar owed to you. We can help you get compensated for medical expenses (current and future), lost wages, property damage, non-economic damages (pain and suffering) and other losses related to your crash.
Contact our New Orleans law firm to get started on your claim
Getting compensated is more difficult than it sounds. Insurance companies are more interested in protecting their bottom line and will use their bag of tricks to pay you as little as possible. Don't deal with the insurance companies alone. Get our law firm on your side. We know how to deal with them and get results. To get started, simply contact us online or call us for a free legal consultation.