HEAD-ON COLLISION LAWYER IN BELLEVUE REPRESENTING CLIENTS HURT IN A HEAD-ON ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON
It is estimated that head-on collisions account for as much as 10% of all traffic-related fatalities in the United States. Head-on collisions are always serious and have the potential to cause severe injuries or death. Learn what to do if your head-on collision was caused by a negligent driver and what an attorney can do to help you recover compensation for your injuries.
HOW DO HEAD-ON COLLISIONS HAPPEN?
Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles travel in opposite directions and collide with one another, usually resulting in a direct impact. Head-on collisions have catastrophic effects for both parties involved, usually resulting in serious injuries or death, especially when vehicles travel at higher speeds.
This type of accident can be the result of driver error, such as when a driver is in an unfamiliar area and accidentally enters a one-way street from the wrong direction or when a driver oversteers to avoid hitting an animal or a pedestrian and loses control of the vehicle, ending up facing oncoming traffic. It can also be caused by negligent behaviors such as driving while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Finally, a mechanical problem may cause a head-on collision, such as faulty steering or brakes.
HOW IS FAULT DETERMINED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION?
After a head-on collision, it is important to conduct a complete investigation of the accident scene and reconstruct what happened in the moments leading to the accident. The evidence collected during the investigation is key to determining who may be at fault for the head-on collision.
For example, suppose a driver entered a one-way street going the wrong way. At the accident scene, police determined that the driver was intoxicated. Most likely, the intoxicated driver may be at fault for the accident. However, security footage from a traffic camera shows the favored driver was talking on the phone while driving and was too distracted to even try and avoid the accident. If that is the case, it may be determined that the intoxicated driver was 80% at fault, but the favored driver was also 20% responsible for the accident. This, of course, is a hypothetical scenario, but it shows the important role evidence from the accident site can have in determining liability. As always, consult an attorney to discuss your specific case.
HOW MUCH MONEY MAY I RECEIVE FOR A HEAD-ON COLLISION CLAIM?
Head-on collision victims rarely walk away unharmed – serious injuries usually require emergency medical help, hospitalization, and a long road to recovery. This means head-on collision victims are usually left with significant financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages due to being unable to work, and property damage (such as the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement). These losses are all categorized as economic damages and included in a potential settlement award for a head-on collision claim.
In addition, many victims involved in a serious car accident often have emotional and psychological scars due to the traumatic event they have been through, not to mention physical pain from their injuries, suffering, disfigurement, physical scars, loss of enjoyment of life, and limited capacity for activities they engaged in before the injury. That is why head-on collision claims typically include non-economic damages, sometimes referred to as ‘pain and suffering.’ Your final award or settlement amount is a combination of both types of damages. The more serious your injuries and the more significant your losses, the higher your case value may be. However, only an attorney can determine the dollar amount you may be entitled to receive.
WHY DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR MY CASE?
When you’ve been hurt by someone else in a head-on collision accident, you need a professional who can guide you in the right direction and protect your interests at every step of the way. At Cascade Injury Law, PLLC, you can rest assured your case is in good hands. Our legal team can take over every aspect of your case for you and help you fight for maximum compensation. Contact our Bellevue, WA office by calling 425-654-8121 to learn more.
