Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous, leaving victims with substantial injuries and lengthy recoveries. They can also cause extreme damage to your vehicle, putting you out of work until you can repair or replace it. When someone else is responsible for your losses, you need help from an accomplished Atlanta car accident lawyer at Rafi, Brown, and Stokes.
Our team is dedicated to investigating who is at fault and holding them accountable for their actions. We negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement but are not afraid to move to trial to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta head-on collision lawyer.
How And Why Do Head-On Collisions Happen?
A head-on collision is most often the result of a negligent driver when two cars are involved. However, if your crash occurred because you lost control of your vehicle and hit a stationary object, there may still be someone else at fault. If a component or system fails, such as a bad tire or faulty braking system, you may find other parties who can be held accountable.
Head-on collisions in Atlanta happen when careless drivers do the following:
- Use their cellphones while driving (Georgia Hands-Free Law prohibits this)
- Disobey traffic laws
- Ignore signs, such as for one-way streets or no left turns
- Pass other vehicles in an unsafe manner on two-lane roads
- Speed on a curve and hit oncoming vehicles
- Drive while intoxicated
- Drive while drowsy or fatigued
- Drive recklessly or aggressively
Other causes include poor signage in construction zones. If the road repair crew does not indicate the direction of travel, drivers may accidentally go against the traffic flow and cause a head-on crash. Victims may be able to file a claim against the company performing the work or the government agency responsible for maintaining the signs and roads.
Why Are Head-On Collisions So Dangerous?
When the front end of a vehicle hits an object or another vehicle, a substantial amount of force is transferred through the car to your body. You can experience broken bones, muscle strains and tears, internal organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Even if the airbag deploys, you could suffer severe facial damage and eye injury, especially if you are wearing glasses.
You and your passengers may also suffer leg and hip injuries as the front of your vehicle crumples and the firewall is forced into your feet. You may have bruising or broken ribs from the force of the seatbelt holding you in place. These injuries can require emergency care, surgery, and weeks of rehabilitation therapy. In extreme cases, victims may be left permanently disabled or even die.
The National Safety Council (NCS) reports that 30% of fatal vehicle crashes are head-on collisions. When someone you love dies in a head-on crash, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit to secure justice on behalf of that person. An Atlanta head-on collision attorney from Rafi, Brown, and Stokes can help you with that process.
What Should I Do After A Head-On Collision In Atlanta?
You will likely be badly injured, so the first step is to call 911 or ask someone to do so for medical help and police services. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of traffic, especially on the major highways running through and around Atlanta. If you cannot move the car, try to get yourself to the shoulder and out of danger. If you are too injured, stay put until help arrives.
Your next action should be to exchange insurance information and contact details with everyone involved in the crash. Call your insurance company next, giving them the other driver’s information and a basic description of what happened. Do not go into detail with the insurance provider, and do not record a statement. You should also avoid discussing the wreck with the other driver and do not admit guilt or assign blame.
You should then contact an Atlanta head-on collision attorney who can advise you on what to do and how they can help. Collect any evidence you can, such as:
- Photos of your injuries and vehicle damage
- Pictures of the road conditions, the weather, skid marks, and anything else that may be part of the accident
- Contact information for witnesses
Finally, avoid discussing the case with your friends and family. You should also refrain from posting about the wreck on social media. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders and keep records of every expense related to your injuries to help your attorney build your case.
How Much Is My Head-On Collision Claim Worth?
Every case is different, but because of the serious injuries you can suffer in a head-on collision, you may have substantial medical bills. In addition, you may be left with lifelong conditions, such as vision loss, paralysis, or brain damage. Until we speak with you, we cannot give you an estimate of your case’s value, but we can provide a list of common damages in these kinds of cases. In car accidents, the most common damages are economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
The largest part of your claim is probably economic losses. These are damages with a fixed price and include items such as:
- Emergency transportation to the hospital
- ICU and ER treatment
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Treatment by specialists
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
- Lost income while you cannot work
- Lost earning capacity if you become disabled
- Lost benefits and retirement savings while you recover or if you lose your job
- In-home nursing care or the cost of a nursing facility
- Home services such as cleaning, cooking, and lawn maintenance
- Renovations to your living space to accommodate a permanent disability
Non-Economic Damages
You’ll also likely experience significant non-economic damages, which include the emotional and psychological impact of the crash.
Your Atlanta head-on collision lawyer performs special calculations to determine the value of these losses, which can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Embarrassment and isolation from scars or loss of limb
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of personal reputation if you can no longer work
- Chronic pain
You are entitled to seek every penny owed to you from the negligent actions of whoever is at fault for your head-on crash. Rafi, Brown, and Stokes – Injury Lawyers makes every effort to secure the maximum compensation available to you.
How Do I Get Compensation For My Injuries In An Atlanta Head-On Collision?
In Georgia, all drivers are required liability insurance to pay for injuries and damage they cause in a crash. You can begin by filing a claim against their policy for your damages. However, since the minimum coverage is only $25,000 per person ($50,000 per accident) for bodily injury, your medical costs may quickly exceed the other person’s ability to pay. If you have one, you can turn to your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy.
Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging. They are cautious of fraudulent claims, yet you need your damages paid for by their negligent policyholder. Your Atlanta head-on collision attorney can handle these conversations for you, pushing back against unfair tactics or insufficient settlement offers. If the insurance company does not meet your demands or the coverage is too little, you can then proceed to file a personal injury lawsuit.
This can help you get the total damages since most insurance policies only cover economic losses. If you have substantial non-economic damages, you have a better chance of recovering those during a trial. Remember that your attorney can continue negotiating for an out-of-court settlement throughout your case, which can avoid the time and expense of a jury trial.
What If My Family Member Died After A Head-On Collision?
In many cases, people hit head-on by another driver is killed instantly or pass away from their injuries later. This means the family must not only deal with the medical expenses after death but also suffer financial burdens and grief. At Rafi, Brown, and Stokes, we can guide you through filing a wrongful death lawsuit to secure compensation for all these losses.
No amount of money can return your lost loved one, but your family should not have to pay the price for the other driver’s negligent actions. A wrongful death claim can bring you payment for the deceased’s hospital and care bills, funeral and burial costs, lost income for your household, your suffering and emotional anguish, and loss of guidance for your children.
How Much Time Do I Have To File A Lawsuit?
You must contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is just two years from the date of your head-on collision. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to bring your case to trial. There may be exceptions in your case, but you won’t know until you talk to an Atlanta head-on collision lawyer.
Speak With A Qualified Atlanta Head-On Collision Lawyer Now
At Rafi, Brown, and Stokes, we care about helping you achieve complete emotional, physical, and financial recovery. We focus on building a solid attorney-client relationship based on trust and communication.
We offer free initial case reviews to those who need answers about how to move forward with their case, and we keep you updated throughout the process. We also work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay our attorney fees if we do not obtain a settlement.
Take action on your case by calling us at (404) 800-9933 or through our online form to schedule your free consultation today.
