You are hit head-on by another vehicle traveling in the wrong direction. At first you feel fine, but after a few days and a medical evaluation, you realize you are in serious pain. It’s time to contact a personal injury lawyer who has represented clients in similar head-on collision cases.
Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with one another. The severity of this type of accident can vary greatly, depending on the speed of the vehicles at the time of impact. Obviously, when one or both vehicles are operating at high speeds, the results can be devastating. However, even collisions that occur at slow speeds may result in painful and costly injuries.
What to Do Immediately Following a Head-On Collision
Your health and safety should be your top priority after a head-on collision. Make sure to call for emergency services right away. A police officer should make a report at the accident scene, and if you are able, be sure to take photographs documenting the accident.
If you are injured, an ambulance should take you to the nearest emergency room for evaluation. Even if you are able to drive away without any signs of trauma, it’s still important to get looked over by a medical professional. It’s possible to sustain internal injuries without feeling any pain at first.
An insurance claim should be filed as soon as possible. In a perfect world, you would be able to rely on the negligent driver’s insurance to cover your medical bills, but oftentimes insurance companies deny payment. That’s why finding a personal injury lawyer is vital.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured as the result of a head-on collision, you may find yourself overwhelmed by medical bills, doctor appointments, physical therapy treatments and lost wages, to say nothing about the emotional trauma caused by such an event. You should seek compensation for these damages if you can prove the other driver was negligent in your case.
A personal injury attorney represents people who have sustained injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence. If it can be proven that another driver caused the head-on collision, either directly or indirectly, that driver should be held accountable for his or her actions.
Your attorney will present all the facts surrounding your accident and injury to the insurance company. Evidence that may be used includes photos, police reports, witness testimonies, medical records, doctor statements, and expert witness reports. He or she will then negotiate with the insurance company in an effort to establish responsibility for compensation as well as the amount of any settlement.
Damages Awarded
One of your lawyer’s responsibilities is to calculate the total value of the damages you have suffered and to present that value to the other side. The following evidence may be included in the damages calculation:
- Medical payments, including hospital and doctor bills, physical therapy, prescription and over-the-counter medications and other medical incidentals.
- Pain and suffering, if you are experiencing ongoing physical or mental trauma as a result of your injury.
- Lost wages, if you find yourself unable to return to work for a short or extended amount of time.
- Disability, if your injuries affect your quality of life or ability to complete everyday tasks.
