Head On Collisions Lawyer

Head On Collisions Lawyer

Head-on collisions involve two vehicles striking each other from the front, often while traveling at high speeds. These crashes tend to cause severe injuries and may even lead to loss of life. The force of impact is usually greater than in many other types of car accidents, and the outcomes can be devastating.

If someone else's mistake caused the crash that left you hurt or grieving, Lewis Law offers help. A head-on collision lawyer at our firm understands the devastating nature of these types of crashes and can help you take legal action against the driver or other responsible party. We fight to make sure you don’t bear the financial and personal consequences alone.

Lewis Law has handled many car crash cases across Georgia for more than 13 years. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover maximum compensation.

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What Causes Head-On Collisions?

Head-on collisions usually happen when one vehicle moves into the path of another traveling in the opposite direction. These crashes often take place on two-lane roads without a center barrier, but they can also occur at intersections, highway ramps, or construction zones.

In Winder, GA, areas like Broad Street, Jefferson Highway, and parts of Highway 53 have seen such accidents due to driver error, road layout, or poor conditions. Below are the most common causes.

Driver Negligence and Error

Many head-on crashes happen when a driver crosses the centerline by mistake. This can occur during a turn, on a curve, or while trying to pass another vehicle. Speeding, fatigue, and misjudging distance all contribute to these mistakes.

Impaired Driving (DUI/DWI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs affects decision-making and reaction time. Impaired drivers are more likely to drive on the wrong side of the road or drift into oncoming traffic without realizing it.

Distracted Driving

Texting, eating, adjusting controls, or looking at a GPS screen takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Even a quick glance away can result in drifting into the opposite lane, especially on narrow or winding roads.

Wrong-Way Driving

Entering a highway ramp or one-way street from the wrong direction can lead to a high-speed head-on collision. Confused or elderly drivers, as well as those under the influence, often cause these types of wrecks.

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Drivers who speed, tailgate, or weave through traffic take risks that can easily lead to disaster. Aggressive passing on a two-lane road often ends in a head-on impact if the driver misjudges timing or distance.

Poor Weather and Road Conditions

Rain, fog, snow, or ice can cause a vehicle to slide across lanes. In low visibility or slippery conditions, drivers may lose control and cross the centerline without meaning to.

Vehicle Defects and Mechanical Failures

A tire blowout, brake failure, or steering problem may cause a car to veer into oncoming traffic. Even if the driver tries to correct the vehicle’s path, there may not be enough time or space to avoid a crash.

If a head-on collision has affected you or someone close to you, Lewis Law can help you determine what caused the crash and who may be legally responsible.

Understanding Georgia's Fault-Based Insurance System

In Georgia, the law holds the at-fault party financially responsible for the damage they cause in a car accident. That means the other driver’s insurance company must cover your losses when they are to blame.

How Fault Determination Works in Georgia

Police reports, witness statements, photos, and videos help determine who caused the crash. Insurance adjusters and attorneys also look at road conditions and vehicle damage.

The at-fault driver’s insurance policy typically pays for damages, unless that driver lacks proper coverage.

Pure Comparative Negligence Rule

Georgia follows a modified version of comparative negligence. You can still recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault. However, your financial recovery gets reduced based on your percentage of blame. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your total recovery drops by 20%.

Impact on Compensation Recovery

If the other driver clearly caused the accident, their insurance company must pay. But when blame is shared, insurance companies may try to pin some of the fault on you. An attorney helps push back against those claims and works to recover the full amount tied to the other driver’s mistakes.

What Types of Injuries Result from Head-On Collisions?

Head-on crashes usually cause serious injuries because both vehicles hit each other from the front. The speed, angle, and size of each vehicle affect how severe the damage will be.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The violent force of impact can cause a driver or passenger’s head to hit a window, dashboard, or steering wheel. Brain injuries may range from concussions to permanent loss of cognitive ability.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When a crash jolts the spine or severs nerve pathways, it may result in full or partial paralysis. These injuries often require surgery, rehab, and long-term care.

Internal Organ Damage

Internal bleeding and bruising can occur even without obvious cuts. Damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or other organs may not show up right away but can turn serious quickly.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis often absorb the brunt of the impact. Broken bones may need metal implants, casting, or even reconstructive surgery.

Psychological Trauma and PTSD

Even after physical recovery, many crash victims deal with anxiety, sleep trouble, and fear of driving. Some need therapy to manage these emotional effects.

Damages Available in Head-On Collision Cases

When someone else causes a head-on crash, the financial and personal costs can be steep. These losses don’t just include the initial medical bills or car repairs. Many victims also deal with long-term impacts that affect their jobs, daily lives, and emotional well-being. Georgia law allows injured parties to recover different types of damages depending on the facts of the case.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the direct financial losses that result from the accident. These usually include:

• Medical expenses: ambulance rides, ER visits, surgeries, hospital stays, follow-up care, physical therapy, prescriptions, and assistive devices.
• Future medical care: for long-term conditions or permanent injuries, including home health care and rehabilitation.
• Lost income: wages missed while recovering, plus income you won’t be able to earn if injuries reduce your ability to work.
• Vehicle damage: repairs or replacement of your car, along with rental fees or towing costs.

These types of damages are usually supported by receipts, pay stubs, bills, and expert projections.

Non-Economic Damages

Not every loss comes with a receipt. Non-economic damages focus on how the crash affected your quality of life. These may include:

• Pain and discomfort from injuries or treatment
• Loss of enjoyment in daily activities, hobbies, or time with family
• Mental health effects like anxiety, depression, or sleep problems
• Changes to personal relationships, including loss of companionship

Non-economic damages vary based on the severity of the injury and how it changes a person’s lifestyle.

Punitive Damages in Georgia

Georgia law allows for punitive damages in rare cases where the at-fault driver showed extreme recklessness, like driving drunk or fleeing the scene. These awards punish the behavior and send a message to others.

How Long Do I Have to File a Head-On Collision Lawsuit?

You don’t have forever to act after a crash. Georgia sets firm deadlines for filing legal claims related to car accidents.

Georgia's Two-Year Statute of Limitations

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can block your right to pursue legal action.

Exceptions to the Standard Timeline

Some situations can extend this deadline. If the injured person is a minor or mentally impaired, or if the at-fault party left the state, the clock may pause for a time.

Importance of Acting Quickly

Delays can weaken your case. Evidence fades, witnesses forget details, and paperwork gets lost. Acting quickly helps preserve your rights and makes building a strong case easier.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Fault in a Head-On Collision?

Proving who caused the accident means collecting strong evidence. A thorough investigation often reveals how and why the crash happened.

Police Reports and Traffic Citations

Officers who respond to the scene usually file a report that includes diagrams, driver statements, and sometimes ticket information. This report often becomes a key piece of evidence.

Witness Statements and Testimony

Neutral witnesses can support your version of events. Their observations may confirm things like the wrong car crossing the centerline.

Accident Reconstruction Analysis

When fault isn’t clear, accident reconstruction professionals use math, physics, and crash scene data to recreate what happened. This helps show who likely caused the crash.

Medical Records and Expert Testimony

Your medical records show the severity of your injuries and the treatment you received. In some cases, doctors or specialists explain how the injuries tie back to the crash.

Photos, Videos, and Physical Evidence

Photos of skid marks, car damage, road signs, and injuries help paint a full picture. Traffic camera footage or dashcam video can also provide clear answers.

How Lewis Law Can Help

Head-on collision cases often require careful legal work and a sharp eye for detail. Lewis Law supports clients through each step and handles the hard parts for you.

• We start with a full investigation of the crash and collect all needed evidence.
• Our team works with accident reconstruction professionals if needed to prove how the crash occurred.
• We handle all insurance company contact and push back when they try to reduce or deny your claim.
• Our legal team calculates every part of your damages, including future medical care and lost income.
• If the insurance company or at-fault party refuses to settle for a fair amount, we prepare the case for trial.
• Throughout the case, we keep you informed and offer steady, clear guidance.
• We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees upfront.

What to Do After a Head-On Collision Caused by Someone Else

Taking the right steps after a crash helps protect your health and your case.

• Get medical care right away, even if you don’t feel hurt at first.
• Call law enforcement to report the crash. Get a copy of the report.
• Take pictures and videos of the scene, damage, and injuries if you can.
• Don’t apologize or admit fault, even casually. Let the facts speak for themselves.
• Let your insurance company know what happened, but avoid making detailed statements until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
• Contact a personal injury attorney to review your case.
• Save all medical records, receipts, and notes about how the accident affected your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Head-On Collisions

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in GA Now

Head-on collisions leave deep and lasting consequences. If you or someone close to you was hurt or killed in one of these accidents, Winder personal injury law firm is ready to help. Our firm handles these cases with focus and care, offering each client personal attention and strong advocacy.

Call us today at 770-867-7446 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and explain your options. Time is limited, so don’t wait to get the help you need.

Schedule A Free Consultation