TEXT US NOWSnohomish County Head-on Collision Lawyers Fighting for Compensation for the Severely Injured
When the front ends of two cars collide while traveling at speed, it is known as a head-on collision. These are some of the worst car accidents possible because the forces the victims are subjected to are immense. If you’ve experienced a head-on collision, you’re likely facing not only a long, painful, and expensive recovery process, but you may also have to battle with PTSD and other mental health effects related to surviving such a traumatic incident. At Elsner Law Firm, our compassionate lawyers want to take the weight and stress of dealing with the insurance company off your already full plate so that you can remain focused on your recovery.
What Causes Head-on Collisions?
In the ordinary course of traffic, two vehicles should never meet head-on while traveling. When a head-on collision occurs, there usually was negligence on the part of one or both of the drivers in the accident. Head-on collisions are most common in rural areas because rural roads are narrower and typically have one lane in either direction with no median in between to act as a buffer. If a car strays even slightly out of its lane on a two-lane road, it can easily cause a dangerous head-on accident. Other common causes of head-on collisions include:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while distracted
- Disobeying traffic signs, such as yield, one-way, stop, or do not enter signs.
- Failing to factor in the road and weather conditions while driving
- Losing control of the vehicle due to excessive speed
- Passing negligently
- Driving while fatigued
- Encroaching on the center line or failing to account for the width of oncoming vehicles
- Experiencing a mechanical failure, such as loss of steering
- Having a medical emergency, such as a seizure, leading to a loss of control
What Injuries Can Victims Suffer in a Head-on Collision?
Head-on collisions have a higher fatality rate than any other type of crash. Often there is no time or space to attempt an evasive maneuver once a driver realizes a car is coming at them head-on. As the vehicle speed increases, so does the likelihood of fatalities. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), your chances of dying in a head-on collision double for every ten mph your vehicle is traveling above 50 mph. Crashes involving semis or buses can also devastate smaller vehicles and often result in deaths. Survivors of a head-on collision often face catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Crush injuries
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Skull and facial damage
- Spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis
- Fractured and broken bones
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and bruising
- Soft tissue injuries
- Damage to extremities or dismemberment
How Does the Statute of Limitations Affect Your Ability to Seek Compensation for Your Head on Collision Injuries?
The statute of limitations on car accidents in Washington state is three years from the date of the accident. That can seem like a long time, but time can get away from you when you have other concerns or are facing a long road to recovery. The bottom line is that if you do not file your claim within that strict three-year window, you will no longer have the chance to seek compensation for your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but they are incredibly rare, and you should not count on them applying to your case.
Why Should You Contact a Trusted Head-on Collision Lawyer Promptly After Your Accident?
Since head-on collision injuries can be much worse than those suffered by other car accident victims, the timeline for recovery can stretch far into the future. You may be waiting for your medical care to end before contacting a lawyer to file a claim, but that can actually be highly detrimental to your case. Hiring a lawyer right after your accident gives them ample time to conduct a thorough investigation while the evidence remains fresh. It also saves you from having to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company on your own while you are healing and ensures that your claim will be filed properly within the statute of limitations. If you are ready to speak with a head-on collision lawyer from Elsner Law Firm, contact us at 206-447-1425 for a free consultation.
