While head-on collisions are far less common than some other types of accidents, they can result in some of the most catastrophic injuries. Being involved in any type of car accident can have long-lasting impacts on you and your loved ones, and more so when you are recovering from the types of devastating injuries often sustained in a head-on collision.

Dealing with legal and insurance issues can add stress and anxiety at a time when you need to prioritize your recovery. It can be tempting to accept whatever the insurance companies offer, just so you can start to move on—even if it barely begins to cover the true extent of your injuries and loss.

The experienced head-on car accident lawyers at MAJK Law want to help. We have decades of experience fighting for the rights of Los Angeles car accident victims, with a proven track record of success. We’ll work hard to understand the full impact of your accident and pursue the maximum compensation to which you are entitled—so that you can focus on healing and moving on.

What is a Head-On Collision?

A head-on collision is also known as a front-end or frontal collision. It usually occurs when the front end of one vehicle collides with the front end of another vehicle. If the front end of a vehicle collides with other objects, such as a tree or telephone pole, these accidents may also be considered head-on collisions.

Head-on collisions involving multiple vehicles can result in devastating injury because of the force of impact. In contrast to a rear-end collision where one vehicle is often stopped or slowed at the time of impact, a head-on collision may involve two vehicles moving toward each other, sometimes at very high speeds. This type of impact can lead to much more significant injury.

Causes of Head-On Collisions in Los Angeles County

Head-on collisions can happen for a variety of reasons, and the compensation you may be eligible for depends on the specific facts of your case. However, the most common causes of head-on accidents in Los Angeles include:

• Distracted driving. Drivers who are talking or texting on their phones, or are otherwise distracted while operating their vehicles, often take their eyes from the road and may not see other vehicles, or may swerve into opposing traffic.
• Driving while intoxicated. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be less alert or have delayed reaction time, or even lose consciousness, all increasing their risk of collisions.
• Driver fatigue. Night-shift and long-haul commercial drivers may be particularly prone to fatigue and even falling asleep at the wheel, but the awareness and reaction time of all drivers can be greatly reduced by even minor fatigue.
• Road conditions or obstacles. Vehicles sometimes swerve to avoid potholes or debris or animals in the road. Faded road divider lines can make it difficult to determine the appropriate lane. Weather conditions can exacerbate these conditions and increase the likelihood of vehicles veering into oncoming traffic.
• Malfunctioning signals. Faulty traffic lights can result in vehicles turning into one another and colliding head-on.
• Other driver error. Driving the wrong way on a road while merging, crossing road boundaries without signaling, and passing illegally or unsafely on a two-lane road are all common driver errors that may lead to head-on crashes.

Common Head-On Accident Injuries

The injuries sustained in a head-on collision vary from minor bumps and bruises to severe disability, disfigurement, and even death. The severity and type of injury that results from head-on collisions depends on many factors, including the victim’s age and position in the car, whether they were wearing a seatbelt or using a car seat, and the type and speed of vehicles involved in the collision.

Some injuries particularly common to head-on accidents include:

• Whiplash
• Back and neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations
• Burns
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In a car accident or other emergency, life-saving measures are often prioritized over a comprehensive medical evaluation. Even if you walked away from an accident with what you believe to be minor or no injuries, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, may not have symptoms for months or years after the accident. Other injuries may not seem serious at first but result in chronic pain or other issues with debilitating consequences that greatly affect your quality of life.

If you have been in a head-on collision, it is critical to seek a comprehensive medical evaluation immediately and then to contact a qualified head-on car accident lawyer as soon as possible. California law limits the time you have to file a claim following an accident—it is extremely important to identify and address injuries as soon as possible to maximize your potential for recovery.

California Head-On Collision Law: Who is at Fault

Even if the fault of a head-on collision seems clear, it is generally the burden of the plaintiff—the party bringing the claim or lawsuit—to prove who is at fault. An experienced head-on collision lawyer can help establish who is at fault for the accident.

This may involve gathering and reviewing some or all of the following:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Photos of the damage
• Medical reports
• Crash reconstructions
• Expert testimony

Establishing fault is a required part of your claim or lawsuit. In California, multiple parties can be found at fault for one accident, which means that multiple parties may be able to recover damages—even if partially to blame.

Because the laws governing fault for head-on collisions in California are complex, do not miss out on compensation you deserve by attempting to navigate difficult legal issues on your own. Contact an experienced head-on accident lawyer immediately to ensure that your interest are protected.

Statute of Limitations for a Head-On Collision in Los Angeles

In California, you typically have two years from the date of your accident in which to file a claim for personal injury. For certain claims, including some brain injuries or others that may not be immediately apparent at the time of the accident, the two-year period may have a later start date.

If you fail to file a claim within the time allowed by the statute of limitations, you may lose the ability to seek compensation for your injuries. Determining when the statute of limitations will run out on your claim is not always easy. Seeking legal counsel and filing a claim as soon as possible can help indicate the impact of your injuries and strengthen your negotiating position by allowing more time to investigate and determine the extent of the damages. If you have any doubts about the amount of time you have to file a claim, talk to a Los Angeles County head-on car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Compensation for Head-On Collision Injuries

The amount and type of damages you can recover after a head-on accident depend on many factors, including the specifics of the collision, the severity of injuries and damage, and the determination of who is at fault.

Common types of compensation for a head-on collision in Los Angeles include:

• Medical bills and expenses, current and future;
• Lost wages and income, current and future;
• Vehicle repair or replacement expenses;
• Alternate transportation costs;
• Emotional pain and suffering;
• Disability; and
• Wrongful death.

Economic damages, such as medical bills or the costs of vehicle repair, can be straightforward to prove. Noneconomic damages often make up a significant portion of a victim’s compensation and can be harder to calculate. Our compassionate and experienced head-on collisions attorneys can help identify the true cost of your accident—such as calculating a lifetime of lost wages, or putting an appropriate value on your pain and suffering.

Insurance companies are interested in settling claims quickly, and for as little as possible. There may also be additional parties to the accident that are seeking compensation—or to reduce what they may potentially owe you. It is critical to make sure that you have knowledgeable and effective legal counsel so that your interests are represented as well.

As with all personal injury claims, the amount you can recover will depend on the specifics of your case and the quality of your legal team. Seeking the counsel of a qualified Los Angeles County head-on collision lawyer can help ensure an accurate determination of fault, and the potential for maximum compensation.

Contact a Los Angeles Head-On Collision Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, the skilled legal team at MAJK Law can help. Even apparently minor injuries can have serious impacts on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. From determining fault and calculating an appropriate settlement amount, to negotiating with insurance companies, to defending your interests in the courtroom, we’ll work hard to pursue the maximum settlement amount. Let us navigate the legal process so that you can focus on recovering and getting back to your life. Contact an experienced head-on car accident lawyer at MAJK Law today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.