Michigan Head-On Collision Lawyer
High-speed head-on collisions can be deadly for all drivers and passengers involved. They can cause severe injuries and damage even at slower speeds. Therefore, identifying the cause of the accident is critical for recovering compensation for rehabilitation and restitution.
The Michigan car accident lawyer at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. have the resources and track record to pursue the compensation you deserve. We understand how devastating a head-on collision can be, and we can help build a strong case, so you maximize your settlement.
How Common Are Head-On Collisions?
Head-on collisions are the second most common type of fatal car accident in the United States, accounting for 10.2% of deadly crashes in 2020. These collisions involve a high level of force, as the two vehicles travel in opposite directions, contributing to the high fatality rate.
There is a greater chance of catastrophic injury and more damage due to vehicles stopping abruptly at the point of impact.
Causes of Head-On Collisions
Several factors can contribute to a head-on collision, but distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and speeding are among the most common.
Distracted Driving
Taking drivers’ attention off the road is one of the dangerous consequences of using cell phones and other electronic devices. A distracted driver may ignore the road ahead and not see an oncoming vehicle until it’s too late. As a result, distracted driving claimed the lives of over 3,100 Americans in 2019.
Driving Under the Influence
With over 32 drunk driving fatalities per day in the United States, alcohol is one of the primary causes in head-on collisions. Blurred vision and slower reaction times are two of the most dangerous symptoms of alcohol use, even in small quantities.
Drowsy Driving
Insufficient sleep is the most common cause of drowsy driving. However, shift work and impairment caused by alcohol and drugs may also contribute to the problem. Driving while sleepy can make drivers unable to focus on the road and slow their reaction times.
Drowsy drivers cause an estimated 6,000 fatal crashes each year.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving, such as trying to pass vehicles by swerving into oncoming traffic or passing without a clear view of the road, can often lead to catastrophic head-on collisions. Speeding is a reckless behavior contributing to 29% of motor vehicle fatalities in the United States.
Road Conditions
Bad weather, objects on the road surface, and poorly maintained roads are all factors that can cause a head-on collision. There are circumstances in which road conditions can lead to a head-on crash, such as a large pothole causing the driver to swerve into oncoming traffic.
Head-on collisions can be devastating for all parties involved. These collisions often result in injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and even wrongful death.
If you have been involved in a head-on collision, it is important to consult an experienced car accident attorney to gather all the evidence to prove the negligent driver’s fault.
What to Do After a Head-On Collision
After a head-on collision, contact the police to report the incident and wait for them to respond. The police report will be helpful to your attorney and insurance company when you make your claim.
It is essential to obtain medical treatment immediately. Even if you don’t show physical injuries, a medical professional can locate any underlying injuries and recommend you follow a treatment plan. Their medical records can document the severity of your physical injuries and the emotional effects of the accident.
Note details about the accident scene that may be useful to your claim. Start by recording identifying information about the other car and driver, including the make and model of the vehicle and its license plate number.
Take as many pictures and videos of the crash scene as possible. These images should include the position of the vehicles, the damage done to your car, and even your physical injuries.
If there are any witnesses in the area, ask for their contact details. Their accident accounts can be essential to recovering compensation, especially if your claim goes to trial.
What Compensation Can You Recover for a Head-On Collision?
You can file a claim for Michigan no-fault benefits with your auto insurance company regardless of who is the at-fault driver. Your benefits include compensation for your medical bills, lost income, household replacement services for up to $20 per day, and attendant services for up to 56 hours per week.
If your medical expenses and loss of wages exceed the limits of your car insurance policy, you may file a lawsuit against the other driver. Your suit can also include non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
However, your injuries must meet the threshold of a serious impairment of an important bodily function to be eligible for pain and suffering compensation. It also requires proving the other driver was negligent using evidence from the accident, such as police reports, photos, and videos.
A knowledgeable auto accident attorney can analyze your claim and help you prove the other driver was at fault for the accident under Michigan’s comparative negligence statute. They can help you understand the limits of your auto insurance policy so you can claim your no-fault benefits. If necessary, they can also help prepare a lawsuit for excess medical expenses and loss of wages.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Your Head-On Collision Claim
A personal injury attorney is crucial to linking your injuries to the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurers. Obtaining the compensation you deserve can be challenging without a clear relationship between your injuries and the incident.
At Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., our senior partner Eileen Kroll has a proven track record with car crash claims, including head-on collisions. Her extensive background as a registered nurse allows Eileen to analyze medical records and bills, so she can build a strong case for your compensation. She can also refer to physician testimony and photos of your injuries to understand the severity of your injuries.
Contact a Michigan Personal Injury Attorney
You can seek legal representation after a head-on accident from the law offices of Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. Our attorneys can assess your case in a free consultation to understand the circumstances of your accident. You can rely on our extensive legal knowledge and guidance to help you obtain a fair settlement for your injuries.
Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.