Columbia Head-On Collision Lawyers

What Is the Most Common Injury From a Head-on Collision?

Head-on collisions are notorious for the severity of injuries they can cause, largely due to the intense impact and force generated when two vehicles collide front to front. 

This type of accident often results in the following types of injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries are common because a sudden and forceful stop can cause the brain to move violently inside the skull. 
• Spinal cord injuries are prevalent, given the substantial force that can jolt or compress the spine, potentially leading to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
• Broken bones, including fractures in the limbs, ribs, and pelvis, are commonly reported due to the direct impact on the front of the body.
• Internal bleeding and organ damage are other particularly dangerous outcomes, as they can be life-threatening if not immediately diagnosed and treated. 
• The face and mouth are also vulnerable in head-on collisions, leading to significant facial and dental injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and reconstructive surgery.
• Whiplash, though commonly associated with rear-end collisions, can also occur in head-on impacts as the head is suddenly and violently thrust forward and then back.

Sadly, the extreme nature of these impacts means that fatalities are more common in head-on collisions compared to other types of car accidents. The combination of high speeds, direct impact, and close proximity to the point of collision contributes to the higher incidence of critical and fatal injuries.

What Are the 4 Most Common Reasons for Head-on Collisions?

Different factors can cause a head-on collision in Columbia and elsewhere. 

One of the most common is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When a driver is intoxicated, even by a small amount of these substances, their reaction time, judgment, concentration, and reflexes are weakened. They might not even realize until it’s too late that they’re in the wrong lane or traveling in the wrong direction.

Distracted driving is another factor that can cause a head-on accident. If a driver is too focused on their cell phone, eating, grooming, checking on children or pets in the backseat, or even daydreaming, their attention may be completely diverted from the road. An accident can occur in seconds and have deadly consequences.

Many head-on collisions are caused by reckless driving. Erratically weaving in and out of lanes, speeding far above the legal speed limit, ignoring traffic signs and signals, and road rage can all lead to this type of crash.

Even fully cognizant drivers can make mistakes like driving on the wrong side of the road. This issue often happens when a person is in an unfamiliar area and unsure about where they’re going. Unfortunately, it’s also a common cause of head-on collisions.

Steps to Take After a Head-on Collision in South Carolina

Although head-on collisions are often devastating, it’s important to take certain steps afterward to protect your rights. 

Get medical attention immediately, even if you believe you’ve escaped uninjured. Chances are, your adrenaline is racing and masking your true condition. Injury symptoms can lie dormant for hours, days, or weeks before they finally appear, and failing to seek immediate medical attention can compromise your claim. You may also have internal injuries that require immediate medical care, so don’t shrug off going to the emergency room.

If your vehicle is still operable, move it to the side of the road to safety and put on your blinkers to warn other drivers. If your car is totaled, get out if you can and go to a safe spot away from traffic. Exchange information with the other driver, but keep the conversation to a minimum.

Never admit fault or apologize, as it can be misconstrued, and the other party can claim you caused the accident.

Take photos of the accident scene with a focus on the vehicles, the road, skid marks, other damaged property, traffic conditions, signs, and anything else that comes to mind. You may also want to write down what you recall from the accident while it’s fresh in your mind. See if witnesses are present, get their names and contact information, and try to record their statements.

Contact your insurance company to notify them of the accident, but consider consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in car accident cases to handle further communications and negotiations to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.

Determining Fault and Compensation After a Head-on Collision in SC

South Carolina is a fault state for car accident cases, so if you file a claim for damages, it must be against the at-fault driver, and you will need to prove that they caused the accident.

You can recover certain types of compensation if your case is successful. This includes your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If your injury is long-term or permanent, you may also seek compensation for future medical expenses and lost earning capacity.

In cases where both parties are partially to blame for the accident, you can still recover compensation in South Carolina as long as you wereless than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. 

So, if you were 10% at fault for an accident and you were awarded $50,000, you could still recover compensation, but your final amount would be reduced by 10%, so you would collect $45,000.

FAQs After a Head-on Collision in Columbia

Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After an Accident?

It’s unwise to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. This is a situation that only your lawyer should handle due to their experience and knowledge of how insurers operate. Always talk with your attorney before making such a move.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect After a Head-on Crash?

The amount of compensation you can expect from a head-on collision varies widely based on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of damage to your property, lost wages, medical expenses, the impact on your quality of life, and the level of fault of each party involved. 

Because of the numerous variables involved, it’s beneficial to consult with a personal injury attorney who can provide a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Head-on Collision?

Yes, it’s best to retain a lawyer after a head-on collision, especially in cases involving serious injuries or death. Determining fault and appropriate compensation is often complex, so hiring a lawyer is always a wise idea.

Injured in a Head-on Collision in Columbia? We Can Help!

If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision in Columbia, SC, understanding your rights and potential compensation is crucial. At Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, we can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve to recover from your injuries.     

Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Contact our knowledgeable Columbia personal injury attorneystoday for a free consultation to discuss your specific case and explore your legal options.

References

Head-On Crashes. (n.d.). https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/strat_approach/brochure/docs/FHWA-SA-21-025_Head_On_Crashes.pdf

Motor-Vehicle Deaths by State. (n.d.). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/state-data/motor-vehicle-deaths-by-state/