Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous and devastating types of car accidents. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Recovering for those injuries is often made harder due to the terrible injuries people sustain, as they were too hurt to remember clearly what happened. Loved ones caring for an injured person will also not need the added stress of dealing with insurance companies alone. Pursuing compensation from the responsible party can be complicated-you need a legal advocate who can help guide you through this process successfully.
MG Law: The Advocate You Need
We have years of experience representing injured victims for personal injury cases at MG Law. When you hire our firm, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your case is in capable hands. Our legal team understands how challenging head-on collisions can be-both legally and on individuals and their families. We’ll be there for you every step of the way. Our goal is to let you focus on getting your life back and helping you or your loved one recover from their injuries as best they are able. You won’t be just another case file in our system. We genuinely care about getting the best results for you.
Read on to learn more about head-on collisions, proving liability, the statute of limitations, and how an attorney for head-on collisions can increase your potential settlement amount.
Causes of Head-On Collisions
Multiple factors can contribute to head-on collisions, such as the following.
Distracted Driving
Most people think about texting or talking on the phone as distracted driving, but it’s much more than that. Anything that takes the driver’s attention from the road for even a split second is distracted driving. Other examples include looking at the GPS, talking with passengers, changing the radio station, eating or drinking, putting on makeup, looking at a delivery address, etc.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to stay in their lane. Drunk drivers are known to veer toward lights, which creates a dangerous situation for an approaching driver on a non-divided road or highway.
Fatigue
Some head-on collisions occur due to a fatigued driver. Drivers who are tired and driving on roads with low light and no dividers put other drivers at risk by dozing off and veering into oncoming traffic.
Reckless Driving
Drivers speeding, tailgating, making aggressive maneuvers, and passing dangerously also put other drivers at risk. These actions can cause the person to lose control of their vehicle and slam into another person head-on.
Poor Visibility
Rain, fog, or other adverse weather conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead and maintain their lane.
Poor Road Design
Inadequate signage, poorly marked lanes, or confusing intersections can contribute to head-on collisions. Potholes and other road hazards can also cause a driver to swerve and wind up hitting another vehicle head-on.
Proving Liability in Head-On Collisions
To recover compensation after a head-on collision, you must establish that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. Successfully proving negligence means providing evidence of four factors:
- Duty of care – The defendant owed you a duty to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of duty – The defendant breached that duty by driving negligently or recklessly, leading to the collision.
- Causation – The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the accident.
- Damages – You suffered injuries or property damage from the accident.
Collecting evidence is crucial in proving liability. The stronger your evidence, the easier it is to prove negligence against the other driver. Potential sources of evidence include:
- Police report – Your accident report contains valuable information about the accident, such as statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses, as well as the officer’s observations and conclusions.
- Photos and videos – Visual evidence of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can help establish the cause and severity of the collision.
- Witness statements – Testimony from witnesses can corroborate your account of the accident and help identify the at-fault party.
- Expert opinions – Accident reconstruction experts or engineers can analyze the accident scene and provide insight into the cause of the collision.
- Medical records – Documenting your injuries and treatment can help prove the extent of your damages.
Building a solid case is crucial in Georgia, where negligence laws state you cannot collect compensation if you’re 50% or more at fault. If a jury finds you 49% at fault, you can still collect damages. But if you are 50% at fault, you will receive nothing.
How a Head-On Collision Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Can Help
Hiring an experienced attorney is essential to navigating the complex legal process and maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome. A skilled lawyer at MG Law will handle everything for you, including the following tasks.
Conduct an Independent Investigation
An Atlanta head-on collision attorney will help gather and preserve evidence and track down witnesses to interview. We will consult and hire industry experts to build a strong case if necessary.
Handle Communication with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be overwhelming, especially when they try to minimize your claim. A lawyer will protect your interests and negotiate on your behalf. You won’t need to worry about the insurance adjuster pressuring you into a recorded statement. The insurance company cannot talk to you directly when you’ve hired an Atlanta head-on collision lawyer to represent you.
Calculate Damages
Determining the actual value of your claim can be challenging. An attorney will account for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages to ensure you’re demanding the maximum compensation you deserve.
File a Lawsuit
If we cannot reach a settlement with the other driver’s insurance, your lawyer will initiate a lawsuit and represent you in court. We are prepared to take your case to trial at MG Law if necessary. Some law firms handle your case only until they can’t reach a settlement and then send it to another law firm for litigation.
Statute of Limitations for Head-On Collisions in Atlanta
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is typically two years from the accident date. That means you have two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. If you do not file within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue legal action. This rule has certain exceptions, such as cases involving minors or a government entity. That is why consulting with an attorney as soon as possible is essential to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
Contact an Atlanta Head-On Collision Attorney at MG Law
Head-on collisions can be life-altering events that leave you facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a head-on collision in Atlanta, contact the skilled legal team at MG Law. Our experienced attorneys can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you with all the legal tasks so you can concentrate on healing. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.