California Head-on Collision Lawyers

Common Causes of Head-on Collisions in California

Numerous actions can result in a severe accident, such as a head-on collision. The following are some of the most common causes our lawyers represent clients for in California.

• Distracted driving. Texting or using a phone, eating, looking at the GPS, or engaging in other activities while driving can take your attention away from the road and increase the risk of a head-on collision.
• Speeding. Driving too fast can make it more difficult to react to changing road conditions and increase the likelihood of losing vehicle control.
• Improper lane changes. If a driver is not paying attention or fails to use their turn signals when changing lanes, they may inadvertently enter the path of oncoming traffic and cause a head-on collision.
• Driving while fatigued. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Your reaction times are impaired, making it hard to react to changing road conditions. If a driver falls asleep at the wheel, they may cause a head-on collision by veering into oncoming traffic.
• Driving under the influence. Drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment, increasing the risk they will make dangerous mistakes on the road, such as veering into oncoming traffic. Not all DUI-related cases involve illegal drugs either. Prescription medications that state you shouldn’t drive while taking them can also lead to a DUI charge.
• Poor road conditions. Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and veer into oncoming traffic.
• Weather conditions. Fog, rain, and other adverse weather conditions can make it difficult to see what is ahead on the road, increasing the risk of a head-on collision.
• Mechanical issues. Mechanical issues or defective parts can sometimes lead to problems, such as the brakes failing or a tire blowout. You might have a product liability case against different parties in this situation.

If the other driver’s actions resulted in a head-on collision where you were injured, contact a head-on car accident lawyer at Silva Injury Law today.

Common Injuries in a Head-on Collision

Head-on collisions are often serious accidents that can result in severe to catastrophic injuries. Some common injuries that may occur in a head-on collision in California include:

• Traumatic brain injuries,
• Spinal cord injuries,
• Broken and fractured bones,
• Soft tissue injuries,
• Internal injuries, and
• Psychological injuries.

It’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a head-on collision to assess and treat any injuries sustained in the accident.

Proving Liability in a Head-on Collision

Proving liability in a car accident is crucial to pursuing a compensation claim. To recover damages for your injuries in a car accident, you will need to establish liability against the other driver. You must provide evidence that the other driver was negligent to prove liability successfully.

To establish negligence, you will need to show that the other driver had a duty to exercise reasonable care, that they breached this duty, and that their breach of duty caused your injuries.

Various types of evidence may be used to prove liability in a car accident case, including:

• Police reports,
• Witness statements,
• Scene photos, and
• Expert testimony.

It is important to note that liability in a car accident case can be complex, and the evidence needed to prove liability will depend on the specifics of your case. It’s best to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you understand your legal rights and options after a car accident.

Compensation in a California Head-on Collision

The specific types of compensation you may recover will depend on the specifics of your case, the nature and extent of your injuries, liability, and available liability coverage.

You typically can recover compensation for both economic and noneconomic losses. Economic damages are damages that have a specific dollar value, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Noneconomic damages are damages that do not have a specific dollar value, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.

To better understand what compensation is available to you, we recommend consulting with an experienced head-on car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for a Head-on Collision in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from head-on collisions, is generally two years from the date of the accident. The court will likely dismiss your entire case if you miss the filing deadline.

It is important to note that there are some exceptions to this general rule. For example, if your claim involves a government entity, you might have only six months to file an administrative claim. Additionally, if you’re filing on behalf of a minor child, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the minor reaches the age of majority (18 years old). If a victim dies from their accident-related injuries, surviving family members could have two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.

It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced California head-on collision lawyer as soon as possible after a head-on collision to determine the applicable statute of limitations and ensure you don’t miss the deadline.

Contact a California Head-on Collision Accident Attorney

Contact our legal team today if you suffered injuries in a head-on collision due to another party’s negligence. We understand the devastating aftermath of a head-on collision. You have legal rights, and we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries. We have years of experience representing injured victims in California for numerous types of car accidents, including head-on collisions. Speak with a head-on car accident attorney at Silva Injury Law to learn more.