Head-on collision accidents can be devastating.

Let’s discuss:

Fault. Who is at fault for a head-on collision accident?

Injuries. What is your case worth?

Your claim. How do you maximize your compensation?

Our experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyers at LA Century Law explains head-on collision accidents in California.

What’s a head-on collision? Are they common?

A head-on collision is a car accident where two vehicles strike each other at the front of each vehicle. NSC reports that 3.7% of all crashes are head-on collisions.

Why Head-On Collisions Are Among California’s Deadliest Crashes

When a car accident occurs, moving vehicles come to rest. When a collision involves two vehicles, both vehicles contribute force to the crash. In a head-on crash, the forces of both vehicles combine.

The mass and velocity of each vehicle determine the force it contributes. When this force comes to rest, it pushes back directly against the other vehicle.

The cars stop on impact, but the people inside the vehicle don’t stop. Inertia keeps the occupants moving forward. Plus, the short impact time means that forces are disbursed quickly. The seat belt can help, but the forces involved in a head-on collision can be extreme. The result is an accident with the potential to cause deadly injuries.

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in California

Some common causes of head-on collisions in California are:

Crossing the center line. A driver may cross the center of a two-way road. They may not be paying attention, they may be intoxicated or they may be experiencing a medical episode.

Confusion. A driver may not understand road signs. They may unintentionally drive the wrong way into oncoming traffic.

Road design. Poor road design may cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and travel into oncoming traffic.

Road condition. If the road is deteriorated, a driver may not be expecting a pothole or rough section of roadway, resulting in mishandling.

Chain reaction. A vehicle may be pushed into the other direction of travel in a chain reaction from another accident.

Weather. Inclement weather may result in vehicle mishandling, sending a vehicle into the wrong lane.

Swerving. A driver may swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid a collision, an animal or debris in the roadway.

Vehicle malfunction. When a vehicle doesn’t behave predictably, the result may be loss of control.

Improper passing. A driver may enter the oncoming lane to pass a vehicle when it is unsafe to do so.

There may be underlying causes of head-on collisions, like fatigue or driver inexperience. Our head-on collision accident attorneys investigate to prove the cause of the crash.

How Fault Is Determined in a Head-On Crash

Fault for a head-on collision is based on who did something wrong. Usually, that means violating a traffic law. For example, if one of the drivers drifts over the center lane, they’re at fault for causing a head-on crash.

The legal term is negligence. Negligence means not being careful enough. There are many ways that a driver can be negligent. Distracted driving, drunk driving, fatigue and carelessness are just some of the reasons a driver may be responsible for negligent driving.

Catastrophic Injuries in Head-On Accidents

Head-on collisions can produce catastrophic injury:

Brain trauma
Paralysis
Whiplash, muscle injury
Disfigurement
Scars
Organ trauma
Damage to bodily systems
Broken bones
Wrongful death

An injury may be catastrophic because it is severe, because it damages bodily function, or because it is permanent.

When fault for the accident is proven, a victim may claim damages for their losses. If injuries are severe, the victim deserves compensation that reflects it.

What Compensation Is Available After a Head-On Collision?

Compensation available after a head-on collision may cover a range of losses. A victim may have medical bills. Some of these bills are already due. Others may be for medical care needed in the future. The victim may need physical therapy and mobility assistance. These costs may be identified and claimed.

In addition, the victim may claim vehicle damage. They may seek compensation for short-term lost income and long-term career damage.

Financial losses alone don’t fully compensate a victim for a head-on collision. A victim deserves recognition for pain and suffering, lifestyle changes, lowered life expectancy, and disfigurement. Damages are proportional to the overall harm suffered. Our experienced attorneys for head-on collisions maximize compensation for our clients.

Fighting for your compensation

It’s not enough to value your damages. You must support them with evidence. Plus, you must find sources of compensation. This usually means insurance policies, but defendants can be personally liable, too. That’s why it’s important to identify all potential sources of payment. Our lawyers ensure your case is complete.

Multiple Parties Who May Be Liable Beyond the Driver

The cause of an accident may be unrelated to traffic laws. For example, fault may be based on a vehicle defect, or a government agency may be liable for road conditions.

The accident fault may not be immediately clear. There may be multiple contributing factors. Our lawyers investigate and pursue all sources of compensation.

Shared fault

Fault for a head-on collision may be shared. For example, it’s possible that one driver tried to pass when there wasn’t room, but the oncoming vehicle was speeding. It’s possible that both vehicles drifted from their lanes.

California law recognizes shared fault. When fault is shared, it’s still possible to receive compensation. California’s pure comparative negligence law is flexible. It allows full accounting for shared fault, with no cut-off or cliff effect at any degree of fault.

Just because shared fault is possible doesn’t mean that it’s always the case. If the other side or the insurance company is unfairly accusing you of fault, you can fight back. Our head-on collision accident attorneys can investigate and build the evidence in your favor.

Contact LA Century Law After a Head-On Crash in San Bernardino

If you or a loved one has been in a head-on crash in San Bernardino, we invite you to contact LA Century Law.

Our head-on collision attorneys are taking new cases. Call or message us now.

A A

★★★★★

I’m grateful to have worked with LA century Law, they were able to get me the justice I deserved ! Alicia Martinez did an amazing job through the process. I highly recommend LA century law to anyone in need. Thank you to everyone at LA century for the amazing work and communication.

Asia Wright

I would like to say thank you to my wonderful attorney Nancy for all of her hard work. I am completely satisfied with the effort that she has put in to settle my case. she is such a great attorney she was very knowledgable, prompt and reassuring. She always kept me updated on everything that was going on with my case. During that difficult time of my life being carless she knew how to help me deal with the situation emotionally and always made sure that i was able to get back and fourth to my doctors appointments when needed thank you so much Nancy and the LA Century law team you guys are the best I would highly recommend this firm.

Tony

Tony has helped in many ways with the case and has been in communication with me the whole way. Couldn’t be happier on choosing LA Century Law. Me and my wife are ready to move on from this with the help of tony it will happen. Thanks LA Century Law.

Jo Vincent

LA Century Law is hands down amazing. They're efficient, communicative, and just all-around great. Ann and Stacy are an excellent team and I couldn't be happier I chose to go with their firm. Do yourself a favor and entrust your case with them. You will not be disappointed.

Mariela Aguilar

I recently had the pleasure of working with Jazmin at LA Century Law I can’t recommend her highly enough! If you are looking to speak to someone with expertise and passion, she is the one to go to! Thank you so much Jazmin for all your help!

Preston Landes

I’m really happy with the experience I had with LA Century Law. My case manager and their secretaries had great communication and helped me out a lot! Will be using them again and referring to family and friends.

Free Consultation