Head-On Collision Lawyer

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    most dangerous types

    Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents due to the amount of force placed on the car and the body. When this type of impact occurs, it typically results in severe injuries and a high number of fatalities.

    Head-on collisions can occur when two cars traveling in opposite directions collide or when a vehicle runs into another object, like a tree, telephone pole, or building. These types of collisions can be especially dangerous for occupants of small passenger vehicles when they collide with a larger vehicle, like a bus or a semi-truck.

    If you or a loved one are injured in a head-on collision, you should work with an experienced attorney. The damages that arise from a head-on collision—such as medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of wages—can be a burden, but an attorney can help you with your case by advocating for your rights to ensure you get the highest settlement amount possible.

    At Zirkin & Schmerling, we have years of experience helping victims suffering in the aftermath of a head-on collision.

    For the best legal services in Maryland, contact us or call us at 410-753-4611 to set up an appointment with one of our knowledgeable attorneys today.

    Causes of Head-On Collisions

    Many factors can contribute to car accidents, but head-on collisions tend to have similar causes in common. Often, a head-on crash occurs when a car ends up driving the wrong way or is facing the wrong direction and collides with another oncoming vehicle.

    Other factors that can lead to this type of crash include:

    how head-on collision occur
    • Distracted Driving: One of the main things that causes a person to swerve into another lane is distracted driving.
    • Speeding Around Corners or Bends: When a driver turns a corner quickly or speeds around a bend, they can lose control and end up over the line, resulting in a collision with another car coming from the opposite direction.
    • Unsafe Passing: If a passing car tries to do so without checking for oncoming traffic, or if they can see oncoming vehicles but still try to pass quickly, it can result in a head-on collision.
    • Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol are known for swerving and veering into oncoming traffic.
    • Fatigued Driving: Similar to impaired driving, fatigued drivers can also drift in and out of consciousness and have a hard time focusing on the road and what they are doing. Fatigued drivers also often swerve or drift into other lanes, resulting in head-on collisions.
    • Inclement Weather: If a driver loses control of their vehicle due to poor weather conditions, they can accidentally find themselves sliding or spinning into the wrong side of the road and coming into contact with another vehicle.
    • Being Run Off the Road: There are situations where the vehicle that hits another vehicle may have been run off the road by another car or may have tried to swerve to avoid hitting a car that wasn’t watching where it was going.

    A car accident lawyer can provide the legal help you need to determine the cause of the accident, which is important to prove liability. Personal injury claims are more successful when the personal injury lawyer can make a strong argument regarding cause and fault.

    Injuries From Head-On Collisions

    These kinds of collisions usually result in a large-impact crash causing serious bodily injuries. If a passenger is not wearing a seatbelt, the force from a head-on collision can also propel them through the windshield.

    Common and serious injuries in car accident injury cases include:

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    In the most extreme personal injury cases, injuries car accident victims sustain can lead to death. Even if a victim survives, their injuries can result in loss of limbs or severe scarring and disfigurement. They can also be left with a permanent impairment or paralyzed, which can drastically alter their life, especially if a traumatic brain injury occurs.

    In Maryland, our car accident attorneys see many victims with severe injuries such as the ones listed above. If you’ve suffered from an injury due to a head-on collision, our team of car accident lawyers at Zirkin & Schmerling can fight for your rights to get you the compensation you need while you focus on rest and recovery.

    What To Do After a Head-On Collision

    After a head-on crash, there are steps you can take to protect your physical well-being, your finances, and your legal rights.

    Check for Injuries and Call 911 Immediately

    Your first priority after a head-on collision is to assess yourself and others for injuries. Even if car accident injuries aren’t immediately apparent, it’s crucial to call 911 right away for medical treatment by health care providers. Head-on collisions are often severe, and emergency services should be notified to ensure proper medical attention and police documentation. If you’re able, check on the occupants of the other vehicle, but avoid moving anyone who appears seriously injured unless there’s immediate danger.

    Move to Safety if Possible

    If your motor vehicle is operable and it’s safe to do so, try to move it to the side of the road or onto the shoulder.

    Do Not Leave the Scene of the Car Crash

    Regardless of the severity of the car accident, it is important to remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives, files a police report, and permits you to leave. Leaving the scene of an accident, especially one involving injuries and multiple drivers, can result in serious legal consequences, including hit-and-run charges.

    Exchange Information With the Other Driver(s)

    Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, exchange information with the other driver involved in the collision. This includes names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details (make, model, license plate number).

    Document the Accident by Collecting as Much Evidence as Possible

    Thorough documentation of the accident scene can be invaluable for a personal injury claim and potential legal action. An auto accident lawyer will be able to use any evidence from the scene in your personal injury claim. Use your smartphone to take clear photos of all vehicles involved, focusing on the damage sustained.

    Capture wide-angle shots of the entire scene to show the positions of the vehicles and any relevant road conditions or signage. If there are skid marks or debris, photograph these as well. Gather contact information from any witnesses willing to provide statements, as their accounts can be crucial in determining fault in car accidents.

    Notify Your Insurance Company

    Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, even if you believe you weren’t at fault. Your insurance policy may require prompt reporting of accidents, and early notification can help streamline the claims process.

    Provide your insurer with basic facts about the accident but avoid speculating about fault or the extent of injuries. Your insurance company will guide you through their specific claims process and may send an adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle.

    Seek Medical Attention, Even if You Feel Fine

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    After a head-on collision, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation, even if you don’t feel immediate pain or see visible injuries. The adrenaline rush from the accident can mask pain, and some injuries, particularly those involving the head, neck, or internal organs, may not be immediately apparent.

    Prompt medical attention ensures that any injuries are diagnosed and treated early, which is crucial for your health and can also be important for insurance claims and potential legal action. Your medical records from the auto accident will be another piece of evidence.

    Avoid Discussing Fault or Admitting Liability

    In the aftermath of car accidents, it’s natural to want to apologize or discuss what happened, but it’s crucial that you don’t admit fault or liability at the scene. Statements made in the heat of the moment can be used against you later, even if they turn out to be inaccurate.

    Stick to exchanging necessary information and cooperating with law enforcement. Let the insurance companies and, if necessary, the legal system determine fault based on the evidence and official reports.

    Consult an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

    If you’ve sustained injuries or significant property damage in a head-on collision, it may be wise to consult with a knowledgeable car accident attorney. Car accident lawyers can help protect your rights, navigate the complex insurance claims process, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

    Many car accident attorneys offer free initial consultations, allowing you to understand your legal options without immediate financial commitment. They can also handle communications with insurance companies, reducing your stress during recovery.

    Who Is At Fault in a Head-On Collision?

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    After a car accident occurs, fault will need to be determined to decide who is financially responsible for compensating the victim(s). All drivers have a responsibility when operating a vehicle to obey the roadway laws and uphold their duty of care to avoid harming others. If they act negligently and breach this duty of care, they can be held liable.

    Typically, if the negligent driver has insurance, it is the insurance company who is responsible for paying damages to the injured driver. However, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to attempt to reduce settlement amounts and deny claims whenever possible. One way they can do this is by trying to show that the victim was partially responsible and contributed to the accident. Another way the insurance company does this is by trying to show that the victim’s injuries existed before the crash occurred.

    Unfortunately, Maryland is one of few states that still follow contributory negligence laws. This means that if you are found to be more than 1% responsible for the accident that occurred, you will not be eligible to receive compensation from the other negligent party.

    This is why it is often necessary to work with a car accident attorney who can help you gather information and evidence that can support your case and prove that the other party was entirely responsible for causing the accident. If the insurance company still does not offer you enough money after sufficient evidence is provided, your personal injury attorney can help you pursue further legal action by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

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    How Much Is My Head-On Collision Case Worth?

    Getting the full amount of compensation you deserve after a head-on collision is important to ensure you have enough money to cover your medical bills and other damages.

    Damages that accident victims can be compensated for in a personal injury case include:

    Car accidents are expensive because they cause so much damage. If a car accident causes any of these injuries or other damages, you have a legal right to fair compensation. Car accident claims vary from one to the next because no one suffers from the same injuries and losses. The best car accident attorney will understand that you are a unique individual whose legal rights need to be protected.

    If an accident victim dies as a result of the head-on collision, their loved ones can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages. A wrongful death settlement can help surviving family members get the money they need to cover losses such as the deceased victim’s income and other contributions they may have made to support the family members. It also helps them recoup any medical care expenses incurred before their death.

    How To Recover Compensation

    You and your car accident lawyer will seek compensation after a motor vehicle accident through a few different means, including:

    distracted driving
    • Filing an insurance claim with the insurance company
    • Filing a personal injury lawsuit
    • Filing a workers’ compensation claim (if the accident was work-related)
    • Collecting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if eligible
    • Filing a claim in small claims court (for minor cases)

    Achieving financial recovery after a car accident is not easy, but a car accident settlement can make a big difference. Knowledgeable car accident lawyers will work to maximize your compensation by making sure that your car accident case is taken seriously. Most car accident cases never go to court, but you should still work with an auto accident attorney to increase your chances of getting a fair settlement.

    Zirkin & Schmerling: Maryland Car Accident Attorney

    remain at the scene

    If you or a loved one have been injured in a head-on collision, our team of dedicated, experienced, and compassionate car accident attorneys can help. The injuries that follow serious car accidents like a head-on collision are often devastating and potentially life-altering. You may experience both physical and emotional pain and suffering for the rest of your life. You deserve a fair settlement if an auto accident caused your injury.

    If someone else’s negligent actions led to a head-on car accident, you have a right to file a claim or even a lawsuit to seek the compensation you need to cover your losses. A Zirkin & Schmerling car accident lawyer will fight hardest to get you the compensation you deserve.

    We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay our law firm anything unless we win your case. We understand how drastically a victim’s life can be altered by a serious accident. Contact us or call us at 410-753-4611 to set up a free consultation with a car accident lawyer today.

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