Skilled Attorneys Assist Victims of Head-on Collisions in Virginia Beach
Virginia car accident attorneys pursue full compensation for catastrophic injuries
Head-on collisions, where the forces of both vehicles are combined in one crushing blow, can be devastating. Many victims cannot leave the scene without assistance, and these crashes sometimes result in fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has been hurt in such a crash, the Virginia Beach head-on collision attorneys at Ernest Law Group, PLC are prepared to help. We have the skill and experience to handle intense litigation and will make every effort to recover the full compensation you deserve.
Why are head-on collisions so dangerous?
The sudden, direct impact of two cars coming straight at one another is unlike any other type of crash. In other crashes, drivers might lessen the impact by swerving, leading to a glancing blow. Head-on collisions are also more dangerous than crashes where one car is stopped and not adding force to the crash.
Top causes for head-on collisions in Virginia Beach
The main reasons why head-on collisions occur include:
- A vehicle crossing a dividing line or median — Motorists who are drowsy or impaired by drugs or alcohol might drift into the path of a car heading in the other direction.
- A car making a wrong turn into oncoming traffic — A distracted driver, or one unfamiliar with the layout of city streets, might make a wrong turn onto a one-way street.
- Taking a curve too fast — Traveling too quickly on a winding road could lead to a loss of control that puts the car in the oncoming lane.
- Wrong-way freeway entrance — Drivers who aren’t paying full attention might mistake an off-ramp for an on-ramp, with disastrous consequences.
In virtually every head-on collision car accident, the driver who is going the wrong way is clearly at fault.
Common injuries from head-on collisions
Because of the brutal force, head-on collisions cause severe and lasting injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal injury
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
In the worst cases, the crash is fatal.
Are head-on collisions responsible for more deaths than other accidents?
Although head-on collisions only account for about 2 percent of accidents, they cause 10 percent of traffic fatalities. By this measure, they are certainly among the deadliest types of motor vehicle accidents.
Determining who is responsible in a head-on collision
Typically, the driver who is going the wrong way is liable for the accident. However, there are exceptions. If a mechanical defect caused a driver to lose control of the car, the fault could lie with the automobile manufacturer. Or, if a driver swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid a collision, the driver whose negligence set off the chain of events could be liable. Finally, if the motorist’s confusion is traced to inferior road design, the government entity that controls the road might be required to pay damages. This can be the case when there is no discernible difference in the design of freeway on-ramps and off-ramps.
Virginia Beach head-on collision attorneys pursue compensation
Victims of catastrophic head-on collisions often require extensive and ongoing medical treatment, home care, and personal care. Our attorneys fight for the maximum possible in each category of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Expenses to accommodate a disability
- Physical pain
- Mental suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your case involves a loved one who was tragically killed, a Virginia Beach wrongful death attorney at our firm will provide compassionate and capable representation.
Contact a proven Virginia Beach auto accident attorney for a free consultation
Ernest Law Group, PLC represents clients throughout the Hampton Roads area who have been seriously injured in head-on motor vehicle crashes. Call 757-289-2499 or contact us online to schedule a free auto accident case consultation at our Virginia Beach office.