While any type of car accident is frightening, head-on collisions are particularly dangerous. These accidents often occur at high speeds, making the force of impact higher. Because of this, these collisions are more likely to result in serious injury or death.
Victims of head-on collisions are frequently left with severe injuries, including broken bones, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries. In addition, the sudden, violent nature of these accidents can leave victims with lasting trauma.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a head-on collision, it’s likely that you’ve experienced serious losses. That’s why you need a skilled Smyrna head-on collision lawyer that can help you recover damages. Call Jamie Ballard Law today for a free consultation with a Smyrna car accident lawyer. If you need representation, we’re here to help.
Common Causes of Head-on Collisions
While every accident is caused by a unique set of circumstances, there are factors that greatly increase the risk of a head-on collision. Some of the most common causes include:
Distracted Driving
The rise of smartphones has made distracted driving extremely common. Unfortunately, it’s also incredibly risky. Removing your eyes from the road for just two seconds more than doubles your chances of a crash. It’s especially likely to be a factor in a head-on collision.
Driving Under the Influence
When someone drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they’re suffering from decreased reaction time and impaired judgment. This puts the driver at increased risk of making poor decisions on the road, many of which could result in accidents like head-on collisions.
Driving While Tired
Most people are aware of the impact that alcohol and drugs can have on their driving, but they underestimate the impact of driving while fatigued. Exhausted drivers often show similar symptoms to drivers that are under the influence. Falling asleep at the wheel is also a serious risk.
Bad Weather
Rain, snow, and fog can all have a significant, negative impact on road conditions. In many cases, poor weather can decrease visibility, making it difficult for motorists to see other drivers on the road. Some weather conditions, like ice, can also cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
Inexperience
Young drivers that don’t have much experience may make mistakes or put themselves in dangerous situations while on the road. Teens are ten times more likely to be involved in serious crashes than adults are.
Speeding
When a driver travels at very high speeds, it can be more difficult to stop. In addition, speeding drivers are more likely to miss road signs or red lights, which can send vehicles flying into oncoming traffic.
Damages You Can Receive Through a Head-on Collision Claim in Georgia
If you’ve been involved in a head-on collision, you may be entitled to damages. Georgia has a modified comparative negligence system, which means that drivers must pay for accidents that they are more than 50% liable for.
There are two main categories of damages available: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are damages with a verifiable monetary value. Non-economic damages are subjective damages that don’t have a monetary value.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Lost earning capacity
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Worsening of previous injuries
The total value of your claim will depend on the damages that you’ve sustained. If your medical costs are higher, it’s likely that the damages you’re owed will be higher as well. As an example, claims that involve spinal cord injuries, which are often paralyzing, may result in settlements as high as one million.
In Georgia, defendants can also be ordered to pay punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish a defendant that has shown extremely reckless or negligent behavior. Although punitive damages are rare in car accident cases, they may be awarded if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Why You Need an Attorney for a Head-on Collision Claim
Although an insurance company may offer you a settlement shortly after the accident, there’s a good chance that the settlement will be far below the true value of your claim. Insurance companies represent their own interests and have large legal teams working to minimize their expenses.
When you have a Smyrna head-on collision lawyer on your side, you’ll have a skilled and experienced professional advocating for your interests. In addition to handling negotiations with insurance companies, lawyers can:
- Walk you through potential benefits
- Determine the value of your claim
- Assist you with paperwork
- Ensure that your claim is submitted on time
- Represent you if your case goes to trial
After an accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about anything but your own recovery. Without a lawyer, you may be overwhelmed with paperwork, high-pressure phone calls from insurance negotiators, and other factors. When you do have an attorney, you’ll have peace of mind. You’ll know that your rights will be protected throughout this process and that you have an advocate fighting to collect the compensation that you’re owed.
How Much Will a Head-On Collision Attorney Cost?
If you’re dealing with the cost of car repairs and piles of medical bills, you may feel as though you don’t have room in your budget for a lawyer. Thankfully, hiring an attorney to represent you won’t require you to pay anything out of pocket. At Jamie Ballard Law, we are paid on a contingency fee basis.
What is a “contingency fee?” It essentially means that the attorney’s payment comes out of your settlement. You won’t have to pay anything upfront, and you won’t owe anything if your claim isn’t successful. Your lawyer will just take a percentage of the money that’s awarded to you.
You don’t need to find room in your budget to get help from a qualified lawyer. You just have to find an experienced professional that’s willing to fight for you. Since your attorney will be taking a percentage of your settlement, they’ll be motivated to secure the largest sum possible.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for a Head-on Collision in Georgia?
If your accident claim isn’t filed within a specific time frame, you’ll lose your right to seek damages. Georgia has a two-year limit for accident claims that involve bodily injury. While there are some exceptions to this limit, it’s usually best to file a claim as quickly as possible.
Filing a claim right away helps to preserve evidence, and it also gives you more options. Negotiations with insurance companies can take a long time, and if those negotiations don’t go the way you want them to, you may want to sue. If you act quickly, you’ll still have time to file a claim if things go south. The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better.
The team at Jamie Ballard Law had helped many victims of head-on collisions recover significant settlements. Personal injury law is our area of specialty. We’ll use our experience to help you through this difficult time.
Head-on collisions often result in severe injuries and significant property damages. Many cases can be complex and require in-depth investigation. Even if your case is tough, you can trust that we’ll be fighting for you throughout every step of the process.
Contact a Smyrna Head-On Collision Lawyer Today!
Since there’s a time limit to file a car accident claim, you won’t want to hesitate. Contact Jamie Ballard Law today at 404-301-1687 to schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to answer your questions, provide you with more information, and help you decide what your next step should be.
