Head-On Collision Lawyers in Denver, CO, Seeking Justice for Injured Victims

While there are certain dangers that drivers expect to encounter on the roads, such as adverse weather conditions and heavy traffic, a wrong-way car will always come as a surprise. Wrong-way drivers are extremely dangerous, and a head-on collision often occurs before the other driver has time to react. A head-on crash may last only a fraction of a second, but it can lead to a lifetime of challenges for victims. Severe head and neck injuries are common in these types of car accidents, which can result in long-term brain damage and disabilities. Rehabilitation and care costs resulting from head-on collision accidents can put families on the brink of financial catastrophe.

An experienced personal injury attorney at Genco Injury Attorneys will work diligently to help you regain your financial stability after a head-on collision, seeking fair and full compensation for the damages suffered. For a free consultation, please contact our office at 303-500-1376.

How Do Head-On Collisions Occur?

Roads are designed to prevent two vehicles from meeting head-on under any circumstances, so something must go terribly wrong for a head-on collision to occur. Almost always, these accidents are due to the negligence of one or both drivers involved. Head-on collisions are more likely on narrow roads and highways with only one lane in each direction, because any deviation from the proper path puts a vehicle in the path of oncoming traffic. Some common causes of head-on collisions include:

• Disobeying traffic signs, such as stop signs, yield signs, one-way signs, or do not enter.
• Falling asleep at the wheel.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Texting while driving.
• Crossing a double center line.
• Distracted driving.
• Not driving appropriately for road and weather conditions.
• Losing control of the vehicle due to excessive speed or reckless driving.
• To pass carelessly.
• Invading the opposite lane or not taking into account the size of the vehicles.
• Experiencing a mechanical failure, such as loss of brakes or steering.
• Having a medical emergency that causes loss of control.

What Injuries Can Result from Head-On Collisions?

Because both vehicles are typically moving at a relatively high speed during a head-on collision and there is often no time for evasive maneuvers, the impact causes catastrophic injuries for accident victims compared to a typical traffic accident. Modern cars have front-end crumple zones and advanced airbags to cushion the body during a head-on crash, but this is still not enough to prevent many serious injuries, such as:

• Crush injuries.
• Whiplash.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Damage to the skull and face.
• Spinal cord injuries, which could lead to paralysis.
• Fractures and broken bones.
• Burns.
• Damage to internal organs.
• Cuts and bruises.
• Soft tissue injuries.
• Limb damage or amputations.
• Death.

The damage caused can be even more significant if one vehicle is considerably larger than the other in a head-on collision. Head-on collisions of cars with trucks, buses, or vehicles towing trailers often result in fatalities to the passengers of the smaller vehicle.

What Are Your Legal Options If Your Loved One Was Killed in a Head-On Collision?

Any death in a family is tragic, but it is especially heartbreaking if your loved one was taken from you by a preventable accident. In addition to your grief and mourning, you may be faced with unexpected funeral costs and medical bills. You may be left wondering how you will recover financially after losing your loved one and how you will continue to care for your family. A law firm specializing in wrongful death claims can help you navigate this difficult time with compassion. You have the right to seek compensation from the responsible driver for the loss of your loved one and their financial contributions to your family. In a wrongful death claim for a family member killed in a head-on collision, you may be awarded the following damages:

• Funeral expenses.
• Medical bills related to the death of your loved one.
• Lost financial support from the deceased.
• Compensation for any pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death.
• The value of any other services or support the deceased provided (child care, etc.).

What Compensation Can Be Awarded in a Head-On Collision Claim?

If you have experienced a head-on collision, you are likely facing losses due to the injuries you have sustained. These may be financial damages, such as mounting bills or lost paychecks. You may also feel less tangible non-economic losses, such as pain, mental health effects, or impacts on your ability to perform tasks. A competent head-on collision attorney understands the repercussions that both types of damages have on your life and well-being and will seek full compensation for all applicable damages in your personal injury claim. Compensation you may be eligible to receive after a head-on collision accident includes:

• Medical Bills: This covers doctor appointments, emergency room visits, hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation appointments, and all other medical costs resulting from the head-on collision. If your treatment is expected to be ongoing, it may also include consideration for future medical care.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If you have permanent injuries or disabilities resulting from your accident that inhibit your ability to work, your earning capacity has been negatively affected. This compensation is calculated based on the amount you could have earned if the accident had not occurred.
• Lost Wages: Any wages lost between the date of the accident and the conclusion of the claim may be eligible for reimbursement.
• Emotional distress: Head-on collisions are traumatic experiences for most people. You may be compensated for your emotional distress during and after the accident.
• Pain and suffering: This compensation is calculated based on the type of injuries you experienced, how much pain you have suffered, and how long the suffering is expected to continue. A permanent injury or disability is valued more highly than a temporary injury.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your serious injuries have significantly reduced your ability to perform and enjoy daily activities, damages may be awarded for the loss of that important part of your life.

Additionally, the court may award punitive damages if the defendant’s actions leading to the car accident are deemed willful, malicious, or reckless. These are limited to three times the actual compensation awarded and are sometimes referred to as “treble damages” for that reason.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Head-On Collisions Under Colorado Law?

A statute of limitations is the period of time that the law allows for a person to bring legal action against a responsible party. The statute of limitations varies by state and can differ depending on the circumstances of the accident. Victims of car accidents in Colorado have three years to file a lawsuit against a defendant. Although this may seem like a long time, remember that it takes time to thoroughly investigate a car accident and build a strong case. Evidence also becomes more difficult to gather the longer a plaintiff waits to begin their case. Additionally, in rare circumstances where a government entity may be fully or partially responsible for an accident, such as if a one-way street was not clearly marked, the statute of limitations is significantly shortened. In these cases, it is easy to miss your window of opportunity to seek compensation without having an attorney to guide you. Our law firm offers a free head-on accident case review so you can learn more about your legal options and rights.

Why Hire a Lawyer If You’ve Been Involved in a Head-On Accident?

A head-on collision can wreak havoc on your life. You may be looking at a lifetime of painful disability that prevents you from doing the job you love and fully caring for your family. You could face flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms of PTSD because of your traumatic experience. You and your family did not deserve this, and those responsible should be held accountable for their negligent actions. At Genco Injury Attorneys , we understand the chaos that can result from a head-on collision, and we will help you put your life back in order. We will fight to get you the compensation you are entitled to, so you can continue your healing process without the stress of worrying about bills or how you will care for your loved ones. Contact us today at 303-500-1376 for a free consultation.