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

While there are certain hazards drivers expect to encounter on the roads, like bad weather conditions and heavy traffic, a car driving in the wrong direction will always be a shock. Wrong-way drivers are incredibly dangerous, and often a head-on collision occurs before the other driver has time to react. A head-on crash may only last for a split second but can lead to a lifetime of challenges for the victims. Severe head and neck injuries are common in these types of car accidents, which can result in long-term brain damage and disabilities. The costs for rehabilitation and care from head-on collision accidents can place families on the brink of financial catastrophe.

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

How Do Head-On Collisions Occur?

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

Disobeying traffic signs, such as stop, yield, one-way, or do not enter signs.
Falling asleep at the wheel
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Texting and driving
Crossing a double center line
Driving while distracted
Failing to drive appropriately for the road and weather conditions
Losing control of the vehicle due to excessive speed or reckless driving
Passing in a negligent manner
Encroaching on an oncoming lane or failing to account for the width of either vehicle
Experiencing a mechanical failure, such as loss of brakes or steering
Having a medical emergency leads to a loss of control

What Injuries Can Result From Head-On Collisions?

Because both vehicles are often moving at a relatively high rate of speed during a head-on collision and there is frequently no time for evasive maneuvers, the impact causes even more catastrophic injuries for accident victims than a typical car accident. Modern cars have crumple zones in the front 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 (TBIs)
Skull and facial damage
Spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis
Fractured and broken bones
Burns
Internal organ damage
Lacerations and bruising
Soft tissue injuries
Damage to extremities or dismemberment
Death

The damage caused can be even more significant if one vehicle is substantially larger than the other in a head-on collision. Head-on car crashes involving semis, buses, or vehicles towing trailers often lead to fatalities for the passengers in 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 is taken from you by a preventable accident. In addition to your pain and grieving, you may face unexpected funeral costs and medical bills. You may be left wondering how you will recover financially from losing your loved one and continue caring for your family. A personal injury law firm with experience in wrongful death claims can compassionately help you navigate this challenging time. You have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault 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 by a head-on collision, you may be awarded the following damages:

Funeral expenses
Medical bills related to your loved one’s passing
Lost financial support from the deceased
Compensation for any pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before passing
The value of any additional service or support the deceased would have provided (childcare, etc.)

What Compensation May Be Awarded for a Head-On Collision Claim?

If you have experienced a head-on collision, you are likely facing losses from the injuries you’ve sustained. These may be financial damages, like mounting bills or missed 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 both of these types of damages have on your life and well-being and will seek full compensation for all applicable damages in your personal injury claim. The compensation you may be eligible for after a head-on car accident includes:

Medical bills: This covers doctor appointments, emergency room visits, hospital bills, surgery, medications, rehab appointments, and all other medical costs resulting from the head-on collision. If your treatment is likely 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 crash that inhibit your ability to work, your earning ability has been negatively impacted. This compensation is calculated based on the amount you could have earned if the accident had not happened.
Lost wages: Any wages lost between the date of the accident and the conclusion of the lawsuit may be eligible for reimbursement.
Mental anguish: 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’ve suffered, and how long the suffering is expected to continue. A life-long injury or disability is given more weight than a temporary injury.
Loss of life’s enjoyment: If your severe injuries have significantly reduced your ability to perform and enjoy daily activities, these damages may be awarded for the loss of that important part of your life.

In addition, punitive damages might be awarded by the court if the defendant’s actions that led to the auto accident are deemed to be willful, malicious, or reckless. These are capped at three times the actual compensation awarded and are sometimes known 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 allowed by law for an individual to bring legal action against an at-fault party. Every state’s statute of limitations is different, and they can vary based on the circumstances of the accident. Victims of car accidents in Colorado have three years to bring a lawsuit against a defendant. Although this may seem like a very long time, remember that it takes time to investigate a car accident thoroughly to build a strong case. The evidence also becomes harder to gather the longer a plaintiff waits to begin their case.

Additionally, in rare circumstances where a government entity may be fully or partially at fault for an accident, such as if a one-way street was not clearly marked, the statute of limitations is significantly shortened. In these cases, you may easily miss your window of opportunity to seek compensation without having a lawyer to guide you. Our law firm offers a free case review for your head-on accident claim so that 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 crash can wreak havoc on your life. You may be looking at a lifetime of painful disability that prevents you from doing the work you love and caring fully for your family. You could face flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms of PTSD from your traumatic experience. You and your family did not deserve this, and those liable should be held responsible 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 get your life back in order. We will fight to get you the compensation to which you are entitled, so you can continue on your healing journey 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.