Head-on Collisions can be horrific accidents with tragic results. Two cars traveling at 50 mph crashing into each other has the same effect as if a car drove straight into a concrete wall at 50 mph. The effect is as if the cars crashed at 100 mph. There is no “give” in the impact as both cars come to an abrupt stop. The results are staggering: two percent of crashes are head-on collisions, but head-on collisions account for 10 percent of fatalities, according to government statistics.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve seen our share of injuries from Head-On Collisions. We’ve been a personal injury firm in Atlanta for more than 20 years, only serving clients who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. If you’ve been in a Head-On Collision, chances are you need medical help immediately. Give us a call at 404-400-4000 and get a free consultation about your accident.
What should I do if a loved one or I have been injured in a Head-On Collision?
If you or a loved one has ben injured in a head-on collision in Atlanta, GA, report the accident immediately to the Atlanta police department. Their report will be a crucial record for future proceedings. Exchange information with the other driver, including driver and car license numbers. If there are witnesses, take their name and telephone numbers. Use your smart phone to take photos of as much as possible about the road, including road information. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance. If you were too injured in the accident to gather information, our seasoned investigators can recreate the accident by returning to the scene and poring through police and insurance reports.
Seek medical treatment and call a personal injury attorney. Do not sign any papers from your or the other driver’s insurance company until you have consulted an attorney. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjustor or agent without talking to an attorney first. As tempting as it is to be forthcoming, you can only hurt yourself. “You only have once chance to recover damages from an accident. Don’t squander that chance by being in a hurry,’’ says our firm founder, John Foy.
You may be in a hurry to get the accident behind you, but you may not even know the extent of your injuries for a while. Head-on collisions tend to damage the brain and spine, the types of injuries that often are not immediately apparent.
How are the injuries in a Head-On collision different from those of other automobile accidents?
Injuries in Head-On Collisions can be quite severe because of the physics of the crash. Drivers and passengers are generally thrown forward. In the best-case scenarios the car occupants are seat belted and thrown into air bags, which can crack ribs and break a few facial bones. In the worst case, drivers and passengers who are not seat belted can fly through the windshield onto the road.
Atlanta Head-On Collision Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
What are the typical causes of Head-On collisions?
According to the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 75% of head-on collisions occur on country roads, and two-way roads without a divider. Typically, one driver tends to make what the report calls an “unintentional maneuver” such as drifting into the other lane or swerving around a curve. A driver may “over-recover” around a curve and end up in the wrong lane. Alcohol and speeding are also significant factors. Neither car has to be traveling at a great speed to create significant damages. Contrary to what you may think, one car passing is not the typical reason for these collisions.
What are the typical injuries of Head-On collisions?
Typical injuries from a Head-On Collision include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries. Symptoms sometimes don’t become apparent for 24 hours after impact. They can include stiffness and pain in the neck, as well as headaches and fatigue.
- Brain and head injuries. Your head is thrown back and forth in a head-on collision, making it vulnerable to Traumatic Brain Injuries.
- Internal damage. The liver, spleen, kidneys and stomach can be injured.
- Spinal cord injuries. These injuries can range from minor to full paralysis.
- Chest injuries. The chest and ribs can be bruised or broken from the impact of the seat belt and air bag.
- Foot and leg injuries. Feet and legs often absorb an impact, and knees, especially, can hit the dashboard in a collision.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collision accidents lawyer serving Atlanta, call 404-400-4000
Since both drivers hit each other head-on, it seems like it might be difficult to determine who is at fault?
The most obvious signal of fault is one driver veering into the wrong lane and hitting another car going in the proper direction. But don’t try to figure out fault on your own. There can be multiple factors in head-on collisions. Call a personal injury attorney at John Foy & Associates for a free consultation and let our seasoned investigators sift through the evidence. You deserve an ethical and honest opinion on your case. We’re at 404-400-4000.
I think I am at fault, should I call a personal injury attorney or just stick with my insurance company?
Always call a personal injury attorney to discuss your case before you make up your mind about representation. We’ve been in business for more than 20 years, and we only practice one type of law, personal injury. Their insurance company should represent those who are 100 percent liable. But before that happens allow yourself a fair and ethical second opinion by calling our Head-On Collision Injury attorneys at 404-400-4000. Your consultation will be free and confidential. We don’t get paid unless there is a recovery.
The other driver says I am at fault, does this matter?
Do not argue with the other driver about who is at fault. Simply exchange information and remain cordial. Fault is determined by a number of factors, and will be detailed in the police report and the insurance company report. In Georgia, you are allowed to recover for a case even if you are partially at fault. This is called comparative negligence—our attorneys can help determine your percentage of fault. There may even be a liable third party, for example, you may have been driving on a defective roadway. Call a Head-on Collision attorney at John Foy for a free consultation before you take any else’s word for it. We’re at 404-400-4000.
What am I eligible for in a personal injury claim for a Head-On Collision Injury Accident?
Personal injury claims seek payment for reasonable and necessary medical care; income and wages for the time you can’t work because of the accident; and pain and suffering. In some cases, if the other driver is under the influence, as well as negligent, such as in a case of drunk or distracted driving, the courts will award punitive damages—damages meant to punish the other driver.
Remember, no matter whom you hire, your personal injury attorney should never take money up front. Any attorney fees should come out of the settlement after a successful case.
What is the time limit for filing a claim in a Head-On collision?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations—or time allowed for pursuing a case–is generally two years after the accident. However, there are shorter exceptions.
However, it’s especially important in a Head-On Collision to get started as soon as possible. First, you need medical care and we can help point you in the right direction even if you can’t afford it. Second, evidence grows “cold” and witnesses disappear. The sooner we get started, the better.
How can John Foy & Associates help me?
John Foy & Associates is a large, well-established personal injury firm in Atlanta. For the last 20 years, we’ve helped people who have been injured through another’s negligence recover millions of dollars. We’ve seen our share of auto accidents throughout the years. Our reputation for being ethical and vigilant is well known throughout the insurance industry. If a John Foy & Associates attorney represents you, we’ll take care of the legal details. You take care of getting better. Give us at a call 404-400-4000, someone will answer the phone no matter what time you call.
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