Head-On Collision: Causes Injuries and Legal Steps Explained

Key Highlights

• A head-on collision refers to an accident that occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposing directions collide into one another. This type of accident is one of the most severe and can be extremely deadly when it happens in Atlanta.
  
• Head-on collisions are responsible for some of the highest instances of death and serious injury in Georgia.
• Many such collisions that occur in Atlanta involve excessive speed, driving while impaired, and driving in the wrong direction.
• Victims of head-on collisions who incur catastrophic injuries can be entitled to significant compensation for their injuries.

What Is a Head-On Collision?

Several drivers in Atlanta may not know the fact that legally and medically, there is a difference between a head-on collision and other kinds of auto accidents; furthermore, under Georgia law, there are protections for accident victims that are specific to head-on collisions. The majority of these collisions happen very suddenly, usually because of wrong-way driving, leaving a lane or due to impairment. Because of this, most people assume the crash is out of their control; as a result, most individuals believe their claim would be handled fairly by an insurance company. This is not typically true. 

My name is Franklin R. Evans. I advocate for those who have been injured as a result of the negligent actions of another driver or an insurance company after a preventable collision in the Atlanta area. Many of my clients are frequently surprised at how aggressively insurance companies will dispute fault/downplay injury or delay payment, even when liability appears to be quite evident. If you feel as though you are overwhelmed, frustrated or uncertain regarding what to do next, rest assured, you are not alone. 

At Evans Injury Attorneys, we are working hard to educate victims about their right to bring a legal claim after a head-on collision; seek to discover the true cause of this collision; and seek full compensation for money spent on medical care, lost wages and long-term injuries. Your claim can be properly investigated with experienced legal guidance; therefore, you can challenge the tactics of insurance companies and pursue financial recovery.

Why is a Head-On Collision So Dangerous?

Physics can help us understand why head on collisions are among the most dangerous types of crashes; when two vehicles collide head on it causes twice as much impact force. Crumple zones fail quickly; both drivers (and passengers) in the vehicles would experience a direct transfer of energy.

How Serious Is a Head-On Collision?

Very serious, often catastrophic.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reports that rural highways and poorly lit urban roads around Atlanta see higher rates of fatal head on collisions.

What Causes Head-On Collision Accidents in Atlanta?

Most head on collision accidents can be avoided. At Evans Injury Attorneys, we frequently identify many of the same reasons.

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions

• Driving the wrong way (often due to DUI).
• Using your cell phone or another electronic device while driving.
• Driving faster than the posted speed limit.
• Driving while drowsy or asleep.
• Attempting to pass another vehicle on a two-lane roadway.
• Driving while impaired.

In Atlanta, late-night and early-morning hours have seen an increase in fatal head-on collisions due to drivers leaving interstate highways due to intoxication.

What Injuries Are Common in Head-On Collisions?

Head-on collision injuries are often severe and life-altering. Frequent injuries we see at Evans Injury Attorneys: 

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury with paralysis
• Internal organ injuries
• Many fractures
• Trauma to the face and mouth
• Burns and cuts

Victims of a front-end crash at even a moderate speed can expect several months, or possibly years of recovery time.

Has Anyone Survived a Head-On Collision?

Survival is achievable but often comes at a high cost.

How Survivable Is a Head-On Collision?

The ability to survive depends on:

1. The speed of impact
2. Safety features of the vehicle
3. Use of seatbelts
4. The immediacy of medical assistance after impact

At what speed will a head-on collision most likely result in death? Most studies indicate that combined speeds over 80 miles per hour will exponentially increase the chance of dying from such an accident.

Who’s at Fault in a Head-On Collision?

In almost every instance, the driver who crosses over the centerline or drives in the wrong direction is to blame for the crash.

Proving Fault in a Head On Car Crash

An attorney handling an Atlanta head-on collision accident case may rely upon:

• police reports
• skid mark analysis
• vehicle damage patterns
• traffic camera footage
• cell phone records
• toxicology results

Georgia has a modified comparative negligence statute. So, if the injured person is found to be less than 50 percent at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages.

What Should You Do After a Head-On Collision Near Me?

Your actions after a head on collision near you or my location can have a significant impact on every aspect of your recovery, so it’s important to act quickly:

Critical Steps to Take

1. Call 911
2. Get emergency medical treatment
3. Avoid making recorded statements to insurance companies
4. Collect photos, videos (such as from a dashcam), and eyewitness contact details
5. Speak to a head on collision attorney before agreeing to a settlement

Insurance companies typically try to reduce how much they pay people, especially when they believe they are dealing with high-value claims. 

What Is the Average Payout for a Head-On Collision?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. There is no predetermined amount (too many factors/fixed to determine), but amounts for these settlements can often vary considerably.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Head-On Collision?

Injury severity and amount paid:

Average payout for collision will vary by the amount of medical costs (and lost wages) while also taking into consideration long-term disability as well as insurance coverage limits of both you (the claimant) and at fault driver as per the NHTSA.

How Much Money Can You Get From a Head-On Collision?

Possible types of compensation include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost labor and decreased earnings
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish (emotional distress)
• Permanent injuries
• Benefits related to death caused by the wreck 

By utilizing an attorney experienced in handling head-on collision cases, you’re ensuring you will not leave anything on the table!

Why Hire an Atlanta Head-On Collision Attorney?

Head-on collisions can be legally complicated and typically require a strong defense.

What a Head-On Collision Accident Lawyer Does?

• Investigate the fault thoroughly
• Work with expert accident reconstructionists
• Negotiate with Insurers
• Build an effective trial-ready case
• Protect you against bad faith tactics

Here at Evans Injuries, we have extensive experience representing Atlanta victims who have suffered catastrophic injury due to the recklessness of others as well as wrongful death claims stemming from automobile accidents.

Real Atlanta Case Insight

Our client was in an Atlanta-area case where he/she were injured in a head-on collision with an automobile driven by a motorist who was traveling in the opposite direction (wrong-way driver) on a freeway off-ramp. Initially, the insurance company disputed liability for the accident.

Once we conducted an accident analysis and obtained testimony from our client’s medical expert, we ultimately settled the case for seven figures, which included reimbursement for both future medical care and lost wages throughout the victim’s life.

How to Avoid a Head-On Collision?

You cannot regulate someone else but you can minimize risk:

• Do not drive while impaired or tired
• Be aware while on two-lane roads
• Aggressive passing should be avoided
• Be on the look out for alerts of wrong-way drivers.

When you are driving at night, as well as during inclement conditions, reduce your speed. 

Why Trust Evans Injury Attorneys?

Evans Injury Attorneys brings developed expertise through years of experience and good old-fashioned face-to-face communication and trust. Our personal approach allows us to establish an individual relationship between client and attorney, which we believe is essential to case success. 

Case Study: Securing Justice After a Wrong-Way Head-On Collision

By Attorney Franklin R. Evans

After a wrong-way driver caused his client a severe injury as a result of a collision, a motorist from Metro Atlanta reached out to us for assistance. His client sustained multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury and was hospitalized for an extensive amount of time. In addition to these significant injuries, the insurance company was questioning liability by trying to minimize the extent of his client’s injuries in order to make an offer that would only partially cover his client’s future medical costs.

Despite being shocked and confused by the actions of the insurance company, the client had little to no idea whether or not the insurance company’s position regarding liability was accurate and if additional compensation would be available. Our team immediately began a thorough investigation. Throughout the investigation, our team gathered various types of evidence (including traffic camera recordings, police and toxicology reports, and testimony from accident reconstruction specialists) in order to establish fault for this accident. Our medical experts documented our client’s future treatment costs, cognitive impairments, and loss of earning potential.

By using our trial-ready methodology, we negotiated a resolution of over a million dollars that provides income replacement for future medical care as well as support to hold the negligent driver and his insurer accountable for their actions against our client.

Talk to Atlanta Head-On Collision Lawyers Today

Victims of head-on collisions often have significant injuries (head and other body), experience aggressive tactics from insurance companies and live with the anticipation of future problems due to their injuries. Consulting with a lawyer early can be critical for understanding and protecting your rights under Georgia law and for securing the maximum amount possible, as it ensures you are fully compensated for your injury.

To talk to Atlanta collision attorneys, Evans Injury Attorneys can be reached at (678) 792-0067 for a free consultation. You do not have to pay any upfront out-of-pocket expenses, nor the attorney fees if there is no compensation received. You will receive clear answers to your questions from our attorneys, and we will have a team of attorneys that will fight for your best interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can drivers avoid a head-on collision?

Drivers can lower their risk if they don’t drive while impaired, stay alert while driving on two-lane roads, stay within the centerline, be cautious of their speed at night, and be cautious of vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.

2. What does it mean when a car is head-on?

A head-on collision means two vehicles driving toward one another make contact at their front ends causing excessive force and most likely resulting in significant or even deadly injuries.

3. Is a head-on collision different from a front-end collision?

Yes! These collisions happen when the traffic flows toward each other and they crash at their front ends. Front end collision could be between stationary or moving vehicles going in the same direction.

4. Why are head-on collisions more common on certain Atlanta roads?

Reasons for increased incidence of head-on collisions are poor lighting, highway entrance and exit ramps, two-lane highways, excessive speed, and impaired drivers, including but not limited to in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the surrounding suburban areas.

5. Can insurance deny a head-on collision claim even if fault seems clear?

Yes. Insurers frequently dispute claims for collision injuries and/or damages. For this reason, it’s important to have competent legal representation to make sure that your claim is protected.