Head-On Collision Lawyer

Head-on collisions are some of the most severe car accidents that occur on Ohio roads, often resulting in devastating injuries and catastrophic vehicle damage.

If you were injured in a head-on collision in Ohio, you could be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses you suffered. Through a personal injury claim, you could hold the at-fault driver accountable for their negligence.

The Ohio head-on car accident lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law have the necessary experience, resources, and drive to help you pursue the just compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. We’ll discuss your case and provide you with the clear, honest advice you need.

What Is a Head-On Collision?

A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles approaching from opposite directions collide with one another. Because the vehicles are moving in opposite directions, and the drivers are often traveling at high speeds, head-on car crashes often result in life-altering injuries. Head-on collisions also often involve fatalities due to the sheer force of the impact.

Common Injuries Sustained in Head-On Car Accidents

Although many modern vehicles have safety features designed to protect occupants from the force of a collision, head-on collisions can still result in devastating injuries. Some common head-on car accident injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries – Also known as TBIs, traumatic brain injuries are usually caused by a violent blow to the head, such as when a motorist’s head hits the dashboard in a collision. TBIs can range in severity, from concussions (which typically require rest and overnight monitoring) to severe hematomas and brain bleeds (which can be acute and life-threatening). TBIs can also cause memory loss, personality changes, and other psychological symptoms.
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis – Spinal cord injuries sometimes occur in head-on collisions. Some spinal cord injuries result in paralysis below the area of impact. If the spinal cord injury occurs in the lower back area, it may cause paralysis in the legs and pelvis. If the injury occurs in the neck or upper back area, it could potentially cause paralysis from the neck down.
Back injuries – Common back injuries sustained by head-on collision victims include fractured vertebrae, pinched nerves, slipped discs, and back strains and sprains.
Whiplash – Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury that can occur when the neck jerks violently back and forth in a head-on impact. Whiplash isn’t always evident right after a crash. Victims may not know they have whiplash for days, weeks, or even months after an accident, highlighting the importance of being medically evaluated right after a crash.
Fractured bones – Broken bones are frequently sustained in head-on collisions. They often require surgery and rehabilitative care.
Internal injuries – Common internal injuries in car accidents include ruptured kidneys, a ruptured spleen, a ruptured liver, and punctured lungs, which can be penetrated by broken ribs.
Burns – Burns can occur if a car accident victim is exposed to toxic chemicals or fire after a head-on collision. Some burns can cause significant permanent disfigurement.
Accidental amputation – In some devastating cases, head-on collisions can result in the unintentional loss of a limb. In other cases, amputation may be necessary to save a victim’s life.

If you were injured in a car accident, you deserve a chance to hold the at-fault party accountable for their misconduct. An Ohio personal injury lawyer can help you with that.

Causes of Head-On Car Accidents

Head-on collisions can often be traced back to some form of driver negligence. Some of the common causes of head-on collisions include:

Distracted driving – Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of head-on collisions and traffic-related accidents in general. Distracted driving occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or focus off the task of driving to concentrate on another activity. Common driving distractions include texting, adjusting the radio, talking on the phone, eating and drinking, holding a pet, personal grooming, talking to passengers, reaching for a fallen item, and more.
Drunk or intoxicated driving – Alcohol and drugs cause impaired judgment, limited focus, and a delayed reaction time. Some prescription medications, including drugs that have a sedative effect, can also cause impaired driving. Driving under the influence is both a dangerous type of driver negligence and a serious crime.
Fatigue – Drivers who get behind the wheel while fatigued may experience many of the same symptoms that intoxicated drivers do, including an inability to judge traffic situations and a delayed response time.
Reckless driving – Reckless driving is a broad term that includes aggressive driving, road rage, unsafe lane changes, unsafe passing, speeding, and driving too fast for conditions. Any of these behaviors can lead to a head-on collision.
Defective parts – Occasionally, faulty parts could be to blame for an accident. For example, if a driver’s brakes go out and they cause a head-on collision, it’s possible that the brake manufacturer could be responsible.

If the cause of the accident is not immediately apparent, an investigation may be needed to determine how it occurred.

Who’s At Fault in an Ohio Head-On Collision?

If you were injured in a head-on collision, who’s at fault might be the first question you have. Establishing responsibility in a head-on collision can be challenging. If another driver hits you, you will need to show that their negligence led to the crash. For example, if you were involved in a head-on collision caused by a driver who was texting, you may be able to use cell phone records to show that distracted driving likely led to your injuries.

You’ll also need to show that in addition to causing the accident, the at-fault driver caused you to suffer losses. Losses can be financial, such as medical expenses or lost wages. Alternatively, they might be non-financial, such as the long-term mental trauma you experience due to the accident and injuries.

If you were injured in a head-on collision, an experienced Ohio car accident lawyer could help you establish fault by seeking evidence to support your case.