Head-on car crashes are some of the worst accidents on the road. They happen when two cars driving in opposite directions smash into each other front-first. These crashes often cause very serious injuries and a lot of damage to the cars involved.
If you've been in a head-on collision, you're probably feeling scared and unsure about what to do next. This guide will help you understand what steps to take after a head-on crash and why getting help from a car accident lawyer is so important.
Getting Medical Care Right Away After a Crash
The first thing you need to do after a head-on crash is get checked out by a doctor, even if you feel okay. Some injuries from car accidents don't show up right away, but they can get worse if you don't treat them quickly.
Go to the emergency room or see your regular doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Tell the doctor exactly what happened, and don't leave out any details about how you're feeling. Getting proper medical care right after the accident will help you recover faster and create a record of your injuries for your case later on.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
After getting medical help, your next step should be to call a car accident lawyer. Many people think they can handle things on their own after a crash, but that's usually not a good idea. Car accident attorneys know all about the laws around crashes and how to deal with insurance companies. They can help ensure you get the money you deserve to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other damages from the accident.
Car accident lawyers are valuable because they know how the law works. Car accident cases can get extremely complicated. There are many laws and rules about who's responsible for a crash and how much money you can get. A car accident lawyer understands all of these rules and can use them to help your case.
Another reason to hire a car accident lawyer is that they can talk to the insurance companies for you. Insurance companies often try to pay out as little money as possible after an accident. They might offer you a quick settlement that's way less than what you deserve. A car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies to get you a fair deal.
Car accident attorneys are also great at gathering evidence. To win your case, you need proof that the other driver caused the crash. A car accident lawyer knows how to collect police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to support your side of the story.
It's hard to know exactly how much your case is worth on your own. A car accident lawyer can add up all your costs from the accident, including future expenses you might have, to make sure you ask for the right amount of money.
Sometimes, you might need to go to court to get what you deserve. If that happens, you'll definitely want a car accident attorney fighting for you in front of a judge and jury. They have the skills and experience to present your case in the best possible way.
What to Tell Your Car Accident Lawyer
When you meet with a car accident lawyer for the first time, they'll ask you various questions about the crash. It's important to be totally honest and give them as much information as you can. You should tell your lawyer exactly how the accident happened. Try to remember as many details as you can about the crash. What direction were you going? What was the weather like? Did you see the other car before it hit you?
Make sure to tell your lawyer about all of your injuries, even ones that seem small. Give your lawyer copies of all your medical bills and records. Let them know about any ongoing treatment you're getting or might need in the future.
Your lawyer will want to know how the accident has affected your life. Has the crash kept you from working? Are you having trouble doing things you used to enjoy? Make sure your lawyer knows about all the ways the accident has impacted your daily life.
Tell your lawyer what was said if you've already talked to any insurance adjusters. They need to know about any offers or statements that have been made. The more information you can give your car accident lawyer, the better they'll be able to help you with your case.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Head-on Collision
After a head-on collision, you'll probably have to talk to insurance companies. This can be challenging, and it's easy to say something that might hurt your case without realizing it. That's why it's best to let your car accident lawyer handle most communication with insurance companies.
If you have to talk to an insurance adjuster before hiring a lawyer, be careful what you say. Don't give a recorded statement without talking to a lawyer first. Stick to the basic facts of the accident, and don't guess about things you're unsure about. Don't say the crash was your fault, even if you think it might have been. And don't agree to a settlement offer without having a car accident lawyer look it over.
Remember, insurance companies are businesses that want to make money. They might try to get you to settle your case quickly for less than it's worth. A car accident lawyer can help ensure you don't get taken advantage of by the insurance company.
Understanding Your Car Accident Injuries
Head-on collisions often cause very serious injuries. Some common injuries from these types of crashes include head injuries, which can range from concussions to extremely severe brain injuries.
Neck and back injuries are also common. Whiplash happens a lot in these crashes, but you might also have spinal cord damage. The force of a head-on collision can cause chest injuries like broken ribs or internal organ damage. Your legs and knees might also get hurt if they get crushed or hit the dashboard.
It's important to get all of your injuries properly diagnosed and treated. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, might not be obvious right away. That's why getting checked out by a doctor after the crash is so important.
Your car accident lawyer will work with your doctors to understand the full extent of your injuries. They'll use this information to figure out how much money you should ask for in your case. This includes your current medical bills and any future treatment you might need.
Long-Term Effects of Head-On Collisions
Head-on car crashes can have effects that last long after the accident itself. Some people have ongoing pain or disability from their injuries. Others might develop mental health issues like anxiety or PTSD from the trauma of the crash.
These long-term effects can impact your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, or even do everyday tasks. Your car accident lawyer will consider all of these factors when building your case. They'll work to get you compensation not just for your immediate medical bills but also for the ways the accident will affect your life in the future.
The Legal Process After a Head-On Collision
After you hire a car accident lawyer, they'll start working on your case right away. First, they'll gather all the evidence they can about the accident. This might include police reports, witness statements, and photos of the crash scene. They'll also collect all of your medical records and bills.
Next, your lawyer will probably try negotiating with the other driver's insurance company. They'll send a demand letter that explains your injuries and damages and asks for a certain amount of money. The insurance company might respond with a counteroffer. Your lawyer will go back and forth with them, trying to get you the best settlement possible.
If the insurance company doesn't offer a satisfactory settlement, your attorney might advise you to file a lawsuit. This does not mean your case will go to trial. Many cases settle even after a lawsuit is filed. But filing a lawsuit shows the insurance company that you're serious about getting fair compensation.
If your case does go to trial, your lawyer will present all the evidence to a judge or jury. They'll argue why you deserve compensation and how much you should get. The other side will present their arguments, too. In the end, the judge or jury will decide if you win your case and how much money you get.
Throughout this process, your car accident lawyer will guide you and answer your questions. They'll handle all the legal details so you can focus on getting better.
Why You Shouldn't Wait to Call a Car Accident Lawyer
Some people think they should wait to see how bad their injuries are before they call a lawyer. But this can be a huge mistake. There are time limits, called statutes of limitations, for filing a lawsuit after a car accident. If you wait too long, you might lose your right to sue.
Also, the sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can gather evidence. Over time, evidence can disappear. Witnesses might forget what they saw. Skid marks on the road might fade away. The sooner your lawyer can collect this evidence, the stronger your case will be.
Hiring a lawyer early on can also help you avoid mistakes that might hurt your case. For example, you might accidentally say something to the insurance company that they use against you later. Or you might post something on social media that the other side uses to argue that you're not really hurt. A lawyer can advise you on what to do and what not to do to protect your case.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help with Property Damage
While your health is the most important thing after a crash, you'll also need to deal with damage to your car. Your car accident lawyer can help with this, too. They can negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you get fair compensation for your damaged or totaled vehicle.
If your car can be repaired, your lawyer will fight to ensure the repairs are done properly with good-quality parts. If your car is totaled, they'll work to get you the full value of your car, not just the low-ball offer the insurance company might make at first.
Your lawyer can also help you get a rental car while yours is being repaired or replaced. They'll make sure the insurance company pays for this, so you're not left without transportation.
Dealing with Lost Income After a Head-On Collision
A serious car accident can keep you out of work for a long time. This lost income can really add up, especially if you have a lot of medical bills to pay. Your car accident lawyer will include your lost income in your claim against the other driver.
But it's not just about the work you've already missed. If your injuries will keep you from working in the future, or if you can't do the same kind of work you did before, your lawyer will fight for compensation for future lost earnings, too. They might bring in experts to calculate how much money you would have earned over your lifetime if the accident hadn't happened.
If you're self-employed or own a business, calculating lost income can be more complicated. Your lawyer will know how to prove your losses and get you fair compensation.
The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Head-on Crash
After a head-on collision, it's important to talk to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. There are time limits, called statutes of limitations, for filing a lawsuit after a car accident. If you wait too long, you might lose your right to sue.
Also, the sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can start working on your case. They can gather evidence while it's still fresh, talk to witnesses before they forget what they saw, and make sure important evidence doesn't get lost or destroyed.
Acting quickly also helps you avoid mistakes that might hurt your case. Your lawyer can advise you on what to say (and not say) to insurance companies, what to post (and not post) on social media, and other things that might affect your case.
Remember, talking to a lawyer doesn't mean you have to file a lawsuit right away. It means you're protecting your rights and getting advice on what to do next.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
If you've been in a head-on collision, don't wait. Contact a car accident lawyer today to protect your rights and start on the path to getting the compensation you deserve. Your future health and financial well-being may depend on it.
Gabriel Levin - Owner/Founder
Gabriel Levin is a highly experienced and credible attorney with over 10 years of practice in Pennsylvania. Known for his tenacity, he has represented clients in a wide range of civil matters, trying hundreds of cases. He prepares each case as if it will go to trial, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
Unlike many firms that delegate tasks, Levin personally handles every aspect of a case and maintains open communication with clients throughout. He has secured millions in compensation, making him a reliable choice for those seeking legal representation.
Learn More