Head-on Car Accidents
Lake Charles Auto Accident Lawyer
One of the biggest fears many drivers have is being involved in a head-on car accident. Because of the nature of these crashes and the way the forces multiply when both cars are at speed, the results can be devastating. While you are somewhat more likely to be in a head-on collision in a rural area on a two-lane road, this type of crash can happen anywhere.
If you suffered devastating injuries or lost a loved one in a Louisiana head-on collision, Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers is here to help. We handle all aspects of your insurance claim, getting you the compensation you deserve so you can continue your recovery. Call us today at 337-433-2053 to schedule a time to meet with one of our knowledgeable Louisiana head-on car accident attorneys. We offer free initial consultations and take on car accident cases on a contingency fee basis.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
Understanding the causes behind head-on collisions is essential for preventing these accidents. Here are some common factors that contribute to head-on crashes:
- Distracted Driving: Distractions like texting, eating, grooming, or talking on the phone while driving can lead to lane drift and result in a head-on collision. Distracted driving is a major concern on our roads and is illegal in many states, including Louisiana.
- Multi-Car Pileups: Complex accidents involving multiple vehicles can force cars into oncoming traffic lanes as they attempt to avoid collisions, leading to head-on crashes.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigue can lead to impaired reactions and even falling asleep at the wheel. Studies have shown that drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, and it’s a particular concern for truck drivers with tight schedules.
- Poor Road Conditions: Inadequate road maintenance, potholes, poor lighting, and debris can cause drivers to swerve into oncoming traffic. In some cases, government negligence in maintaining roads can contribute to these accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities. Impaired drivers may cross into oncoming traffic, causing head-on collisions.
Who could be liable for my Louisiana head-on collision?
While fault for a head-on collision might seem straightforward, there are a few different parties that might be liable for your accident:
The other driver The obvious choice is the other driver in your collision. The driver could have caused your accident by driving while fatigued, intoxicated, or distracted and crossing the center line or driving the wrong way down a road or interstate.
Vehicle and car seat manufacturers If your airbag failed or if a car seat was defective and failed to protect its child occupant, the manufacturer may be liable. Further, if there was a defect in the vehicle’s mechanics, tires, or other components that caused the driver to lose control, the manufacturer may be liable.
Third-party drivers Although rare, you might be able to hold third-party driver liable. For example, if the third-party driver swerved into another driver’s lane causing him to move into oncoming traffic and hit you head on, the third-party driver could be liable.
How can a lawyer help me collect the compensation I deserve after a Louisiana head-on collision?
The first thing you need to do to get the maximum payout you deserve is to give us a call. We can help you identify the at-fault driver, collect evidence to support your case, and file a third-party insurance claim with the other driver’s auto insurer. Once on your case, we handle all aspects of your claim. We present your case to the insurance company and work to negotiate a fair settlement.
This requires conducting a full investigation into your accident and collecting evidence to prove the other driver caused the crash. This is often difficult because it requires showing exactly where each vehicle was at the time of impact. We rely on the police report, eyewitness testimony, pictures from the scene, and accident reconstruction experts to prove the other driver acted negligently.
Then, we collect evidence to document your full range of damages. From medical bills, rehabilitation costs and lost wages to property damage and rental car fees, we uncover every accident-related loss you suffered. We also request your medical records and any notes you kept about your pain levels, injuries, or impairments. This can be important when it comes to requesting compensation for pain and suffering.
How can I help my case?
While the head-on car accident lawyers at Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers will handle your claim for you, there are a few things you can do to strengthen your case:
Keep Up with Your Medical Care
The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your case is to keep up with your medical care. If you skip doctor’s appointments or disobey doctor’s orders, you give the insurance company an opportunity to claim that you are contributing to the severity of your injuries or that they were never as bad as you claimed.
Watch What You Say About the Accident
Soon after the accident, you will receive a call from the other party’s insurer. The insurance adjuster will likely ask you for a recorded statement. By agreeing to this recorded statement, you are allowing the adjuster to use anything you say against you.
Instead, direct the adjuster to speak with us if he has any questions about the accident.
Stay Off Social Media
This may sound like a stretch; after all, what could you do on social media that could affect your claim? A lot, it turns out. For example, if you file a claim for a back injury that keeps you bedridden but then post a picture at a theme park, the insurer will claim you are lying and deny your claim.
Note: Ask friends and family to refrain from tagging you in posts or adding pictures of you.
Call Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers for help today.
The Louisiana car accident attorneys at Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers are ready to fight for you. Call our office today at 337-433-2053 to schedule your free case evaluation.