Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous and devastating types of car accidents. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Recovering for those injuries is often made harder due to the terrible injuries people sustain, as they were too hurt to remember clearly what happened. Loved ones caring for an injured person will also not need the added stress of dealing with insurance companies alone. Hiring an Atlanta head-on collision lawyer is crucial if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a head-on collision. Pursuing compensation from the responsible party can be complicated-y. You need a legal advocate who can help guide you through this process successfully.
Why Select MG Law?
At MG Law, our years of experience representing injured clients in and around Covington in personal injury cases equip us with the expertise you need. Retaining our firm ensures your case is in reliable hands. Our legal professionals recognize the challenges that head-on crashes present, and we are dedicated to supporting you at every stage. You are more than a case file; we genuinely care about achieving your best possible outcome.
This article will discuss head-on crashes, determining liability, the statute of limitations, and how a Covington head-on crash attorney can enhance your potential settlement amount.
Factors Contributing to Head-On Crashes
Several elements can lead to head-on crashes, including:
Distracted Driving
Texting or phone conversations often constitute distracted driving, but the issue goes beyond that. Any activity that diverts a driver’s focus from the road is considered distracted driving. Some examples include using the GPS, adjusting the radio’s volume, eating or drinking, checking a delivery address, or applying makeup.
Impaired Driving
Consuming alcohol or drugs will negatively impact a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and lane control. Drunk drivers are prone to steering towards lights, creating a hazardous situation for oncoming drivers on roads without dividers.
Sleepy Drivers
Tired drivers can cause head-on crashes by dozing off and veering into oncoming traffic, particularly on dimly lit roads lacking dividers. Someone who is tired should pull over somewhere safe and sleep rather than keep driving and put others at risk.
Reckless Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and risky lane changes, can endanger other drivers. These actions may result in a driver losing control and colliding head-on with another vehicle.
Adverse Weather and Poor Visibility
Weather conditions like rain or fog can hinder visibility, making it difficult to see the road ahead and stay in their lane.
Road Hazards
Insufficient signage, unclear lane markings, or confusing intersections can contribute to head-on crashes. Road hazards like potholes may also cause a driver to swerve and collide with another vehicle head-on.
Establishing Liability in Head-On Crashes
To secure compensation after a head-on crash, you must demonstrate that the other driver’s negligence resulted in the accident. Successfully proving negligence entails providing evidence of four factors:
- Duty of care – The defendant had an obligation to drive their vehicle safely and adhere to traffic laws.
- Breach of duty – The defendant violated this obligation through negligent or reckless driving, causing the crash.
- Causation – The defendant’s breach of duty directly led to the accident.
- Damages – You experienced injuries because of the accident.
Assembling evidence is crucial in establishing liability. The stronger your proof, the easier it is to prove negligence against the other driver. Possible evidence sources include:
- Police report – A police report offers essential details about the accident, such as statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses, and the officer’s observations and conclusions.
- Photos and videos – Visual evidence of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can help identify the cause and impact of the crash.
- Witness statements – Testimony from witnesses can support your account of the accident and help identify the responsible party.
- Expert opinions – Accident reconstruction specialists can evaluate the accident scene and prepare a report offering insights into the cause of the crash.
- Medical records – Documenting your injuries and treatment can help prove the extent of your damages.
In Georgia, negligence laws stipulate that you cannot collect compensation if you’re 50% or more at fault. If a jury finds you 49% at fault, you can still collect a portion of your damages. You will receive nothing if you are determined to be 50% or more at fault. An attorney can help ensure that the level of negligence attributed to you will be as low as possible.
How a Covington Head-On Collision Attorney Can Assist You
Hiring an experienced attorney for head-on collisions is crucial to navigating the intricate legal process and increasing your chances of a favorable outcome. A skilled lawyer at MG Law will manage everything for you, including the following tasks:
Conduct an Independent Investigation
Your attorney will assist in collecting and preserving evidence, locating witnesses for interviews, and consulting with industry experts to build a solid case if necessary.
Handle Communication with Insurance Companies
Interacting with insurance adjusters can be daunting, particularly when they attempt to downplay your claim. A lawyer will safeguard your interests and negotiate on your behalf. You won’t need to worry about the insurance adjuster pressuring you into a recorded statement. When a Covington head-on crash attorney is representing you, the insurance company cannot communicate with you directly.
Calculate Your Case Value
Determining the actual value of your claim can take time and effort. A lawyer will account for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages to ensure you’re demanding the maximum compensation possible.
File a Lawsuit
MG Law will initiate a lawsuit and represent you in court if we cannot settle with the other driver’s insurance. Some law firms only handle your case until they can’t reach a settlement and then refer it to another law firm for litigation. Many others will say they represent clients in and around Covington, but will not have an office in the area and will not be familiar with the local courts or communities. Rest assured, if you hire MG Law to represent you, our local knowledge and experience will be there every step of the way.
Statute of Limitations for Head-On Crashes in Covington
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is generally two years from the accident date. That means you have two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. If you do not file within this time frame, the court will likely dismiss your case. Certain exceptions apply to this rule, which could extend or significantly decrease the filing time. That’s why consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible is essential to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
Contact a Covington Head-On Collision Attorney at MG Law
Head-on crashes can result in life-changing consequences, leaving you to cope with emotional and physical challenges. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a head-on collision in Covington, contact the proficient legal team at MG Law. Our experienced attorneys will provide valuable support and guidance throughout the legal process. Let us handle all the challenging legal tasks so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. Let us review your case and explain how we can help following a head-on collision in Covington.