Santa Rosa Head-On Collisions

When two drivers are involved in a head-on collision, injured individuals can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If successful, a lawsuit can provide compensation for the costs of medical treatment and other expenses related to the accident. Proving liability though, or fault for the accident, presents many challenges. For this reason, anyone injured in a head-on collision should speak to a Santa Rosa car accident attorney who can help them claim the compensation they need.

Head-On Collision Statistics

Head-on collisions are not the most common accidents on the roads. Government reports state that these accidents only account for 2% of the accidents on the roads. However, considering these crashes make up 10% of all accident fatalities, it is clear that head-on collisions are some of the deadliest.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also states that these numbers increase in rural areas. In areas that have fewer restrictions, and where off-roading is a popular activity, head-on collisions make up 13% of all fatal accidents. In urban areas, that number drops to just 7%.

Proving Fault in a Head-On Collision

When accident victims wish to claim compensation for their injuries after a head-on collision, they must first prove another driver was negligent. Negligence is a legal concept indicating someone did not act in a manner that would keep everyone around him or her safe. Plaintiffs, or injured parties, can show negligence by proving that another driver was not acting reasonably or responsibly. Negligent behavior can include

• Improperly passing another vehicle
• Making an illegal U-turn
• Making an illegal left turn, such as turning the wrong way onto a one-way street
• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Failing to yield to oncoming traffic

Some of these negligent behaviors are fairly easy to prove. For example, if a driver was drunk at the time of the head-on collision, police reports indicating blood alcohol levels will help prove liability.

Other types of negligent behavior, such as drowsy driving, are more difficult to prove. Determining this liability requires an experienced Santa Rosa car accident attorney who will use many strategies to prove another driver was at fault. A lawyer may obtain police and medical reports, gather statements from eyewitnesses, and even consult with accident reconstruction specialists.

Insurance Issues and Head-On Collisions

Many people do not speak to a lawyer after a head-on collision because they mistakenly believe that insurance benefits will cover the costs of their injuries. This however, is not usually true in head-on collision cases.

Head-on collisions cause some of the most catastrophic injuries on Santa Rosa’s roads. In most cases, accident benefits from insurance are not enough to cover the costs of these injuries. In addition, insurance companies often try to offer very low settlements so they do not end up making large payments.

No one should ever rely on insurance alone to cover the cost of their injuries after a head-on collision. The insurance company is never an ally of injured individuals.

Contact the Santa Rosa Car Accident Attorneys

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a head-on collision, you need to speak to the experienced Santa Rosa car accident lawyers at the Brod Law Firm. If you have been injured, or have lost someone due to a head-on collision, we want to help. We will fight for your rights throughout the entire process, and help hold responsible parties liable for their actions. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form for your free case evaluation.

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