In Pennsylvania, a head-on collision occurs when the front end of a vehicle strikes the front end of another vehicle. These accidents commonly occur when the vehicles involved are traveling in opposite directions and are driving head-on toward each other.
Due to the immense physical impact of a head-on collision, the resulting injuries to drivers and passengers are often severe. If you or a loved one have been injured in a front-end crash, a Western PA head-on collision lawyer could help you recover compensation for medical expenses and other damages. Contact a car accident attorney today for help.
There are many potential causes for head-on collisions. Commonly, the vehicles are traveling at higher rates of speed because they are in their own lane of travel and then one vehicle crosses the line into the other. A driver may cross into the opposing travel lane due to intoxication, fatigue, inclement weather, or a host of other potential factors.
Some of the common types of injuries that may result from a front-end crash are head injuries, orthopedic injuries, fractures, concussions, sight and vestibular issues, torn ligaments, and vision problems. When somebody is in a high impact collision and the airbags are deployed, the impact with the airbag can be enough to cause permanent injuries. No matter what kind of injuries a person faces, a seasoned attorney could help pursue the financial recovery they deserve following a front-end auto wreck in Western PA.
The determination of fault in a head-on collision depends on the physical evidence at the scene of the collision itself. When there is a head-on collision, it is extremely important to establish the point of impact and whose lane the point of impact was in.
If a car is crossing over the double yellow lines, the point of impact would be in the other person’s lane, and the driver of the car that is crossing over out of their lane is likely going to be at fault for the collision itself. In order to establish that fault, a proactive head-on crash lawyer in Western PA may look at the evidence and the scene itself, pictures, and the damage to the vehicles themselves. Other factors include statements given to police after the accidents, any contemporaneous medical records, police reports, and accident construction experts.
Because Pennsylvania is a comparative negligence jurisdiction, in order for an injured party to recover compensation, they cannot be more at fault for the collision than the party against whom the claim is being made.
Punitive damages are allowed in Pennsylvania head-on collision cases where the party that is at fault acted in a manner that is considered outrageous, malicious, willful, oppressive, or in reckless disregard for the safety of others. Intoxication, distraction, and extreme fatigue could be grounds for punitive damages in a head-on collision case.
The aftermath of a head-on collision can be challenging—emotionally, physically, and financially. If you have been seriously hurt, consider retaining an experienced Western PA head-on collision lawyer for help. A dedicated legal professional could collect evidence and make sure that any evidence that is collected is presented to the insurance company in a manner that supports the case. Contact us today to for a no-cost consultation with an attorney.
Marcus & Mack
