Alabama Head-On Collision Attorneys
Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles collide into each other while traveling in the opposite directions. These types of collisions typically occur when one or both vehicles cross the median or when one vehicle gets turned around and enters oncoming traffic. Most major roads and highways have barriers to prevent this type of accident, but many side streets and rural roads do not have this type of protection. While head-on crashes may not be as common as other types of vehicle accidents, they tend to result in some of the most serious and catastrophic injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a head-on collision, you may have a right to compensation. Medical bills to treat your injuries can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and there is typically a long road to recovery. You should also be reimbursed for time missed from work and the lasting effects of a debilitating injury that may result from the incident. These cases can sometimes be complicated and difficult to prove fault, so it is best to obtain strong legal counsel as soon as possible so that your legal rights are preserved.
At M. Adam Jones and Associates, we have over three decades of experience successfully representing clients injured in head-on crashes and all other types of motor vehicle accidents in Alabama, Southwest Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of this area of the law, and we have the knowledge, skills, resources, and dedication to aggressively pursue full and fair compensation on behalf of each client we serve.
We have a proven track record with even the most complex cases, and we routinely go up against well-funded adversaries such as large insurance companies. We know the common tactics insurers use to diminish or deny the legitimate claims of injured parties, and we put our extensive experience to work to help ensure that those responsible for your injuries are held fully accountable. It is generally in everyone’s best interest to negotiate a fair settlement without the need for litigation. That said, if the other side is not willing to negotiate in good faith, we are ready and able to take your case to trial when necessary.
Why Do Head-On Collisions Occur?
Head-on crashes are almost always preventable. As mentioned earlier, for a head-on auto wreck to happen, at least one of the drivers has usually committed a breach, such as crossing the center line on an undivided road. Whether this happens because of an intentional or inadvertent action, the driver who commits this action can most likely be held liable as long as there is sufficient proof.
Some of the most common scenarios that may result in a head-on collision include:
- Excessive Speeding: Driving excessively over the speed limit is a very dangerous practice, especially on roads where there are a lot of curves, hills, and winding areas in which it is difficult to see what is in front of you. When someone is driving too fast, it is difficult to slow down in time to avoid trouble, and when they hit the brakes, they may lose control of the vehicle, allowing it to cross into oncoming traffic.
- Reckless Driving: Excessive speeding is one possible form of reckless driving, others may include weaving in and out of lanes or even playing “chicken” with a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. When someone is driving recklessly, they are in a mindset in which they have willful and wanton disregard for the rules of the road and the safety of themselves and others.
- Failed Passing Attempts: One of the most common ways a head-on collision may occur is when a motorist tries to pass another vehicle in the face of oncoming traffic. This is often done because of impatience, which can lead to poor judgment and bad driving decisions. Before passing the vehicle on an undivided road, drivers should be sure they are in a lawful passing zone and that there are no oncoming vehicles approaching.
- Distracted Driving: Most motorists are well aware of the excessive dangers of practices such as texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving. Unfortunately, despite increased awareness about this issue, many drivers have a hard time staying off of their phones while they are behind the wheel. When someone is looking down at their phone, it is very easy to weave in and out of lanes and miss various curves in the road that might cause them to cross to the other side.
- Fatigued/Drowsy Driving: Drivers who are tired, fatigued, and drowsy tend to have difficulty staying in their lane. Drowsy driving is especially common among commercial truck drivers and others who drive for a living. These drivers spend numerous consecutive hours behind the wheel, and they spend a lot of their time driving during the evening or overnight hours when it is dark and more difficult to see oncoming traffic.
- Driving while Intoxicated: When a driver has had too much to drink or they have consumed illegal drugs or certain types of prescription drugs, it can lead to very poor driving decisions. Many intoxicated drivers become drowsy and even fall asleep at the wheel, while others enter a state of mind where they begin to drive recklessly. Either way, this type of behavior increases the chances of head-on collisions and other tragic and preventable accidents.
- Bad Weather: Poor weather can play a role in a head-on crash, especially when roads become slick and icy because of adverse conditions such as freezing rain. Though inclement weather may be a factor in some collisions, there is usually some type of driver negligence that also contributes to the accident.
Proving Fault in a Head-Collision in Alabama
When someone is injured in a head-crash, the damages can be extensive. If this is the fault of another party, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Property damage;
- Medical bills;
- Rehabilitation costs;
- Costs for ongoing medical care (when the injury is permanent and debilitating);
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Physical pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Diminished quality of life;
- Loss of consortium;
- Wrongful death.
It can be difficult to prove fault in a head-on collision, because the impact of the crash sends the cars into different directions and puts them into different positions than they were in when they collided. Experts may need to be called in to reconstruct the accident and examine skid marks and other factors to determine the exact cause. This is why it is crucial to have an attorney involved as soon as possible, especially if the crash occurred in Alabama.
In Alabama, an injured party can be barred from recovering compensation, even if they are found to be only 1% responsible for the accident. With such a high bar to clear, it is extremely important to preserve all the pertinent facts and evidence and put together the strongest possible case to present to a court (if needed).
Speak with a Skilled Alabama Personal Injury Attorney
Being injured in a head-on crash can be a life-altering experience. At M. Adam Jones and Associates, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these types of injuries have on victims and their families. Our goal is to make the legal process smooth and seamless, so you can focus on your recovery. We handle your case from start to finish, and we fight hard to secure the just compensation you need and deserve.
For a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call our office today at 334-581-9238. You may also send us a message through our web contact form.