Austin Head-On Accident Attorneys

What to Do If You Were Injured or Your Loved One Was Killed in a Car Crash

Head-on accidents are, unfortunately, the most deadly type of automobile collision. Even at relatively low speeds, head-on collisions can have devastating consequences, resulting in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. In most cases, head-on accidents are caused by negligence—an inattentive driver drifts across the middle lane of a highway; a person who is texting while driving enters opposing lanes of traffic on a two-way street; a reckless driver attempts to pass a large 18-wheeler and collide with someone in the oncoming lane. These and other instances cause far too many head-on collisions in the state of Texas each year.

If you were severely injured or your loved one was killed in a head-on crash and you believe the other driver or another party was at fault, contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC as soon as possible. Our Austin head-on accident attorneys are highly skilled in all types of complex car accident litigation. We can help you take legal action against the liable parties and work to recover the maximum compensation you are owed.

Speak to an attorney at our firm about your case today; call (512) 400-3278 or fill out and submit an online contact form to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation. Se habla español. 

Common Injuries in Head-On Accidents

Regardless of the cause of the accident, whether a distracted or drunk driver acted carelessly or an inexperienced driver attempted a risky or illegal maneuver, head-on collisions tend to result in the highest number of fatalities. Those who survive such accidents often find themselves facing a long, grueling road to recovery from catastrophic, life-altering injuries. Some may never fully recover from their injuries.

Some of the most common types of injuries sustained in head-on collisions include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis, including paraplegia and quadriplegia
• Severe burns (particularly if there is a car fire or explosion)
• Broken bones and fractures
• Chest injuries
• Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
• Severe whiplash
• Accidental amputation
• Internal injuries, including organ damage and hemorrhaging

Compensation for Head-On Collision Victims in Texas

In most cases, the healing process is lengthy and expensive. Victims will require extensive medical treatment, including emergency surgeries and ongoing physical and cognitive rehabilitation therapy. Their injuries may require them to use a wheelchair, meaning they will need to make modifications to their home. They may be unable to return to work, either temporarily or permanently, unable to drive themselves to medical appointments and other activities, and reliant on professional and familial support in numerous ways.

While a personal injury claim cannot undo the suffering you or your family member has been through, it can allow you the financial breathing room you need to obtain critical medical treatment, make up for lost wages, and reduce the cost of other economic and non-economic damages.

Depending on the unique circumstances involved in your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:

• All medical treatment/care related to the accident, including immediate emergency treatment, ongoing care, medication and pain management, rehabilitation therapy, and more
• Medical equipment/home and vehicle modifications required as a result of your injuries
• Lost wages and/or income from time taken off work to receive medical care
• Reduced or lost earning ability if your injuries prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and mental health issues (such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc.) incurred as a result of the accident

If your loved one was killed in a head-on collision, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for damages such as funeral/burial expenses, loss of support, loss of expected income/inheritance, loss of consortium, and more.

Let Our Team Fight for You

At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we understand how difficult it is to move forward from a terrible accident. Our Austin head-on accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal processes so you can focus on healing. We are extensively experienced; in fact, we are the firm that many other attorneys turn to when they need assistance with complex litigation. Our car accident attorneys offer compassionate, personalized guidance and aggressive advocacy at every stage of the legal process. We are here for you, and our goal is to secure the maximum compensation you are owed so that you can begin the process of healing and moving forward.

Get in touch with us today at (512) 400-3278 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7. 

Head-On Collision Case FAQ

• Why are head-on collisions so dangerous? 
  Head-on collisions are particularly dangerous due to the combined force of two vehicles moving towards each other, often at high speeds. Unlike side-impact or rear-end collisions, head-on crashes can double the impact speed. For example, if both vehicles are traveling at 50 mph, the impact speed is equivalent to a car hitting a stationary object at 100 mph. This immense force can cause severe damage to the structure of the vehicles and significantly increase the risk of serious injuries or fatalities. The sudden deceleration upon impact can also lead to whiplash, internal injuries, or even ejection from the vehicle, making head-on collisions one of the deadliest types of traffic accidents.
• How common are head-on collisions? 
  The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 14% of fatal traffic accidents in the country each year involve a head-on collision. About 85% of fatal head-on collisions occur on streets and roads without any sort of central divider that keeps opposing traffic separated. Furthermore, 70% of fatal head-on collisions happen where posted speed limits meet or exceed 50 mph.
• What causes most head-on collisions? 
  Most head-on collisions are caused by driver error, often a result of distracted driving, drunk driving, or fatigue. Distracted drivers may unintentionally veer into oncoming traffic while texting, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other activities that take their attention off the road. Similarly, impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to drift into an opposing lane or enter a road in the wrong direction. Fatigue also plays a significant role, as tired drivers can fall asleep at the wheel and lose control of their vehicle. Other contributing factors include poor visibility due to weather conditions, reckless driving such as speeding or overtaking without sufficient space, and failing to negotiate curves correctly on roads.
• Who is usually at fault for a head-on collision? 
  Determining who is at fault in a head-on collision can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Generally, the driver who strayed from their lane into oncoming traffic is considered mostly or entirely at fault. However, there can be exceptions, such as when a driver is forced into the wrong lane to avoid an obstacle or another vehicle's sudden move. In some cases, both drivers may share responsibility. For instance, if both drifted into the middle lane simultaneously.
• What happens after a head-on collision? 
  After a head-on collision, the immediate concern is to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved parties. Emergency services should be called to the scene to provide medical attention and control traffic around the accident site. Law enforcement officers will investigate the scene, document evidence, interview witnesses, and often produce an accident report detailing their findings. If any drivers are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, field sobriety tests may be conducted. Those involved in the collision should exchange contact and insurance information. The next steps will be to contact attorneys and insurance companies to get claims started.