Head-on collisions can have uniquely devastating consequences for vehicle occupants due to the violent nature of these accidents. If you’ve been involved in a head-on car accident in Washington, DC you need an experienced DC car accident lawyer to manage your insurance claims process, particularly if your injuries are severe and entitle you to pursue compensation from another driver under DC law.
Marks & Harrison has represented accident victims across the DC area for over a century. We work tirelessly to maximize our clients’ compensation, charge no upfront fees, and get paid only if we win your case. Contact us today for a free initial case review with a Washington DC head-on collision lawyer to learn how we can help you recover the compensation you need to heal and move forward after such a traumatic experience.
What Makes Head-On Collisions So Dangerous?
Head-on car accidents cause the most catastrophic injuries and property damage because they involve two vehicles colliding with each other at speed, which maximizes the forces of a crash. In addition, drivers involved in these auto accidents may not recognize an imminent head-on collision until moments before the crash, which means they might not brake to slow down and reduce the forces of impact.
What Are the Common Causes of Head-On Crashes?
Head-on collisions most often occur due to careless or reckless decisions by other drivers.
Some of the most common causes of head-on car crashes include:
- Distracted driving, including distractions caused by electronic devices
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving, including unsafe or illegal passing into oncoming traffic
- Traveling the wrong way down a one-way street or access ramp
- Crossing over the center line or median
- Entering the wrong side of the road when crossing through an intersection
- Mechanical issues caused by inadequate maintenance or vehicle defects
Because so many factors can contribute to these motor vehicle accidents, it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who can investigate your car accident case and determine who is responsible.
What Injuries Can Happen in a Head-On Accident?
Head-on collisions can cause serious injuries or even death.
Common injuries that occur in a head-on car crash include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Facial and dental injuries
- Crush injuries
- Burns from post-accident vehicle fires
- Traumatic amputation or limb loss
- Severe lacerations
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Torn ligaments, tendons, or muscles
Because these car accident cases often involve the most severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and extensive damage to the vehicles involved, they tend to be valued higher. Insurance companies will fight hard to prevent paying you the fair compensation you are due. Protect your rights by contacting an experienced head-on accident lawyer today.
What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a Head-On Collision in Washington DC?
The nature of head-on collisions means you may have little control over what happens in the immediate aftermath, especially if your injuries are severe or life-threatening. Ideally, a witness will call 911 to summon police and emergency medical responders to the accident scene if they cannot do so. You should seek medical attention immediately so all of your physical injuries can be promptly diagnosed and treated.
Getting immediate medical care after a head-on crash is critical for your health and can protect your right to recover damages from an at-fault driver. Follow the doctor’s treatment plan and recovery instructions to the letter, as this will help demonstrate both the severity of your injuries and the necessity of treatment.
Additionally, contact a car accident attorney from Marks & Harrison as soon as possible to discuss your options for obtaining the financial resources you need to heal from your injuries and put your life back on track. Your attorney can manage all elements of your claim, including handling all communications with insurance adjusters and filing your claim for personal injury protection coverage as mandated by DC’s no-fault insurance system. Keep all records of your treatment and recovery, vehicle repairs, and other paperwork related to the collision, as this will be essential evidence in your insurance claim. Contact our Washington DC head-on accident lawyer today.
How Do You Determine Who Is At Fault in a Washington DC Head-On Accident?
When the circumstances of a head-on collision seem unclear in the immediate aftermath of a crash, various pieces of evidence can help you determine which party or parties bear responsibility for the accident.
Examples of evidence you might use in a head-on accident claim to establish fault include:
- The police report and any resulting arrest or citation records
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Surveillance, traffic, and dashboard camera footage
- Testimony from eyewitnesses
- Vehicle computer logs
- Driver cell phone records
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Post-accident vehicle inspections
- Testimony from expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction experts
Our head-on accident attorneys have extensive experience handling the aftermath of a traffic accident. We know how to obtain critical evidence in a car crash case and how to leverage it to fight for maximum compensation. Our Washington DC car accident lawyers can help.
Can You Receive Compensation for Your Injuries and Damages?
In a head-on accident collision claim, you may have the right to recover compensation for expenses or losses you incur due to your injuries.
Your financial recovery can include money for your:
- Medical expenses, including emergency transportation and treatment, surgeries, hospitalization, medications, therapy, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Reduced quality and enjoyment of life
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs or reimbursement
Contact our personal injury attorneys today to learn more about what your auto accident claim might be worth.
Does Washington DC Have a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim?
In Washington DC the statute of limitations gives you three years to file a car accident lawsuit after a head-on collision. However, some exceptions may extend or shorten this deadline. For example, suppose you get into a head-on collision with a vehicle operated by the DC government. In that case, the law requires you to file a notice of your claim with the city within six months of the accident unless the Metropolitan Police Department has filed a crash report. Finally, suppose you had an accident with a federal government vehicle. In that case, the Federal Tort Claims Act requires you to send notice of your claim to the appropriate federal agency within two years of the collision.
Because you have limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit, contact a car accident attorney at Marks & Harrison as soon as possible to start preparing your case. Filing all paperwork on time preserves your right to compensation, and an early investigation preserves your attorney’s access to valuable evidence.
Contact a Washington DC Head-On Collision Accident Lawyer
When you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries in a head-on collision, you need seasoned legal representation from someone who can help you obtain the financial recovery you need to move forward. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free consultation with a DC car accident lawyer. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal rights and options, and advise you on your next steps.
