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Tulsa Head-On Collision Lawyer
A car accident can be violent. Head-on collisions are among the most severe wrecks anyone can experience. The sudden impact of two vehicles crashing into each other head-on suddenly changes the momentum of the occupants. They move forward, then quickly backward in their seats, leading to debilitating injuries.
At Edwards & Patterson Law, we care about our clients and always fight for the best possible outcome. We will advocate for your rights and work hard to recover the compensation you deserve. Call or contact us online today for a free consultation with an experienced Tulsa, Oklahoma head-on collision attorney.
What Is a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision happens when two vehicles headed in opposite directions crash into each other’s front bumper. It can also occur when a car collides with a stationary object, such as a tree or telephone pole. The significant forces placed on the motor vehicle can crumple it like a piece of paper, trapping the driver and any passengers within the crushed metal.
What Causes Most Head-On Collisions?
Head-on car accidents can result from numerous factors and circumstances. Human error is the most common reason. Whether drivers get distracted or don’t pay attention to where they’re going, they might drift into oncoming traffic or head the wrong way down a one-way road. Contact our Tulsa car accident lawyer today.
Some of the most common causes of head-on car crashes include:
- Distracted driving
- Taking a wide turn into the wrong lane
- Drifting into oncoming traffic
- Driving while tired
- Passing other vehicles without looking for approaching traffic
- Driving under the influence (drunk driving)
- Speeding or driving too fast in bad weather conditions
- Driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road
What Injuries Occur Most Often from a Head-On Car Accident?
When the front bumpers of two vehicles collide, the cars stop abruptly. However, the occupants continue forward until something stops their movements. An airbag or seatbelt violently stopping the body can instantly cause severe injuries. Flying debris or getting ejected from the car can cause additional injuries.
Head-on car accidents often lead to injuries, such as:
- Loss of limb
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Lacerations
- Nerve damage and internal bleeding
- Paralysis
What Should I Do If I Have Been in a Head-On Car Crash?
You should never wait to see a doctor after any type of car accident, including head-on collisions. Seeking emergency medical care at a hospital immediately after leaving the crash scene is vital. An emergency room physician can examine you to determine the extent of your injuries.
They might recommend following up in a few days or seeing a specialist for additional treatment. You should follow their recommendations and get treatment with the necessary healthcare professionals regularly until you heal or they release you from their care.
Too often, accident victims believe the insurance company wants to help. However, the company’s primary goal is to avoid paying claims to save money. If the insurance company adjuster investigates the collision and finds evidence of inadequate treatment, they will likely reduce the value of your claim. They could even deny the claim, preventing you from recovering the money you need to afford your medical bills and other expenses.
Creating a pain journal and maintaining documentation related to the accident is beneficial. Prepare a detailed list of your injuries and symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You should also keep copies of your medical records, bills, and other documents.
Never assume you can handle your case without legal assistance. Even if you have minor injuries, you should hire a lawyer promptly after a crash. They can work on your case, so your only responsibility is to seek treatment.
Who Is At Fault for a Head-On Car Wreck?
Typically, the motorist traveling in the wrong direction or otherwise behaving negligently is the person at fault for a head-on accident. For example, an intoxicated driver might not realize they’re crossing the center line in front of approaching cars. Another common scenario is when a motorist accidentally turns onto a one-way street heading in the wrong direction.
Two vehicles don’t have to travel in opposite directions for a head-on accident to occur. Sometimes, two cars traveling in the same direction can sideswipe each other, sending one or both into the opposite lane of traffic. If one driver pushed the other into oncoming traffic, they would likely be at fault for the subsequent head-on accident.
A head-on car accident also doesn’t necessarily have to involve a driver. A pedestrian might cross the road when they have a red light, causing a motorist to swerve to avoid striking them and collide with a car traveling in their direction. A dangerous roadway or malfunctioning motor vehicle part can send someone on a collision course with traffic headed their way.
What If I Am Partly to Blame for the Accident?
In Oklahoma, modified comparative negligence is the legal standard for determining fault. Each motorist gets assigned a percentage of liability based on the evidence of their actions before the crash. If you are partly responsible for the head-on crash, a jury can reduce your compensation by the percentage of fault they assign. However, the law prohibits you from receiving anything if you are more than 50 percent liable for the crash.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Injury Lawsuit in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the car accident statute of limitations generally allows a two-year timeframe for an injured party to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The statute of limitations means that you have two years from the date of the head-on collision to file suit against the other motorist.
Contact a Tulsa Head-On Collision Attorney
Head-on car accidents are traumatic and disruptive to the lives of those involved. Severe injuries can take you away from your job, family, and normal routine. Fortunately, you can hold the negligent driver liable with help from Edwards & Patterson Law. Contact our Tulsa personal injury attorney today.
If you sustained injuries in a head-on accident due to someone else’s negligence, get started on your case by calling us for a free consultation with a Tulsa head-on collision lawyer.
