A head-on collision occurs when a driver coming from the opposite direction veers into oncoming traffic and crashes directly into another vehicle. Injuries resulting from this type of accident can be severe, especially if one or both vehicles are traveling at a high speed. In addition to significant injuries, you may be facing expensive medical bills, vehicle damage, and long-term psychological effects.

A Boulder head-on accident lawyer could help you during this time, guiding you through the process of seeking the compensation that you deserve. Reach out to a skilled traffic accident attorney today to discuss your case.

Causes of Head-On Collisions

Driving while impaired or intoxicated can lead to serious frontal crashes. If motorists are distracted and take their eyes off the wheel, this can also lead to a head-on collision. Weather, blind spots, hills, and turns can also reduce visibility and lead to head-on wrecks.

An accident of this nature can happen on any roadway but is more likely to occur on a two-lane road without a median. A knowledgeable Boulder attorney could investigate the cause of an accident and help injured drivers recover damages accordingly.

Common Injuries Sustained in Frontal Crashes

Because of the high-impact nature of frontal collisions, resulting injuries can be catastrophic. Injuries to the spine and brain are common. A brain injury can occur even if the person’s head doesn’t strike an object. The high velocity of the impact causes the brain to move inside the skull, which can cause injuries to the brain tissue.

Head-on crashes can also cause injuries to the extremities, especially if the driver braces and has their foot pushed hard on the brake or has their hands clutching the steering wheel. Anyone who has sustained injuries in a frontal crash should consult with a lawyer after seeking medical attention.

Determining Fault in a Head-on Wreck

Generally speaking, the motorist who leaves their lane and swerves over or drives into oncoming traffic is the at-fault party in a head-on collision. After an accident, it may be necessary to leave the vehicles in the same location so that once the police arrive at the scene, they can document where the vehicles were and who is at fault.

If the drivers involved move their cars and there are no witnesses, determining fault can be more complicated. An experienced local attorney could assess the scene of a head-on crash, along with witness testimonies and other evidence to establish the at-fault driver’s liability.

Eligibility for Punitive Damages

In some cases, an injured party may be able to collect punitive damages from the at-fault motorist. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and deter them from acting similarly again in the future. Driver intoxication and cell phone usage are two scenarios in which the plaintiff may receive punitive damages after a frontal collision.

Aggravated liability may also be applied in these cases, which allows a plaintiff to receive extra damages because the defendant behaved recklessly. A seasoned lawyer could assess the unique facts of a case and determine which damages an injured person may be able to pursue after a head-on wreck.

Steps to Take After a Frontal Collision in Boulder

After a head-on crash, the first thing that drivers should do is call the police and seek medical attention for injuries. Some injuries are not always detectable right away, even severe ones to the brain and spine, so it is important that an injured person is assessed by a doctor as quickly as possible. A doctor will also document injuries, which is important because the severity and nature of injuries sustained can influence the potential compensation amount that the person is eligible to receive.

After seeking medical attention, injured parties should reach out to an experienced attorney in Boulder as soon as possible. A lawyer can get the ball rolling on the claims process, reaching out to the insurance company, interviewing witnesses, and assessing evidence. Memories fade, and certain evidence will not last forever, so it is imperative to act promptly after a head-on accident.

Call a Boulder Head-on Accident Attorney Today to Discuss Your Case

After a frontal collision, your main priority should be healing from your injuries, not dealing with difficult insurance adjusters. Our well-versed legal team understands the intricacies of these cases and works tirelessly on behalf of our clients. Reach out to a Boulder head-on accident lawyer today to learn more about what we could do for you.