Of all the types of motor vehicle crashes, front-end accidents are some of the most severe. As a result, anyone involved in these accidents may be facing a pile of medical bills, physical and emotional trauma, and an inability to return to work.
When a reckless, careless, or otherwise negligent motorist was responsible, however, an injured individual should not have to cover their costs alone. Therefore, if you were injured, you might benefit from reaching out to a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options. A dedicated attorney could work to answer your questions and concerns and tirelessly to pursue a legal claim for compensation on your behalf.
What is a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision is a car crash wherein one party drives the front of their vehicle into the front of someone else’s vehicle. Some common reasons for these crashes in Philadelphia include:
- Evening driving
- Drunk driving
- Busy parking lots
Head-on collisions often cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and even fatalities. It’s important to see a doctor after a front-end accident, as concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries can go unnoticed. For those asking, what is an acquired brain injury? it refers to brain damage that occurs after birth, often from accidents like these.
How is Fault Assigned After a Head-On Crash?
In Philadelphia, fault is assigned by insurance companies after head-on crashes, based on the behavior of the drivers. This will involve a consideration of any illegal, reckless, or unsafe maneuvers either motorists performed prior to the collision.
Naturally, this process will vary on a case by case basis. Other factors that will likely be considered include the weather, lighting, time of day, time of year, and types of roadways—such as the different factors that may be present on a freeway versus a side street. Usually, there are certain clear factors that would help to establish fault. These include if a person was:
- Driving recklessly
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving while using on their cellphone
However, determining fault is often a difficult process. A Philadelphia head-on collision lawyer could help explain this to a potential claimant and work to determine fault for a claim.
Are Punitive Damages Common in Philadelphia for Front-End Collisions?
Punitive damages may be more likely in head-on crash cases than other types of wrecks. For example, if a person was driving the wrong way, texting, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These behaviors may result in a person being able to bring a claim for both economic and non-economic damages, as well as punitive damages to punish the reckless motorist. A Philadelphia lawyer who is familiar with the impact of front-end crash claims could help to calculate the extent of a person's losses for a claim.
Consult a Philadelphia Head-On Collision Attorney for Help
If you were injured in a front-end car accident, you might benefit from retaining a Philadelphia head-on collision lawyer for assistance. A tenacious and hardworking attorney could collect evidence—such as witness statements and photographs—in order to determine fault.
Then, a legal professional could guide you through each step of the legal process to demand compensation for your losses. To learn more, call today to schedule a consultation.