Head-On Collisions

Car Accident Attorneys Compassionately Helping Raleigh Residents

Head-on collisions are some of the most severe motor vehicle accidents that occur on North Carolina roads. This is especially true when both vehicles are traveling at highway speeds when their front ends collide. There are many causes for head-on collisions – distracted driving, driving under the influence, and speeding, to name a few – and a strong likelihood of a serious injury or death, regardless of the cause. If you have been hurt in a head-on collision, or if a family member has lost their life in such a crash, the experienced Raleigh car accident lawyers at Maurer Law can help you investigate the crash and move your case toward a favorable settlement or judgment.

Head-on collisions are almost always results of negligent or reckless driving. A texting teenager may veer across the center line, or a drunk driver may weave between lanes. Despite evasive maneuvers by an innocent driver, a devastating crash may be inevitable. Catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, paraplegia, quadriplegia, fractures, herniated discs, and internal injuries are not uncommon in head-on collisions.

Assert Your Right to Compensation After a Head-On Collision

North Carolina negligence law provides a remedy for victims who have been hurt in a head-on collision caused by a careless driver. It is important to note that the rule of pure contributory negligence followed in North Carolina prevents people whose own negligence contributed to an accident from receiving damages from any other at-fault party, so it is highly recommended that an injured person contact an attorney as soon as possible after the crash. Otherwise, the initial investigation may be tainted by the defendant’s insurance company representatives, who have an obvious incentive to cast at least some blame for the collision onto the injured party.

Proving the negligence of a defendant driver is a four-step process that begins with establishing a legal duty of care owed by the defendant to the plaintiff, such as the duty to keep a proper lookout and obey traffic rules. The plaintiff has the burden of proof and must prove each element of their case by a preponderance of the evidence. In addition to the duty of care element, the plaintiff must also show that the defendant breached this duty and that the breach was the proximate cause of the injuries suffered by the victim. Damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and the costs of future treatment, among other items, may be available to a successful plaintiff in a negligence action following a head-on collision. If the crash resulted in a tragic death, the victim’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent motorist who caused the wreck.

Seek Advice from a Raleigh Lawyer After a Car Accident

If your family is suffering from the trauma of a head-on collision, a skillful motor vehicle collision lawyer can help you understand the often complex legal process that may stand between you and full compensation for all that your family has been through during this difficult time. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Raleigh car accident attorneys, call us at 888-258-1087 or contact us online and ask for an appointment to discuss your case. We can put our knowledge, experience, and resources to work for your family and you as you pursue every item of damages to which you may be entitled.