Head-on accidents cause some of the worst injuries possible. The speed and momentum of both colliding vehicles is accentuated by the fact that they are hitting each other head on. Of course, like any vehicle accident, the severity of the injuries possible depends on how fast each vehicle was traveling at the time of impact and the relative size and weight of each vehicle.
The possible injuries vary from minor scratches and bruises if the two vehicles only just touch each other at slow speeds, right through to major and potentially fatal injuries such as head and brain injuries, thoracic and abdominal trauma, lacerations from broken glass and metal penetration.
Injuries That Can Occur in a Head-On Accident
Of all accidents that could occur on a highway, head-on accidents are more likely to cause serious injuries than any other. The likelihood that a head-on accident results in hospitalization, significant medical treatment and lengthy time off work is high. Where permanent or long term injuries occur, there is a possibility that return to the same type of job, or in fact any kind of work at all, may not be possible.
Filing a PI Claim For Injuries From a Head-On Accident
If your injuries are the result of a head-on accident which was not your fault, you may be able to make a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical treatment, replace lost wages or other earnings and compensate for emotional, psychological and physical pain and suffering. The lost wage component is normally the easiest component to calculate when compiling a PI claim. It is important considering the possibility of long term effects of a head-on accident to estimate future loss of earnings as well as loss of earnings up to the point that the claim is submitted.
As with all personal injury claims, it is important to have evidence showing that the other driver who hit you was to blame. The main types of evidence that could be used when proving fault are:
- Police report usually compiled on the scene of an accident in which there are injuries;’
- Eye witnesses who saw the accident who can give reliable reports and are prepared to do so;
- Security or surveillance camera video recording, if available. This is possible if the accident happened at a major intersection;
- Damage report by vehicle repairers;
- Medical reports by doctor and hospital staff;
- Confirmation from employer of dates off work;
- Photos taken of the two vehicles taken at the crash scene;
- Any other evidence, e.g. tire markings on the surface of the road.
Working with a PI Lawyer
Head-on accidents tend to cause serious and potentially life threatening injuries. It is vital if you were injured in this kind of accident to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as is feasible after treatment. you are far more likely to obtain satisfactory compensation if you have a competent and knowledgeable lawyer on your side.
