Head-on Collision Accidents in Delano

Head-on accidents are extremely devastating car crashes. To show their seriousness, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) released a study that discovered that head-on accidents make up around 14% of fatal auto accidents every year. Between 2016 and 2018, there were 15,744 fatal head-on car accidents nationwide.

As this data shows, head-on accidents typically cause the most severe injuries and damages for both drivers and passengers. Several factors contribute to this, with the primary one being the location of the collision and the intense force of impact. Such accidents often result in serious injuries and, regrettably, even fatalities in some cases.

Experienced and Dedicated Legal Support After a Delano Car Accident

If you or a loved one has been affected by a head-on car accident due to someone else’s negligence, seeking professional legal assistance is crucial. At Maison Law, our team of experienced Delano car accident lawyers is here to support you. We are dedicated to standing up for your rights and pursuing the benefits and support you deserve.

With a proven track record of success in handling cases against at-fault drivers and insurance companies, we provide diligent representation and support throughout the process. For more information about your legal options, feel free to contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Are Head-On Collisions So Dangerous?

Among the various types of car accidents you might encounter in Delano, a head-on collision is by far one of the most undesirable. The term “head-on” comes from the collision of the front ends of two vehicles moving in opposite directions. Such accidents typically happen when a driver crosses over a center line or travels in the wrong direction on a street. No matter what the cause is, though, these accidents stand out as being among the most dangerous types of car accidents there are. There are a variety of reasons for this, but some of the most significant include:

• High relative speed – In a head-on collision, two vehicles moving towards each other with a combined speed result in a high relative speed during impact, which increases the collision force.
• Direct impact – In a head-on collision, the front ends of both vehicles absorb the impact, concentrating force in that area and leading to severe damage.
• Lack of a “crumple zone” – Many modern vehicles have “crumple zones,” designed to absorb collision energy. However, in a head-on collision, the high relative speed gives the front of the vehicle little time to crumple, transferring more force to the people inside the vehicle.
• Dangers for passengers – Passengers moving at the same speed as the vehicles before the collision tend to continue at that speed until suddenly stopped by the dashboard, windshield, or seatbelt, causing serious injuries, especially to the head, chest, and internal organs.
• Limited ways to avoid accidents – Head-on collisions offer drivers and passengers limited time and opportunities to avoid the collision, reducing the chances of taking evasive action.
• Increased risk of secondary collisions – After the initial impact, the vehicles may spin or collide with other objects or vehicles, raising the likelihood of secondary collisions, which can compound damage and injuries.
• Higher likelihood of fatality – Head-on collisions have a higher probability of causing severe injuries or fatalities compared to other types of collisions due to the combination of high-impact force and the vulnerability of the human body.

Common injuries

Head-on accidents can lead to severe injuries, regardless of whether your car is equipped with front or side airbags. Common injuries in these accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Paralysis or spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Broken bones
• Lacerations, with a possibility of scarring from the impact and flying glass
• Facial fractures
• Whiplash
• Muscle tears and strains, especially to the head, neck, and back

It’s important to note that in numerous head-on accidents, victims endure multiple injuries. Tragically, in some cases, these injuries are so severe that they can lead to fatalities. If such a situation arises, our team of experienced Delano car accident lawyers is ready to offer assistance.

What Should You Do After You’ve Been in a Delano Head-On Car Accident?

After a serious head-on car accident, it’s common to feel disoriented, shaken, and confused. However, it’s crucial to gather essential information in the aftermath. By taking specific post-accident steps and avoiding certain actions, you can significantly increase your chances of securing the maximum favorable outcome for your injuries:

• Ensure your safety and seek medical care – Immediately after the accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured at first due to adrenaline, getting medical treatment is crucial. Insurance companies may use a refusal to seek medical care against you to dispute the extent of your injuries.
• Contact authorities – Depending on the accident’s location, you may need to call the police or emergency services. In California, it’s a legal requirement to report the accident to the authorities. The police will put together a report of the accident which includes basic information and insurance information about the other driver.
• Gather your own information – Once you’ve ensured safety, contacted the authorities, and received medical care, start collecting as much information as possible about the accident. Take photographs and videos of the damage to your vehicle and other property, as well as any injuries you’ve suffered. You’ll also want to get the name and contact information of the other driver. If you’re not comfortable doing that, you can ask the police or authorities to get this information for you.

By following these steps, you increase your chances of preserving your claim and making it more difficult for the at-fault party–more accurately, their insurance company–to challenge the value of your settlement offer later on. The insurance investigation conducted after your car accident will focus on collecting:

• Medical bills and records
• Accident reports
• Witness statements
• Estimates or damages to your vehicle or any personal property

When you partner with our team of experienced Delano car accident lawyers, we will help you gather this information, but it’s helpful to keep track of these documents as well. This will help when you actually file your claim for damages.

Damages Available in a Head-on Delano Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in a head-on accident in Delano, your first priority should be seeking proper medical care from your doctor or specialists. This will create a medical record of your injuries and provide a clear assessment of potential damages for an insurance claim or lawsuit. Our team of skilled Delano car accident lawyers can assist you in understanding your rights and the challenges involved in pursuing a claim.

If your case is deemed viable, filing a claim for damages could help you recover the following:

• Medical expenses – Covers all treatment-related costs, including hospital bills, doctor consultations, medication, therapies, and necessary medical equipment.
• Ongoing medical care – Encompasses long-term treatments, rehabilitation, follow-up appointments, and other medical expenses for continued recovery.
• Vehicle repair/replacement – Addresses the costs of fixing the damaged vehicle or its fair market value if it’s a total loss.
• Lost wages – Provides compensation for income losses during the recovery period, including regular salary, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.
• Pain and suffering – Seeks compensation for intangible damages like physical pain, emotional distress, and suffering caused by the accident.
• Permanent disability/disfigurement – Addresses the long-term impact of severe injuries, leading to lasting disabilities or changes in physical appearance.
• Emotional distress – Compensates for psychological harm, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other emotional trauma resulting from the accident.
• Wrongful death expenses – These expenses may include funeral and burial costs, medical bills, loss of financial support, benefits, companionship, and other damages in the event that the head-on accident was fatal.

It’s important to note that while head-on accidents often have clear liability, insurance companies may use tactics to minimize settlement offers. That’s why having an experienced team on your side is essential to ensure you receive the compensation you are rightfully owed.

Legal Guidance You Need in Delano

If you’ve been involved in a head-on accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. At Maison Law, we have decades of combined experience in handling such claims and have secured benefits and support for our Delano area clients through both settlements and jury verdicts. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to get started.