At Maison Law, we represent victims of serious car accidents in Visalia and throughout the entirety of Tulare County. We understand how immensely your life could be impacted by a car accident, especially when you have sustained serious injuries and the bills keep piling up. It is crucial that you contact a Visalia car accident lawyer for a case consultation following your accident.
Visalia Head-On Collision Dangers
Life is always busy and on the move in Visalia, with California State Route 63 running through the northern part of the city and plenty of sights to see. With these sights, however, comes the overwhelming reality of serious car accidents, including head-on collisions. In 2022, it was estimated by the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) that 30 total head-on collisions took place in Visalia, with 1 individual killed and 34 sustaining injuries.
Head-on collisions are actually some of the most catastrophic accidents in the U.S., causing approximately 14% of traffic fatalities each year. If you have been hurt in a head-on collision in Visalia or lost a loved one due to one of these accidents, it is important that you seek legal help every step of the way.
Injuries Caused by Head-on Collisions
Because head-on collisions are some of the most forceful accidents, they tend to lead to some of the most catastrophic injuries. Especially when these accidents occur at excessive speeds, permanent injuries or fatal results are nearly bound to occur. Some of the most traumatic injuries that stem from a head-on collision include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Internal organ damage
The costs of medical care associated with these injuries is typically multiplied due to how severe a head-on collision can be. On top of this, you may need ongoing medical care for an extended time or for the rest of your life depending on your injuries.
Determining Liability in Visalia Head-on Collisions
Many individuals believe that determining liability in a head-on collision will be as easy as looking at the involved vehicles. However, liability in a head-on crash is not always as cut and dry as it seems. There are several factors that are most important when determining fault in a head-on collision:
Crash Report: When a police officer responds to the scene of your accident, they will record what they discover about the accident in a crash report. These reports can help establish what caused your head-on collision and help you show financial liability later on. Some of the aspects that a crash report will show include the following:
- The direction that each vehicle was traveling at the time
- Traffic violations that took place
- Witness statements from those at the scene
- Whether or not the driver was intoxicated or driving distracted
Witness Statements: Witness statements can be incredibly helpful when it comes to determining who caused your accident. Witness accounts tend to be unbiased and can hold up in court if your case makes it to trial.
Photo and Video Evidence: Photographic and video evidence can show the visuals of what actually happened at the time of the accident. You should collect photos of your vehicle from different angles, the other party’s vehicle, the accident scene, and any injuries involved. Law enforcement officials will typically take photos of the scene as well.
Medical Records: Medical records can help your claim, as they can show the extent of the injuries that you sustained due to the accident. They can also help you prove the future costs associated with your case.
Damages in Visalia Head-on Collision Claims
Due to the devastating injuries and damage to property caused by a head-on collision, you may be able to collect a wide array of damages in your accident claim. These include any of the following:
Medical Expenses: There could be extensive medical costs associated with your injuries, from doctor’s visits to prescription medications and physical therapy costs. On top of this, you may need ongoing care and medical equipment to help you navigate your home and life. You want to receive treatment immediately following a car accident so that your claim is taken seriously and your health is protected.
Lost Wages: Many injuries will be so catastrophic that they cause you to miss an extended period of time at work. This means that you could miss out on financial opportunities and might be stressed about the costs that are associated with your accident as they keep piling up.
Property Damage: The chances are good that a head-on collision caused extensive damage to your vehicle or even left it totaled. Property damage claims can be brought through the at-fault driver’s insurance company to help you obtain damages for these losses.
Non-Economic Losses: Non-economic damages include pain and suffering or any mental distress that you experienced due to the accident.
Support Available After a Visalia Head-On Accident
It is not uncommon to lose somebody closest to you in a fatal head-on collision. Families who have suffered the enormous loss of a loved one due to one of these accidents may be able to file a claim for wrongful death damages, which could include the following:
- Medical bills a loved one experienced before their passing
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Pain and suffering your loved one experienced before their passing
Speaking with a dedicated and knowledgeable lawyer can help you strengthen your claim and determine what next steps are best for you.
Contact a Visalia Car Accident Lawyer Today
At Maison Law, we stand by the sides of those who have been seriously injured in head-on collisions and various other types of accidents in Visalia and beyond. You will not be charged upfront for our services when you choose to speak with us. We offer you a free and completely confidential case consultation to take a closer look at the details of your claim. Contact a Visalia car accident lawyer today for more information on how we can help you and your family.
