The Dangers of Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes take place when two cars traveling in opposite directions hit each other directly, or “head-on.” These crashes often result when one driver is traveling the wrong way on a street or when a driver crosses a divided highway or double yellow line.
Some of the top reasons for head-on crashes include:
- Drivers losing control of their vehicles as a result of speeding or other dangerous driving behavior
- Slippery road conditions causing a car to spin out of control or hydroplane
- Poorly-marked roadways causing a driver to go the wrong way
- Drunk drivers
- Fatigued drivers who fall asleep at the wheel
- Distracted drivers who veer into the wrong lane
- A defect in a car’s brakes or steering that results in the car traveling into the wrong lane or going the wrong way
How is Fault Determined in a Head-On Collision?
Even when two vehicles collide head-to-head, there can still be several pieces of evidence that point to one driver being responsible for the crash. In many cases, fault can be determined based on where the collision occurred. For example, if one driver crossed the center line on a two-lane or four-lane road, then the evidence at the scene of the crash should point to that driver being at fault.
In some cases, timing can be important. For example, when a head-on collision occurs in an intersection, a key issue is which driver had the right of way. Eyewitnesses may be able to testify as to which light was green, or traffic camera footage may show that you had the right of way at the time of the collision.
Regardless of the circumstances involved, after a head-on collision, it is important to collect and preserve the available evidence as soon as possible. This means that you need to hire a Denver head-on collision lawyer to conduct an investigation right away. When you hire our firm, we will get to work immediately to ensure that we protect every available opportunity to win the compensation you deserve.
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What if the Insurance Company Says I Should Have Avoided the Accident?
In head-on accident cases, it is not unusual for insurance companies to blame accident victims for their own injuries. So, if an insurance company says you should have avoided your head-on collision, what can you do?
First and foremost, you should not simply accept what the insurance company is telling you. More often than not, this is simply a defense tactic designed to prevent accident victims from pursuing just compensation. Instead, you should engage a Denver law firm to conduct an investigation, and you should base your decisions on the law firm’s advice—which will focus on your best interests instead of the insurance company’s bottom line.
But, what if you truly could – and should – have avoided the collision? In this scenario, your legal rights depend on your percentage of fault. As long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault in the accident, you are still entitled to recover at least a portion of your losses under Colorado law. For example, if you were speeding when you got hit head-on by a driver who crossed the center line, this is likely a scenario in which you could at least recover partial compensation for your accident-related losses.
What Are My Rights if I Lost a Loved One in a Head-On Collision?
If you have lost a loved one in a head-on collision, you may have a claim for a wrongful death lawsuit. Colorado law entitles spouses, children, parents and certain other family members to pursue wrongful death claims when someone else (i.e., a negligent driver) is responsible for their loved one’s untimely passing. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, we offer our sincere condolences and encourage you to contact our Denver head-on collision lawyer so that we can help you through the recovery process.
Get Legal Help Now – Call Our Denver Head-On Collision Lawyer
Because head-on crashes often involve serious injury, it is important to have top-notch legal representation. A Denver auto accident lawyer at Levine Law can help. Our legal team has 20+ experience representing injured victims and has been recognized by clients and peers across the state of Colorado.
To learn more about how Levine Law can assist you, contact us today online or by phone at 303-333-8000 to schedule a free consultation.
