Head-on collisions are among the most troubling and lethal circumstances that can arise in car accidents. Although severe injuries can be caused by any form of collision, fatal head-on collisions occur more often than not. Vehicles that are traveling at high speeds are often involved in head-on collisions, which increases the inherent danger of these types of incidents by way of the direct impact that takes place upon the collision of the two vehicles.
Particularly in rural areas of Pennsylvania, where thirteen percent of fatal accidents involve head-on collisions, the severe repercussions of driver error and negligence have been demonstrated. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has recently released statistics that indicate a worrisome road map for the year 2023. During the year 2022, head-on collisions accounted for 4,586 of the 115,938 total collisions, 153 of which were fatal. This category of accident is notorious for its high potential to cause severe injuries and fatalities. In addition to highlighting the dangers of head-on collisions, these numbers underscore the importance of road safety and responsible driving in order to avert such tragic accidents.
Day or night, if you or a member of your family has been injured in a head-on collision in Pennsylvania and require legal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact a car accident attorney at Brandon J. Broderick. We stand ready to address any questions you may have or offer the necessary support that you require.
What Are the Most Frequent Injuries Resulting From a Head-On Collision?
Head-on collisions can result in severe and permanent injuries, including internal organ damage, fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, whiplash, and death. Several of these will result in significant financial burdens, as well as severe medical and emotional damage. Head-on crashes can lead to substantial job absences, incur outrageous medical expenses, and inflict enduring bodily and emotional suffering. If you or someone you care about has suffered severe injuries or passed away as a result of a head-on accident, you may be eligible to pursue legal action in order to seek financial compensation for your damages.
What Are the Primary Factors Contributing to Head-On Collisions in Pennsylvania?
Instances where driver negligence, such as drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs, or while being distracted, can result in a head-on collision. Tragically, incidents involving intoxicated drivers who fail to stay in their designated lanes seem to occur with alarming frequency, resulting in the most grave consequences for the victims. Crash accidents can happen on both divided and undivided highways as a result of negligent driver mistakes, such as driving too fast, excessively speeding around bends, or feeling drowsy while operating a vehicle. Furthermore, inadequate road conditions can be a contributing factor to a head-on collision.
Head-on collisions possess the capacity to inflict catastrophic harm upon all individuals involved. Severe injuries, such as internal organ damage, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and fatalities, can result from this type of car accident. Aside from inflicting significant physical and psychological damage, head-on collisions can also result in financial hardships for those affected. Head-on collisions can result in significant work absences, hefty medical expenses, and long-lasting bodily and mental suffering. Individuals who have sustained injuries in a head-on accident may have a legitimate legal basis to file a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for their damages.
Is It Possible for Me To File a Lawsuit for Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Following a Head-On Collision in Pennsylvania?
Regardless of your role as a pedestrian, a passenger in the same vehicle as the negligent driver, or an individual in another vehicle, you are entitled to initiate a personal injury lawsuit to pursue monetary compensation for your injuries. In addition, if a family member passed away in the accident, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim. The objective of your personal injury case is to secure adequate financial compensation to cover all of the expenses you have incurred due to the accident.
In addition to the irresponsible driver, other potentially responsible parties may include the vehicle's owner, the maker or merchant of a defective auto item, or even a government entity. Plaintiffs in these instances may seek compensation for various losses, including medical expenses, lost income and benefits, emotional distress, and physical pain. If the accident resulted in death, the remaining family members have the option to initiate a legal claim for wrongful death. This claim can cover costs related to the funeral and burial, as well as compensation for the emotional and financial impact of losing a loved one, including the loss of companionship and potential future wages. These matters, which are infrequently straightforward, require the expertise of an experienced attorney who possesses extensive knowledge of the complicated intricacies of personal injury law in Pennsylvania.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania Following a Head-On Collision?
Pennsylvania has the same two-year statute of limitations for both car accident lawsuits and broader personal injury lawsuits. At what point does the statute of limitations commence? The crucial date in a lawsuit concerning personal injury is the date of the accident. However, if someone passes away as a result of a car accident and a representative of the deceased wants to file a lawsuit for wrongful death against the negligent driver, the time limit for taking legal action starts from the date of the victim's death, which may be different from the date of the accident.
While you may be confident in the possibility of resolving your case through a car insurance settlement, it is wise to devote sufficient time to start a lawsuit. If the other party is aware of your capacity to initiate legal proceedings, you will exert significant leverage during settlement discussions. If the deadline for filing is approaching, it might be wise to promptly arrange a consultation with a Pennsylvania car accident attorney.
A Car Accident Attorney at Brandon J. Broderick Can Help You With Your Pennsylvania Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Claim Today
Drivers who are responsible for causing severe injuries in head-on collisions must assume full accountability for their actions. The legal staff at Brandon J. Broderick's law office is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals in Pennsylvania who have sustained injuries due to negligence or a clear disregard for human life.
We will allocate sufficient time to engage in an in-depth consultation with you in order to determine the optimal strategy for pursuing compensation. You are entitled to the support of a skilled legal representative, and we will aggressively seek to obtain significant financial restitution on your behalf. We are readily accessible to offer whatever aid is required to protect your legal rights and improve your standard of living.
Feel free to contact us at any time, whether it be during the day or at night, to schedule a free consultation.