If you sustained injuries in a head-on collision in Alabama, you may have the right to recover compensation from the party who hit you.
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous type of collision due to the force and location of impact.
Both drivers and passengers can sustain catastrophic or life-threatening injuries.
You may require extensive medical treatment and recovery, preventing you from working or engaging in your normal activities.
Many victims sustain long-term or permanent disability.
To learn more about what causes most head-on collisions in Alabama, or for help recovering the compensation you deserve, talk to a Birmingham car accident lawyer at the Fob James Law Firm.
What Causes Most Head-On Collisions in Alabama?
Head-on collisions typically occur on undivided roads in rural areas. A vehicle will swerve into the oncoming lane of the other vehicle causing a head-on impact.
The following are the leading causes for most head-on collisions in Alabama:
- Speeding,
- Impaired driving,
- Tired or fatigued driving,
- Distracted driving,
- Poor roadway conditions (such as wet roads), and
- Losing vehicle control.
Head-On Motor Vehicle Crash Stats in Alabama
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), head-on crashes are more prevalent in rural areas, making up 13 percent of all rural fatal crashes.
In urban areas, head-on crashes are responsible for roughly 7 percent of all urban fatal crashes.
Roadway characterstics also play a role in the frequency of fatal head-on crashes:
What Kind of Injuries Result from Head-On Collisions in Alabama?
Being struck by another vehicle head-on can lead to catastrophic or life-threatening injuries.
Some of the most common injuries that result from this type of collision include:
- Neck injuries,
- Spine injuries,
- Facial injuries,
- Head injuries,
- Fractures,
- Dislocations,
- Internal injuries, and
- Death
If you were hit head-on by another vehicle, seek medical attention immediately and then contact an Alabama car accident lawyer.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Head-On Car Accident?
If you suffered injuries in a head-on collision, it can be difficult to prove who was at-fault.
Alabama recognizes the doctrine of contributory negligence. This means that if you are found to have negligently contributed to the accident–even 1%–your claim may be denied.
As a result, the other vehicle’s driver (or his or her insurance company) will frequently argue that you contributed in some way to the crash.
Insurance carriers routinely deny claims on the false assertion that you contributed to the accident.
For this reason, even when the other vehicle’s driver is clearly at fault, you may need an accident attorney to aggressively advocate on your behalf.
Head-on collision attorneys can help victims pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If your attorney cannot obtain an acceptable settlement from the insurance company, you may be able to pursue compensation by filing a civil lawsuit.
You may have the right to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses.
Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Fighting to get the compensation you deserve for your car accident injuries can be challenging.
The experienced car accident lawyers of the Fob James Law Firm can help.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or to speak with one of our Alabama head-on collision attorneys.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.