Head-On Collisions

Huntsville Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

How dangerous are head-on crashes?

The Insurance Information Institute reported that head-on crashes caused significant harm in 2023. More than 4,200 people died in a head-on crash in the United States in 2023. 11.2 percent of all traffic deaths on American roads in 2023 were due to head-on collisions.

Head-on crashes cause such high numbers of deaths and catastrophic injuries because the impact of two cars colliding head-on is generally based on the “combined” speeds of the vehicles. Most drivers don’t anticipate that a car will be coming directly towards them. Often, by the time a driver notices a driver approaching head-on, it’s too late to react.

Where do head-on crashes happen?

Head-on crashes in Alabama can happen in many different ways. Some of these ways include the following:

  • A car enters a one-way street from the wrong direction.
  • A car enters an oncoming lane of travel when trying to pass and can’t return to its original lane of travel in time.
  • A car enters an on-ramp when it should enter an off-ramp, or vice versa.
  • A car crosses the center line/median due to drunk driving, driver distraction, or other causes.
  • The lane markings are not clear due to poor lighting, the failure to paint/mark the lanes of travel, or other causes.
  • A driver is unaware that there is construction work ahead.

Why do head-on crashes happen in Huntsville?

Generally, most head-on collisions happen because one driver was in the wrong lane or the wrong position.

Some of the many reasons head-on collisions happen include the following:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Driver distraction (such as texting, using a mobile phone, looking at a GPS, eating, drinking, or tending to a child or pet in the driver’s car)
  • Driver fatigue
  • Speeding and other traffic violations
  • Road signs and directional signs that are not clear
  • Poorly designed roads

Who is responsible for a head-on collision in Huntsville?

At Martin & Helms, we work with the police, investigators, traffic reconstruction experts, and through the formal discovery process to show how your head-on crash occurred and who is responsible. The defendants may include more than just a careless or reckless driver. Our Huntsville head-on accident lawyers file car accident claims against the following people and businesses responsible for your injuries or the death of a loved one:

  • The wrong-way driver.
  • The negligent driver’s employer.
  • The owner of the vehicle, such as when the driver had a bad driving record and was incompetent to drive and causes a head-on crash.
  • Entities responsible for faulty road design or road maintenance.
  • Seller of alcohol to patrons who are visibly intoxicated or minors who cause a head-on crash due to their intoxication.
  • Rideshare companies responsible for hiring the at fault driver.
  • Manufacturers of defective parts, including lights, software, sensors, and other parts.

What types of personal injuries do head-on crashes cause?

As the data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (above) shows, head-on collisions are often fatal. Survivors often suffer catastrophic injuries, permanent injuries, and injuries that cause chronic pain. Our Huntsville car accident lawyers represent accident victims who have any type of serious injury, including the following:

What damages can head-on accident victims receive?

Most head-on accident victims suffer severe or catastrophic injuries. Sadly, many head-on collisions are deadly. Our Huntsville head-on collision lawyers work with your doctors and medical experts to verify your medical diagnosis, the medical treatments you’ll need, and all the ways your injuries are impacting your life. We also work with financial experts to determine your financial losses and with your family and friends to support your pain and suffering claim.

At Martin & Helms, we demand compensation for all your current and future:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, physician visits, rehabilitative care, assistive help, and medications.
  • Lost income, including lost wages, salary, business income, benefits, and permanent disability compensation
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering, including every ache, itch, moment of anxiety, and all other physical and emotional trauma
  • Property damage, including damage to your vehicle
  • Loss of bodily function
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures and loss of consortium (inability to enjoy the company of your spouse)

If your loved one died, we file wrongful death claims on behalf of the family members. Wrongful death damages in Alabama compensate families by holding defendants accountable through the assessment of punitive damages.

Do you have a Huntsville head-on collision lawyer near me?

Yes. We meet injury victims and families at our offices, including in Huntsville at 2317 Market Place SW, Suite A. Our car accident lawyers also consult with clients by phone and through online video. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, we’re happy to discuss alternate arrangements.

We’re here to fight for all the compensation you deserve.

Speak with our Huntsville head-on collision attorneys today

We understand how traumatic head-on crashes are. Many head-on collisions cause deaths or catastrophic injuries. At Martin & Helms, we’ve earned the respect of former North Alabama clients, insurance companies, and defense lawyers for our record of recoveries and our compassion for our clients. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation. We serve clients in Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Harvest, Hazel Green, Meridianville, and throughout the Tennessee Valley. Our attorneys represent car accident victims on a contingency fee basis.