Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of traffic accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. These accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front, typically at high speeds. If you or a loved one has been involved in a head-on collision, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Stein & Shulman, LLC in Northbrook, IL, are here to help. We understand the devastating physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take, and we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can happen for various reasons, many of which involve driver negligence. Some common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: When a driver is distracted by texting, using a GPS, or engaging in other activities that take their eyes off the road, they can easily drift into oncoming traffic.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, significantly increasing the risk of a head-on collision.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles, especially on highways or in rural areas, where head-on collisions are more common.
- Improper Passing: Inadequate judgment during overtaking, especially on two-lane roads, can lead to drivers misjudging distances and colliding with oncoming vehicles.
- Road Conditions: Poor weather, such as heavy rain or snow, and hazardous road conditions, like poorly marked lanes or unmaintained roads, can contribute to drivers inadvertently crossing into the wrong lane.
Common Injuries from Head-On Collisions
Due to the high-speed nature of most head-on collisions, injuries are often severe and life-altering. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head-on collisions can result in serious head trauma, leading to concussions, brain damage, or long-term cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or full paralysis, drastically affecting a victim’s quality of life.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a head-on collision can cause broken arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs is common and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden jolt from the collision often causes soft tissue damage in the neck and shoulders.
Proving Negligence in Head-On Collision Cases
In order to obtain compensation after a head-on collision, you must prove that the other driver was at fault. At Stein & Shulman, we conduct thorough investigations to establish liability, gathering evidence such as:
- Police Reports: These reports often contain critical information about the accident, including witness statements and citations issued at the scene.
- Witness Testimonies: Witnesses can provide valuable insights into how the accident occurred, including whether the other driver was speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly.
- Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction experts can help demonstrate how the collision occurred and who was at fault.
- Traffic Camera Footage: If available, this can show the events leading up to the crash.
Types of Compensation
Victims of head-on collisions may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of their case:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the injuries.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost income, as well as any loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, including any long-term or permanent effects on your quality of life.
- Property Damage: You may be able to recover compensation for the damage to your vehicle and any other personal property involved in the accident.
Why Choose Stein & Shulman?
At Stein & Shulman, LLC, we’re dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims throughout Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Glenview, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, and the greater Chicago area. Let us handle the legal challenges while you focus on healing. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
We also know that insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay to accident victims. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who are not afraid to take your case to court if the insurance company’s offer is insufficient. We fight aggressively to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. Call today for a free consultation.
