A car accident can be terrifying, but few car accidents can be as terrifying as a head-on collision. Colliding with the front of another car can result in life-changing injuries and emotional trauma that can be difficult to fully move on from. Head-on collisions can be particularly devastating and often leave everyone involved with substantial injuries. Seeking legal action against the one who caused the accident can be tough. A Houston head-on collision lawyer can help.
A head-on collision is one of the most dangerous types of car accidents that one can endure. A head-on collision happens when vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other head-first. The resulting accident, which often occurs at high speeds, tends to cause significant injuries, mental trauma, and emotional distress. The damage can be even worse if one of the vehicles is smaller or larger than the other, such as a motorcycle or a truck.
To determine fault, an investigation will be launched by an insurance adjuster, but it is generally accepted that the driver who was traveling in the wrong direction will be considered at fault. Since they were not in their designated lane and were driving illegally, they will probably be found liable for the accident as they failed to exercise a reasonable degree of care.
If you decide that the optimal course of action is to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver, you should pay close attention to the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in the state of Texas, including car accident claims. You will usually have two years from the date of your accident to establish grounds for your claim, develop a strong case, gather the necessary evidence, speak with an injury lawyer, and file a legal claim for damages.
If you cannot file your claim before two years have passed, there is a strong chance that your claim will be denied, your case will be dismissed, and you will no longer be able to pursue damages for the accident. Building a strong head-on collision case may take more time than you think, so you should start as soon as you can. If you are concerned that your case isn’t strong enough, you should speak with an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer who can review the details.
When you are involved in a car accident, the actions that you take in the aftermath will be reflected in the police report and your accident claim. It is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself. Taking these steps can be somewhat difficult after a head-on collision, especially if you are severely injured. Do as much as you can, but don’t overexert yourself. You’ve been through a lot.
Here are some of the steps you can take to protect your claim:
A: A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles that are traveling in opposite directions suddenly collide head first. It is often a devastating accident that results in significant injuries and property damage. Such an accident can be caused by any number of reasons, from driver fatigue to distracted driving. It all depends on the details of case at hand.
A: Fault is usually determined in a head-on collision by figuring out which driver was responsible for breaking traffic laws in Houston. Most of the time, a head-on collision only happens because one driver was going the wrong way or crossed the line of traffic. Driving on the wrong side of the road is considered negligence and would likely put that driver at fault.
A: In the immediate aftermath of a head-on collision, you should remain calm and check yourself for any injuries. If you are physically able to, you should call 911 immediately and get law enforcement to the scene, as well as EMTs. Depending on your injuries, which could be severe, you may not be able to do much. If that’s the case, let the police and EMTs take care of you and worry about your claim later.
A: The statute of limitations on a collision claim in Texas is two years. You will have two years from the date of your accident to build a strong case, gather evidence, talk to a lawyer, and file a legal claim for damages. If you can’t file within two years, your case will likely be dismissed.
At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we can help you determine a solid plan for seeking compensation after a head-on collision. Contact us today to speak with a team member about your case.