West Virginia
Head-On Collision Lawyer
Head-on collisions occur when the fronts of two vehicles directly collide when moving in opposite directions. These accidents have abrupt deceleration and intense forces that can cause fatalities or catastrophic injuries for Charleston occupants .
The damages involved in head-on collisions are often much higher than other accidents. This fact makes recovering fair compensation from insurance companies particularly challenging, and an experienced legal professional’s assistance is a vital asset as you navigate your claim. At Warner Law Offices, PLLC, our West Virginia head-on car accident lawyers have the skills, experience, and resources to recover maximum compensation for you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
- Our West Virginia Head-On Car Accident Lawyers Can Help Get You Compensation
- Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
- Types of Injuries Common After a Head-On Collision
- What Types of Compensation Can You Receive for a Head-On Collision Accident?
- Head-On Accident Statistics in West Virginia
- Get a Free Consultation With a Charleston, WV, Collision Lawyer
Our West Virginia Head-On Car Accident Lawyers Can Help Get You Compensation
When you turn to Warner Law Offices, our team will work diligently to level the playing field between you and the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This effort can make all the difference in your case’s outcome.
We have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including $13 million in a groundbreaking auto accident case. Our team has over 20 years of experience representing injured people throughout West Virginia, including many involved in head-on collisions. We know how these accidents impact victims’ lives and are ready to pursue the resources you and your family need to rebuild your lives.
Our car accident attorneys in Charleston, WV are known for their aggressive advocacy. This mindset means we won’t settle for anything less than you deserve. Our team is dedicated to taking the necessary steps to pursue the maximum compensation available for your losses, whether it involves gathering strong evidence, negotiating with insurance adjusters, or representing you in court.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, roadway departures are a leading cause of head-on collisions. Roadway departure incidents occur when a vehicle crosses over the centerline or median into oncoming traffic or leaves the roadway entirely.
Several factors contribute to these incidents, including:
- Curve and grade issues: Sharp curves or changes in road elevation can catch drivers off guard and cause them to travel into oncoming traffic, especially if they’re traveling at excessive speeds.
- Inadequate road maintenance: Poorly maintained roads with potholes, uneven surfaces, or insufficient signage can contribute to drivers losing control of their vehicles and unintentionally departing from the roadway.
- Distracted driving: Distracting activities such as texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers can result in a momentary lapse of attention that causes a driver to drift into oncoming traffic or off the road.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s motor skills, which affects their ability to remain within their travel lane.
- Fatigue: Tired or drowsy drivers are more likely to have impaired reaction times and reduced attentiveness, making it easier to veer off the road or cross into oncoming traffic. This tendency is especially common among people who drive for work, such as West Virginian truck drivers and rideshare drivers.
- Incorrect passing: Drivers attempting to pass other vehicles on two-lane roads may misjudge the distance and speed of oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on collision.
- Wildlife crossings: Drivers who unexpectedly encounter deer or other wildlife might instinctually swerve to avoid a collision with the animal, only to collide with another vehicle head-on.
When our Charleston head-on car accident attorneys work on your case, we’ll determine if these or any other factors contributed to your accident. If the crash’s cause involved another party’s negligence, we’ll collect compelling evidence to demonstrate why they’re at fault.
Types of Injuries Common After a Head-On Collision
The types of injuries resulting from head-on collisions vary widely depending on certain factors, including the vehicles’ speed, the use of seat belts and airbags, and the overall crash dynamics. However, head-on collision injuries tend to be especially severe because, compared to other auto accidents, they are more likely to occur when both vehicles travel at full speed.
Common types of injuries after head-on collision accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Burn injuries in Charleston
- Bone fractures, particularly in the legs
- Chest injuries
- Internal organ damage and bruising
- Facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis injuries in Charleston
- Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Psychological trauma
What Types of Compensation Can You Receive for a Head-On Collision Accident?
You may be owed compensation if another person’s negligence was the primary cause of your head-on collision. These damages will help you recover from the accident’s financial, physical, and emotional consequences. Because these effects can continue throughout a victim’s lifetime, your compensation will likely include losses you’ve already incurred along with losses you expect to incur in the future.
Economic Damages
There are two main categories of compensation, or damages, available in head-on collision cases: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are tangible losses easily calculated based on your expenses or financial losses resulting from the accident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, involve intangible losses. These damages aren’t easily calculable in monetary terms, so their dollar value may be assessed based on subjective measures. Common examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
Punitive Damages
A third category, called punitive damages, may be available in some cases. Punitive damages focus not on compensating the victim but punishing the at-fault party for malicious or consciously indifferent conduct.
Head-On Accident Statistics in West Virginia
Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that Kanawha County had 18 fatalities from crashes involving roadway departures in 2021. This figure made it the county with the most roadway departure fatalities—and likely head-on collision fatalities—in the state. Wood County had the second-most fatalities at 11, closely followed by Berkeley County at 10, and Wayne County at seven. Monongalia County and Preston County both had six.
These statistics align somewhat with the counties’ populations, but some counties have disproportionately high roadway departure collision fatalities. For example, Wood County is only the fifth-most populated county in West Virginia but had the second-most roadway departure collision fatalities in 2021. Similarly, Wayne County is the 14th-most populated county but had the fourth-most fatalities. Preston County also had an excessive number of fatalities for its population. It’s best to practice extra caution while driving in these areas.
Get a Free Consultation With a Charleston, WV, Collision Lawyer
You don’t need to face the aftermath of a head-on collision injury alone. Our West Virginia head-on car accident lawyers are here for you during this challenging time. We will champion your interests and advocate for the results you need to start moving forward with your life.
If you or someone you love was injured in a head-on collision or any other type of car accident in West Virginia, call Warner Law Offices at 304-345-6789 or complete our online form for a free consultation. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are zero out-of-pocket costs to work with us, and you pay nothing unless we win.
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Bobby has received many accolades throughout the years from both his peers in the legal community, as well as the media. The National Trial Lawyers association named Bobby a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and he has been selected as a Member of the Nation’s Top One Percent. Additionally, he has been named a Best Attorneys of America by Rue Ratings, which also named Warner Law Offices to its Best Law Firms of America.
We represent clients across West Virginia and surrounding areas, providing compassionate client service and relentless advocacy in and out of the courtroom.
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