When a motor vehicle crashes in a head-on collision, the impact of the accident can be devastating. It could lead to catastrophic injuries and even death. If the incident happened due to the negligence of the other driver, it's crucial for the injured victim to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to seek justice and compensation.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have decades of combined experience handling personal injury claims in and outside of courts. They have recovered over $1 billion in compensatory damages for their clients and offer a free case review for those seeking legal representation.
Injured victims should contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to discuss their case and learn more about their legal options.
Common Causes of Head-on Collision
Most head-on collisions involve drivers who act negligently, carelessly, or recklessly. Some of the common causes of these types of accidents include the following:
Driving in the wrong direction;
Turning the wrong way;
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
Distracted driving;
Failing to adhere to the traffic rules and road signs; and
Crossing over the centerline.
When head-on car accidents happen, it could lead to devastating injuries, leaving the victims physically, mentally, and financially strained. While affected parties may be able to pursue personal injury claims or lawsuits against the negligent drivers, it's important to determine fault first.
Who Is at Fault in a Head-on Car Accident in Indiana?
In most head-on collisions, the driver heading the wrong way is often responsible for the damages caused, as the law requires drivers to stay in the right lane to avoid car accidents. However, due to negligence or one's recklessness, these types of incidents are far more common than one can imagine.
Intoxication can impair one's judgment and driving skills. Those who drink alcohol before taking the wheel, for example, may cross the center divider and enter into the other lane, increasing the risk of head-on car accidents with oncoming traffic.
Sometimes, inexperienced drivers may be visiting a part of the city for the first time. They may mistake a one-way road for a street and enter it, resulting in a head-on collision with the other vehicle.
It's important to understand that the driver who heads the wrong way may not always be liable for a head-on car accident. Suppose Jack is sharing the road with another driver, Frank, who suddenly swerves into Jack's car, causing him to enter the wrong lane to avoid the crash.
In such a situation, if Jack causes a head-on collision, Frank may be liable for the accident, as he was the one who pushed Jack into the wrong lane.
There may be other situations where the driver heading the wrong way may not be liable for the frontal car accident. A tire blowout, sudden medical emergency, defective steering, and poorly maintained roads can lead to head-on collisions.
It's crucial to conduct a proper investigation to determine fault in a head-on collision. Injured victims must reach out to experienced Indianapolis vehicle accident attorneys, as they can help investigate the facts surrounding the case and protect their rights.
Proving Fault in Head-on Collisions in Indiana
In most head-on collision cases, drivers who may be liable for the incident fail to admit fault. This can prolong the entire claims process, as the injured victim must gather sufficient evidence to build a strong case.
What an injured victim does right after their head-on collision can make or break their claim. It's important for the affected party to follow the steps below to help protect their rights and their personal injury case:
Stay at the Accident Scene
Whether the injured victim was liable for the head-on car accident or not, it's crucial for them to stay at the accident scene, as fleeing could lead to a hit and run.
The affected party should call for emergency help if they or any other person is suffering from injuries.
Call the Police
Reaching out to the local police after a head-on car accident is important. When law enforcement officers reach the scene of the accident, they talk to the parties involved and approach the witnesses before writing a police report.
A police report is an essential piece of document that injured victims can submit when pursuing a personal injury claim against the negligent driver's insurance company. It includes details of the event, such as date, time, vehicles and drivers involved, insurance information, and the officer's opinion on who might be responsible for the incident.
While a police report does not help determine fault, it can bolster one's personal injury case, increasing their chances of negotiating a fair settlement. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help explain who is at fault in a side swipe car accident in Indiana.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
If the injured victims are not suffering from serious injuries and can move, they should gather as much evidence as possible while waiting for the police to arrive. This may include talking to the other parties involved and exchanging contact and insurance details.
The affected party must also take photographs of the damaged vehicles, road markings, nearby signs, traffic signals, and injuries sustained. Pictures can help determine the location of the impact, which is critical in identifying the fault.
Seek Medical Treatment
Car accident victims should always head to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Even if they're not injured, it's best to visit a medical provider for a complete medical evaluation, as some injuries may take time to manifest.
Identifying the injuries and their severity can help the injured victims get prompt medical treatment. It prevents the possibility of complications and protects the affected party's personal injury case from the greedy insurance company.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Reaching out to an experienced car accident attorney right after a head-on collision can increase the victim's chances of recovering compensation.
A lawyer can investigate the auto accident, determine the at-fault driver, and hold them accountable for the damages caused. They can consult on who is at fault in a multi-car accident in Indiana.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Will Go to War for Indiana Car Accident Victims!
Those who have suffered injuries in a head-on collision in Indianapolis, Indiana, should call to schedule a free consultation with a skilled car accident lawyer at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. They can help assess the facts surrounding the personal injury case and ensure that the injured victims get the legal representation they need to obtain maximum compensation!
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