Front-End Car Accidents in Houston

Front-end car accidents in Houston are often some of the most serious car accidents we see in our work advocating for victims of personal injury. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), head-on crashes resulted in 5,000 deaths and accounted for over 28 percent of all fatal collisions in one recent year alone. When they survive this kind of collision, crash victims are often left catastrophically injured.

If you or a loved one were injured in a head-on collision, the best thing to do after seeking medical attention is to consult with an experienced attorney. At Fleming Law, our team is ready to make sure you know your rights and get you started on the road toward legal compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer.

What is a Head-On Collision?

A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other. These accidents are among the most dangerous and deadly types of car crashes due to the combined force of both vehicles’ speeds at impact. 

Head-on collisions typically happen in Houston when a driver crosses the center line, drives the wrong way on a one-way street, or loses control of their vehicle. The devastating impact often results in severe injuries or fatalities, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Head-On Collisions?

As the name suggests, head-on collisions in Houston occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash directly into each other. These collisions can be extremely deadly. In most cases, they are caused by some form of driver error. Some of the most common causes of head-on collisions include:

• Speeding – Speeding is a contributing factor in a large number of accidents, including in head-on collisions. When drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for conditions, they can lose control of their vehicle or not give themselves enough time to avoid a head-on crash when another vehicle suddenly appears ahead.
• Intoxicated driving – As we all know, alcohol significantly impairs judgment and slows reaction time, making it harder to maneuver safely on the road. Impaired drivers are more likely to stray out of their lane and drift into the path of oncoming traffic.
• Distracted driving – Things like texting, phone calls, GPS navigators, eating, adjusting the radio, and other passengers can distract drivers, causing them to take their eyes off the road. If they drift out of their lane or fail to see oncoming traffic, they may cause a head-on collision.
• Driver fatigue – Exhaustion can dull the senses in the same way as alcohol. In fact, driving for more than 20 hours without sleeping is the functional equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent, the legal limit. An exhausted driver will struggle more to focus and detect hazards on the road. In extreme situations, they may even nod off for a second or two — just enough time to drift out of their lane and cause a head-on collision.
• Poor weather conditions – Things like heavy rain, snow, fog, and icy roads, make it difficult to navigate safely. They may reduce visibility, raising the risk of crashing into an oncoming vehicle. They may also reduce traction, which may cause a car to hydroplane beyond its lane and into the path of traffic traveling in the opposite direction.

Common Injuries Sustained in Head-On Collisions

Again, head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents in Houston. In effect, the vehicles involved each contribute all the kinetic energy of their trajectories into a single crash, multiplying the total force of the collision. The results can be catastrophic for vehicle occupants. Common injuries sustained in head-on collisions include:

• Broken and fractured bones
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Burns and abrasions
• Neck and back injuries
• Facial and dental injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Lost limbs and permanent disfigurement
• Cuts and puncture wounds
• Sprains, strains, and bruises
• Wrongful death

How Do You Prove Liability for a Head-On Collision?

To establish liability for a head-on collision, injured plaintiffs must normally show that the defendant’s negligence caused the Houston accident. In law, negligence simply refers to a failure to take reasonable precautions to avoid harming others. What “reasonable precaution” looks like will vary widely based on context. However, common examples of negligence include:

• Speeding
• Failure to obey traffic signals and signs
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Texting while driving
• Failure to adjust to road conditions

No matter the specifics of a case, plaintiffs must always prove fault for an accident beyond a reasonable doubt, which is simply lawyerly jargon meaning that the evidence must show that the defendant more likely than not caused the accident. Your attorney will pull together all available evidence in your case to satisfy this requirement, including things like:

• Police accident reports
• Pictures and videos from the accident scene
• Footage from traffic and surveillance cameras
• Cellphone and GPS records
• Testimony from eyewitnesses
• Testimony from reliable experts, such as traffic engineers and accident reconstruction specialists

What Compensation Can I Receive Through a Head-On Collision Lawsuit?

If you successfully prove that the defendant in your case caused your injuries, they will be ordered to pay you monetary compensation, which should reflect both the financial and nonfinancial impact your injuries have on your life. Our attorneys can help you seek compensation for things like:

• Medical costs incurred treating your injuries
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• Lowered earning capacity if the accident leaves you with a long-term disability
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Cost of repairing or replacing personal property

How Long Do I Have to File a Head-On Collision Lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations governing personal injuries normally gives victims two years from the date of a crash to file a lawsuit seeking compensation from the at-fault party. If you fail to file your lawsuit before the two-year window closes, the presiding judge will most likely be forced to dismiss your case for untimeliness. This will eliminate your right to sue for compensation in court.

In turn, this will also destroy your upper hand when negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party and their insurers. To avoid this, you should contact a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This is the best way to protect your right to recovery.

Understanding the Insurance Company’s Approach

You will file your head-on collision claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. While they are in the business of covering claims, they are also motivated by profits. This means that they will do what they can to settle your claim for less.

Early Settlement Offers

One tool that insurance companies frequently turn to in their efforts to effect low settlements is early offers. Often, these quick turnarounds do not even come close to covering the full range of physical, financial, and emotional losses that claimants experience.

The bottom line is that after being injured by another driver’s negligence in a head-on car accident, you are at your most vulnerable. This can leave you desperate enough to accept any offer.

The involved insurance company may not be above taking advantage of your vulnerability, but protecting your right to fair compensation is key. Working closely with a seasoned attorney from the start is the surest means of accomplishing this important goal.

Allowing Your Lawyer to Speak on Your Behalf

Another means of keeping settlements for head-on car accident claims in Houston low is twisting claimants’ words into meanings that weaken their claims. In other words, the statement you make to the insurance company in the aftermath of a terrifying head-on accident could ultimately damage your claim.

A much better strategy is to allow your dedicated attorney to handle the insurance company on your behalf. It is also a good idea to take a break from social media until your claim has been finalized. You can count on the insurance company to pay close attention to whatever you post, and you are far better off giving them less rather than more to work with.

Bringing a Strong Head-on Accident Claim

Your head-on accident claim will be specific to your unique situation. One constant, however, is that these claims tend to involve serious injuries that lead to immense losses. To bring a strong claim, everyone in your difficult position should take several important steps.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Head-on collisions are among the deadliest car accidents. Even if you do not think you were seriously injured in the accident, it is in your best interest to be thoroughly checked out by a medical professional immediately following. If you are not transported to the ER from the scene of the accident, you are well advised to seek prompt medical care.

Retain Skilled Legal Guidance Early On

The sooner you have trusted legal counsel in your corner, the stronger your claim is likely to be. Your lawyer will take the steps necessary to guide your claim toward a settlement that honors your rights and reflects your rightful compensation.

Contact a Houston Head-On Collision Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a front-end car accident in Houston, Fleming Law is here to help. We understand the complexities of head-on collision claims and are committed to getting the best results for our clients. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims throughout Texas and are ready to put our experience to work on your behalf. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation with a lawyer.