Child & Jackson can help you if you’ve been injured in a head-on collision or any other kind of car accident in Folsom. You hear about different car accidents all the time here in Folsom, but it all changes when you’re the one that’s injured in one. And for all the different kinds of car accidents there are, head-on collisions are usually more serious. We can guide you through the aftermath of yours. Set up a free consultation today.
Why a Lawyer Makes Sense After a Head-on Collision
A head-on collision usually isn’t the kind of car accident that makes it easy to handle on your own. They’re among the most serious kinds of car accidents that happen on Folsom roads. And when you think about it, it’s not all that surprising. Both cars are traveling toward one another, meaning the force and location of the impact can be much greater than in other types of collisions.
And while you don’t have to get a lawyer, when you’re already dealing with a lot of problems and unanswered questions, it makes more and more sense. Overall, our goal is to make things easier for you by:
- Explaining your legal options in plain language
- Looking into the collision and getting evidence
- Handling the back-and-forth with the insurance company
- Building a claim that shows the full impact of your injuries
- Working toward a fair settlement, either through insurance or a lawsuit
Again, just because head-on collisions tend to be more serious doesn’t mean that you have to jump to a lawsuit right away. There’s a lot of steps before it gets to that point, but everything starts right there at the scene.
Information That Can Help a Head-on Collision Claim
Nobody wants to be in a head-on collision, but what makes them different from other kinds of car accidents we see in Folsom is how fast they happen. You have little time to react when somebody crosses into your lane or drifts into oncoming traffic. The next thing you know, you’re in pain and trying to figure out what just happened.
And while there’s a lot of information to deal with in the aftermath, your first priority should be calling 911 and getting medical help. From there, you can try to get basic information, but only if it’s safe and you’re able. Focus on:
- Pictures and videos of the vehicles, damage, skid marks, debris, road conditions, and your injuries
- The other driver’s insurance and contact information
- Contact information for witnesses
That’s about as much as you can personally do at the scene. Once EMTs and police arrive, let them take care of your injuries and any information gathering. And once things settle down in the days and weeks after, keep track of your:
- Medical records from the ER and any follow-ups
- Your own notes about what you’re going through while it’s fresh
- Copies of the police report and any other accident reports
- Nearby video footage from traffic cams, security cams, dashcams, or even cell phones
- Repair estimates for your car and any other out-of-pocket expenses you’re left with
Don’t worry if you aren’t able to get all this yourself. Police reports, dashcam or surveillance footage, witness statements, and medical records are usually only available later. Just doing what you can with what you have should be enough to start looking forward to a claim.
Who Pays For Damages After a Head-On Collision?
It’s pretty clear that something has gone wrong when there’s a head-on collision. And unlike other kinds of car accidents, there’s often a clear starting point: another driver crossed into oncoming traffic. A lot of the time, that comes from:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Fatigue
- Unsafe passing
- Reckless driving
Even still, though, every head-on collision has its own set of facts. Sometimes another driver forces a car into your lane. Other times, a mechanical problem, road condition, or someone else’s negligence may have played a role. That can bring in other potentially liable people, like:
- Another driver
- A pedestrian or bicyclist
- A trucking company or employer
- A vehicle or part maker
- A company responsible for maintaining the road
This may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can make a difference in your case. If more than one person or company shares responsibility, there may be additional insurance coverage available to help pay for your losses. That’s especially important when you’re facing serious injuries, ongoing medical treatment, and other losses.
Damages Available in a Head-On Collision Claim
This is the second part of the claims process—and it’s pretty much the overall goal. Damages is just the legal word for all that you’ve lost because of the accident and someone else’s negligent actions. To actually get damages, though, you have to file a claim. And you do that by:
- Filing an insurance claim outside of court
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Most people start by filing an insurance claim because it’s usually the quicker and more straightforward option. The problem is that the insurance company is looking at your claim from its own perspective. They may question certain parts of your case, dispute the severity of your injuries, or offer less than what you actually need to cover your losses.
If that happens, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the next step. A lawsuit can take more time, but it usually gives you the opportunity to seek fuller damages that better reflect how the accident has impacted your life—both now and in the future. That usually means getting financial help related to your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one
It’s also important to remember that California generally gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. There can be exceptions depending on the circumstances, including cases involving a government agency, so it’s important not to assume you have unlimited time. Aside from that deadline, though, the longer you wait, the harder it can be to paint a full picture of what happened.
Where Head-On Collisions Tend to Happen Around Folsom
Head-on collisions can happen almost anywhere, but because of what they are and how they happen, they tend to happen on roads where cars travel at higher speeds, drivers are changing lanes, or people are attempting to pass slower traffic. Around Folsom, that can include:
- S. Highway 50
- Folsom Boulevard
- East Bidwell Street
- Iron Point Road
- Prairie City Road
- Blue Ravine Road
- Green Valley Road
- Oak Avenue Parkway
Unfortunately, it only takes one driver crossing the center line or entering oncoming traffic for a routine trip to turn into a life-changing accident. But no matter where or how it happens, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
Reach Out to Our Folsom Head-On Collision Lawyers Today
A head-on collision can change your life in a matter of seconds. After the crash, you’re left trying to recover while dealing with medical appointments, missed work, insurance adjusters, and uncertainty about what comes next.
At Child & Jackson, we’ll be there to make sure you’re not dealing with it on your own. We’ll look into the accident, figure out what happened, and help you through the claims process. Set up a free consultation today and let’s talk over your options.