These crashes often lead to severe injuries, long recovery periods, and financial challenges for victims and their families. If you or someone you love has been involved in a head-on collision, the team at Bernard Law Group is here to help. Our Bellevue accident lawyer is dedicated to helping victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve.
About Head-On Collisions in Washington
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. Because of the combined force of both vehicles, these collisions tend to be far more dangerous, leading to severe injuries and significant vehicle damage. Even at lower speeds, head-on collisions can have catastrophic consequences.
The aftermath of a head-on collision is often overwhelming. Seeking legal help from a head-on collision attorney in Bellevue, WA, ensures you have someone on your side to handle the legal challenges while you focus on recovering.
The Prevalence of Head-On Accidents in Bellevue
In Bellevue, head-on collisions frequently occur on busy roads and intersections. High-traffic areas like I-405, SR-520 and neighborhood streets with sharp curves or poor visibility are common locations for these crashes. As Bellevue continues to grow, so does the risk of accidents caused by increased traffic congestion and road construction.
A Bellevue car accident lawyer understands the unique challenges of our local roadways and can help identify the specific factors that contributed to your accident.
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Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are often the result of preventable errors or negligent behavior. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Using a phone, eating, or other distractions can cause drivers to drift into oncoming traffic. Distracted driving accidents are a leading cause of head-on collisions.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use significantly impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time.
- Road design and conditions: Poorly marked lanes, sharp turns, and slippery roads can lead to accidents.
- Vehicle malfunctions: Issues like brake failure or tire blowouts can cause drivers to lose control.
If one of these factors caused your accident, a car wreck attorney near me can investigate the incident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Head-On Crashes
The injuries from head-on collisions are often life-changing. Victims may experience:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head trauma that affects cognitive abilities, memory, and motor functions.
- Fractures and broken bones: Often requiring surgeries and extended recovery periods.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs that may require immediate medical attention and ongoing care.
These injuries often lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. The best head-on accident lawyer in Bellevue can help you pursue compensation to cover these losses.
How Liability is Determined in Head-On Accidents
Determining liability in head-on collisions involves identifying who was at fault for the crash. This often requires proving negligence, such as reckless driving or failing to follow traffic laws.
In some cases, multiple parties, such as a driver and a vehicle manufacturer, may share liability if a mechanical defect contributed to the accident.
A top-rated car accident lawyer in Bellevue can gather evidence, such as witness statements and crash reports, to build a strong case for your claim.
Steps to Take After a Head-On Collision
If you’ve been involved in a head-on collision, taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal case. Here are some detailed actions to consider:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine at the moment, some injuries may not present symptoms right away, such as concussions or internal bleeding. It’s crucial to have a healthcare professional evaluate your condition to ensure your safety and establish medical records.
Call the Police
Contacting law enforcement at the scene is essential as they will file an official accident report. This record can provide crucial evidence if there are disputes about the accident’s circumstances or who was at fault.
Document the Scene
Use your phone or camera to take clear photos of the accident scene, including the position and damage of the vehicles, your injuries, and any road conditions, like skid marks or obstructions that may have contributed to the crash. These visuals can be invaluable in reconstructing the event for legal or insurance purposes.
Collect Contact Information
Gather the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved in the collision and any witnesses who saw the event unfold. Witness statements can corroborate your account and serve as an objective perspective on what happened.
Contact a Lawyer
Our Bellevue head-on accident lawyer can be an essential ally, guiding you through the complex legal process. They can help you handle insurance claims, negotiate settlements, and pursue compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Having trusted legal support can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Compensation Available to Head-On Accident Victims
Victims of head-on collisions may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Economic damages: Covering medical expenses, property damage, and lost income.
- Non-economic damages: Addressing pain, suffering, and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
Our head-on collision attorney in Bellevue, WA, will work to ensure you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve.
The Importance of Investigating Head-On Collisions
Thorough investigations are critical for proving fault and building a strong case. Evidence such as crash scene photos, vehicle black box data, and witness statements can provide valuable insights into what caused the accident. Accident reconstruction experts can also analyze the details of the crash to strengthen your claim.
A top-rated car accident lawyer in Bellevue can gather and use this evidence effectively to support your case.
Washington State Traffic Laws and Head-On Accidents
Washington State has strict traffic laws designed to prevent accidents, such as rules about lane usage, speed limits, and DUI enforcement. Violating these laws can result in severe penalties and civil liability. Understanding how these laws apply to your case is essential for determining fault and securing compensation.
A Bellevue car accident lawyer can explain how these laws impact your claim and ensure all violations are accounted for.
Insurance Companies and Head-On Accidents
Dealing with insurance companies after a head-on collision can be challenging. Insurers often try to minimize payouts by disputing fault or the severity of your injuries. Having a car wreck attorney near me handle negotiations ensures you’re treated fairly and that your claim accurately reflects the damages you’ve suffered.
The Importance of Working with An Attorney
Proving fault in a head-on collision can be complicated, especially when multiple parties or legal issues are involved. Having a lawyer ensures that your case is handled thoroughly and you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Bernard Law Group, we are committed to helping head-on collision victims and their families through every step of the process.
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The Role of Comparative Negligence in Washington
Washington follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you are found 25% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 25%. A no-win, no-fee, head-on accident lawyer in Bellevue can work to minimize your share of fault and maximize your recovery.
Contact Our Bellevue Head-On Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision, don’t wait to take action. Contact Bernard Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with a Bellevue head-on accident lawyer. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us now to get started.
