Head-On Collision Injuries in Greenville, SC: The Most Catastrophic Crash Type and What Your Case Is Worth

Our experienced Greenville car accident lawyer at Bobby Jones Law explains head-on collision injuries in Greenville, SC. Let’s talk about why they’re the most catastrophic crash type and what your case may be worth.

Are Head-On Collision Injuries Especially Serious? The Data Says Yes.

The US Department of Transportation reports that head-on collisions cause 14% of motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States. Despite being only 2.6% of motor vehicle traffic accidents, head-on collisions cause 12.39% of motor vehicle fatalities and 6.55% of non-fatal injuries.

Why Do Head-On Collisions Cause More Catastrophic Injuries Than Other Car Accidents?

When a collision occurs, a moving vehicle strikes another vehicle or an object. The kinetic energy of the moving vehicle rapidly dissipates through impact.

The force applied in a crash depends on the mass of the vehicles involved, the speed of the vehicles at impact, and the time over which the collision impact occurs.

When a head-on accident occurs, both vehicles are moving, often at high speeds. Plus, the impact at the front of the vehicle can push the dashboard, steering column, and other structural components towards the vehicle occupants.

The result can be head-on collision injuries that are especially catastrophic.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Greenville, SC?

Common causes of head-on collisions in Greenville, SC are:

• Distracted driving. Resulting in a driver crossing the median.
• Drowsy driving. Falling asleep or poor attention due to being tired.
• Swerving. Swerving to avoid debris or an animal in the road.
• Drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Passing errors. Trying to pass a vehicle without enough space or time.
• Wrong-way driving. Misinterpreting road signs or intentionally driving the wrong way.
• Vehicle malfunction. A vehicle malfunction that sends a vehicle across the center median.
• Poor road design. When the angle or width of a road is difficult for drivers to navigate.
• Misjudgment. Misjudging road position and vehicle movement.
• Medical conditions. A medical episode that causes a loss of control.
• Speeding. Traveling too fast to navigate the road.
• Weather conditions. Icy, wet, or dusty road conditions.

How Is Fault Established in a Head-On Collision Case in SC?

In a head-on collision case in SC, fault is based on negligence. That means identifying which party failed to exercise reasonable care.

It can be a speeding driver who lost control. It can be the distracted driver who didn’t notice drifting. It may mean drunk driving.

To establish fault, you must determine which driver crossed the center line. There are several ways to do this. Skid marks on the road, the point of impact between the vehicles, and the location of debris can be helpful evidence. A vehicle event recorder may show brake and speed changes before impact. Law enforcement may investigate driver intoxication. These are just some things that can show whose negligence contributed to a head-on collision.

There may be circumstances where the party at fault is not a driver. An example would be when road design contributes to a crash. Sometimes, there are multiple causes and contributing factors.

Why Head-On Collision Victims Are Frequently Undercompensated in Greenville

Head-on collision victims are frequently undercompensated in Greenville because:

• Poor documentation. The evidence at the scene, such as skid marks, debris, weather, and road conditions, isn’t preserved.
• No vehicle inspection. A vehicle inspection that might have revealed a defective design or maintenance issue wasn’t conducted.
• Law enforcement response. Law enforcement doesn’t investigate impaired driving.
• Evidence lost. Videos and vehicle data recorders aren’t preserved before they’re overwritten or lost.
• Too few named parties. Additional parties who may be responsible, beyond the driver, are not investigated or named in the claim.
• Future damages. The claim doesn’t include future damages, including medical bills, income loss, and future pain and suffering.

You don’t have to settle for less than you deserve. With help from an attorney, you can pursue your full compensation.

How Much Is a Head-On Collision Injury Case Worth in South Carolina?

Victims of head-on collisions in South Carolina may claim economic and non-economic losses. That means direct financial losses like medical bills and lost income, plus pain and suffering, disability, and other intangible losses.

What a case is worth depends on a variety of factors. The extent of injuries, the ability to prove fault, and the defendant’s ability to satisfy a judgment are usually the biggest factors. It’s important to work quickly after a head-on collision to document your claim for compensation.

What To Do Immediately After a Head-On Collision in Greenville, SC

When a head-on collision occurs in Greenville, SC, stop your vehicle at the scene. Focus on your immediate safety, especially considering traffic in the area. Call law enforcement. A police response can be critical to investigating impaired driving, distracted driving, and drowsy driving. In addition, the driver may make an admission to the police that helps your case.

Always seek medical attention first. You may not be able to take photos and video at the scene because of your injuries. If possible, have someone do this for you. Ask them to gather witness names and contact information. They should observe debris, skid marks, weather conditions, and objects in the road. Have them take photos and videos of everything, even if they don’t think it’s important.

Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

When Does a Fatal Head-On Collision Become a Wrongful Death Case in SC?

A South Carolina head-on collision claim may be a wrongful death case if a fatality occurs. A lawyer can explain the elements of a wrongful death claim.

Why Head-On Collision Victims in Greenville Need Skilled Legal Representation

Head-on collision claims often involve serious injuries and can be for high dollar amounts. Fault can be complex. Insurance companies don’t want to pay compensation.

A skilled lawyer can make your claim a success.

Bobby Jones Law represents head-on collision victims in Greenville, SC. Call or message us to talk to an attorney today.