We all want to be safe when driving on the road that is why it is vital to abide by all the traffic laws when using the road. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents do happen no matter how careful you may be, that is why you must always be prepared for the unexpected.
If you have been involved in a head-on collision accident in Charlotte, North Carolina, you can seek compensation for your damages with the help of a car accident attorney from Ted A. Greve & Associates. Contact our offices to arrange a free consultation with a Charlotte head-on collision lawyer.
What Are Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Some of the common causes of head-on collisions in Charlotte, North Carolina are:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is considered to be the number one cause of head-on collision accidents in this region. Moreover, you also need to be aware of the fact that distracted driving is categorized into three types which include visual, manual, and cognition.
- Visual distraction occurs when a driver fails to keep an eye on the road.
- The second type of distracted driving is a manual distraction. This type of distraction involves the driver using his or her hands to do other things, which causes the vehicle to lose control.
- Cognition distraction involves anything that causes the driver to lose his or her mental attention.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
DUI is another major cause of head-on collisions in Charlotte, North Carolina. The State of North Carolina has strict laws on DUI offense, and those who are found guilty usually face huge penalties and long sentencing. There are two DUI laws that drivers are required to abide by when using the roads in Charlotte, North Carolina. These laws are 23152(a) and 23152(b) vehicle codes. The 23152(a)vehicle code forbids driving under the influence of toxic substances or alcohol, while 23152(b)allows drivers to operate their vehicles with .08% BAC.
Fatigue
Many truck drivers usually get tired because of driving for long hours. This leads to extreme fatigue, which causes most drivers to sleep when the vehicle is still moving. Such actions are known to cause head-on collisions since most drivers end up crossing over to other lanes and collide with oncoming traffic.
Speeding
In Charlotte, North Carolina, head-on collisions have also been witnessed as a result of speeding. According to the traffic laws and regulations of the state, all drivers are required to observe legal limits and not drive exceeding these limits. However, many drivers still fail to abide by these laws and drive at very high speeds. What many drivers fail to understand is that speeding causes the vehicle to lose control easily and makes it difficult to brake on time.
Injuries that Are Commonly Associated with Head-On Collisions
Some of the injuries that are commonly associated with head-on collisions include:
Back and Neck Injuries
Head-on collisions cause the body to move unexpectedly from one side to the other. These unexpected movements cause the back and neck to move from their rightful place because of the impact and sudden stop of the car. This is also referred to as whiplash and is known to lead to other health issues such as chronic neck suffering and pain as well as paralysis.
Knee and Leg Injuries
Victims of head-on collisions often suffer knee and leg injuries. That is because the vehicles involved usually collide on the front part. When this happens, the driver and the passenger sustain knee and leg injuries because of sitting at the front. The collision can cause bruises and even bone fractures that can only be treated through surgery. Sometimes the knees can be turned abruptly causing the cartilage to tear.
Traumatic Brain and Head Injuries
Head-on collisions caused by high speeding can result in serious head injuries. Such injuries occur when a driver or passenger hits his or her head against the hard covered dashboard or steering wheel. Moreover, such injuries can also be caused by piercing into the skull using a sharp object such as broken glass. Such an injury can lead to TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), which is very severe.
Traumatic brain and head injuries take longer to heal. Furthermore, many of those who heal from these injuries are left with permanent cognitive issues such as poor memory, loss of speech, vision, emotional, and concentration control.
Emotional Problems
Besides physical injuries, head-on collisions are also known to cause emotional problems. Such crashes also affect the victim’s family emotionally. That is because they take the responsibility of taking care of the victim until he or she recovers. Furthermore, the family also carries the burden of settling rehabilitation costs as well as medical bills.
What Damages Can Victim Get from a Head-On Collision Claim in Charlotte?
In Charlotte, North Carolina, head-on collision victims can seek compensation for their damages with the help of an experienced attorney. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we can help you protect your rights and make sure that you recover from all your damages by filing a head-on collision lawsuit. According to the State of North Carolina, head-on collision victims can be compensated for the following losses:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Ambulance bills
- Vehicle repairs
- Medical supplies
- Lost wages
- Ongoing treatment and care
- Wrongful death
- Prescription medication
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Charlotte, North Carolina?
According to the State statute of limitations, victims involved in head-on collisions have at least 3 years to file for a claim. However, if a lawsuit is not filed within this timeframe, then the case is closed and forgotten. Therefore, you should consult an attorney at an early stage so that he or she can help you with your case and file a lawsuit.
However, you also need to understand that this is not an easy process since such claims are usually based on one theory, which is negligence. You are required to prove that the accident was a result of the other driver’s negligence. The court requires you to establish the following factors: duty, breach, causation, and damages:
- Duty – the offender owed you the victim a duty of care when using the road and is, therefore, required to drive safely
- Breach – the guilty party violated (breached) the duty that he or she owes you.
- Causation – the violation is the primary cause of the injuries sustained.
- Damages – proof of damages sustained as a result of the accident, such as medical bills
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
After being involved in a head-on collision, you may be overwhelmed. Many parties are involved including insurance companies and even the authorities. Once you fully recover, the insurance company will try to close your case by offering you a low settlement as compensation. Moreover, the insurance company can also try to put some of the blame on you so that you can be denied a fair settlement.
However, with the help of an experienced attorney, you can make sure that your rights are protected by seeking fair compensation. That is why you must contact an attorney before communicating with anyone else once your injuries are treated. Moreover, you must hire a legal representative who is experienced and familiar with North Carolina traffic laws and regulations.
Here are other benefits of hiring a legal representative:
Case Preparation
Your lawyer is responsible for preparing your case and this is done by gathering all the necessary legal documents before filing a formal complaint in the court of law. Besides gathering legal documents, your attorney may be required to investigate more on your case to determine the party at fault and also to look for more evidence that can be used to support your case.
Settlement Negotiation
Sometimes lawsuits can be settled through peaceful negotiations between the offender’s insurance provider and your lawyer. Settlement negotiation can only be successful if the offender’s insurance provider agrees to compensate the victim for all his or her damages. If the matter is not resolved through settlement negotiation, then the matter can move on to trial.
Trial Preparation and Representation
Trial preparation is considered to be the final option for resolving the dispute between the plaintiff and the accused. At this stage, your lawyer will face the challenge of proving each claim made against the accused. Moreover, you also need to understand that the offender will be presented by a legal representative as well and without enough evidence, the other side will do their best to deny your claim by accusing you of being at fault. At the end of the trial, each party is allowed to make closing remarks before the jury gives the final verdict.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
We understand how much of a setback an accident can cause. The trauma of sustained injuries, lost wages, and medical costs will for sure be detrimental to your overall financial freedom. This is why our head-on collision attorneys offer their services on a contingency basis, meaning that you won’t be needed to pay any fees until we have successfully secured your settlement.
Reach Out to Our Charlotte Head-On Collision Lawyers Today
Head-on collisions are known to cause severe injuries to those who have been involved. Therefore, if you are a victim of such an accident and someone else was at fault, you can seek compensation for damages sustained. Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates today, and we will make sure that your rights are protected.
