Head-On Collision Lawyer in Fort Worth, TX
Drunk driving is a common cause of head-on crashes
Some of the most serious car accidents in Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, and across Texas are head-on collisions. The force of a collision between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions can be catastrophic. Even at low speeds, the weight and momentum of the vehicles can subject drivers and front-seat passengers to serious car accident injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Some victims suffer neck pain from injuries like whiplash due to a head-on collision. In some instances, these collisions can be fatal and cause a wrongful death.
Head-on collisions can devastate entire families and require strong legal representation from an experienced head-on collision lawyer in Fort Worth who knows how to protect your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a head-on crash, contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., right now. You might be entitled to compensation for your injuries or the losses you've suffered. Don't leave your fate in the hands of a negligent driver or the insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Head-On Collisions in Fort Worth, TX
- What is a head-on collision?
- What are common injuries in head-on collisions?
- Where do head-on accidents happen in Fort Worth?
- What compensation can I get from a head-on collision claim?
- What is the average settlement for a head-on collision in Texas?
- Who is usually at fault in a head-on collision?
- What should I do after a head-on collision in Texas?
What is a head-on collision?
A head-on collision is a type of car accident that happens when two vehicles that were both traveling in opposite directions collide head-on. So, the front end of one vehicle hits the front end of the other vehicle. Head-on collisions can cause severe injuries because of the combined force of both vehicles.
Head-on collision injuries should be taken seriously. If you were in a head-on crash, seek medical care as soon as possible.
What are common injuries in head-on collisions?
Head-on crashes often result in severe, life-altering injuries because of the violent forces involved. Unlike a fender-bender, a head-on collision can injure nearly every part of the body. Some of the most common injuries in head-on accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: The sudden stop of a head-on crash can cause the brain to slam against the skull, leading to concussions, brain bruising, or severe TBI. Victims may experience memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes, or even permanent brain damage that requires long-term care.
- Spinal cord and neck injuries: The impact can crush vertebrae or violently whip the neck (causing whiplash). In extreme cases, the spinal cord may be damaged, resulting in partial or full paralysis. Even less severe back and neck injuries (herniated discs, fractured vertebrae) can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Broken bones and orthopedic injuries: The sheer force of a head-on collision frequently breaks bones. Common fractures include broken legs, shattered ankles, cracked ribs, broken arms, and pelvic fractures. These injuries often require surgery (like insertion of plates or rods) and extensive rehabilitation. Multiple fractures are not uncommon, and recovery can take months.
- Internal injuries and organ damage: The blunt force trauma from a head-on crash can injure internal organs. Victims may suffer internal bleeding, punctured lungs, liver or kidney damage, or ruptured spleen. These injuries are life-threatening and often require emergency surgery. Because internal injuries aren’t always immediately visible, it’s critical to get a thorough medical evaluation after a head-on wreck.
- Other serious injuries: Head-on collisions can also cause facial injuries (from airbag deployment or hitting the steering wheel), severe cuts and lacerations, dental injuries, and crushing injuries that may lead to amputations. Many survivors also deal with emotional trauma like PTSD after a head-on crash.
Where do head-on accidents happen in Fort Worth?
Head-on collisions can occur almost anywhere vehicles travel in opposite directions. However, certain roads and scenarios around Fort Worth see head-on crashes more frequently:
- Highways and freeways: High-speed roadways are a common site of devastating head-on wrecks. Interstate highways like I-35W, I-20, I-30, and loops such as Loop 820 have been the scene of deadly head-on collisions caused by wrong-way drivers.
- Rural roads and two-lane highways: Outside the city, many Texas rural roads lack physical medians or barriers between opposing lanes. On winding two-lane highways or farm-to-market roads, a momentary lapse (such as a driver texting or falling asleep) can cause a vehicle to drift over the center line and strike an oncoming car head-on.
- Intersections and one-way streets: Head-on crashes in urban settings often occur when a driver turns the wrong way or violates right-of-way at an intersection. For example, if someone mistakenly turns onto a one-way street going the wrong direction, a head-on collision with an unsuspecting driver can result.
What compensation can I get from a head-on collision claim?
If you’re injured in a head-on crash due to someone else’s negligence, Texas law allows you to seek a wide range of damages through a personal injury claim, including:
- Medical expenses: All past and future medical bills related to the accident, such as emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and any needed rehabilitation or long-term care.
- Lost income: Wages lost due to missing work during recovery, plus future lost earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work or force you to take a lower-paying job. This also covers lost business opportunities for self-employed individuals.
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and ongoing suffering caused by your injuries. Head-on collision victims often endure intense pain and lengthy recoveries, which should be reflected in the settlement.
- Emotional distress: Serious accidents can result in psychological injuries – you may develop anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or PTSD from the trauma of the crash. These mental and emotional impacts are compensable as non-economic damages.
- Loss of consortium: If the injuries negatively affect your relationship with your spouse (for example, due to disability or emotional trauma), your spouse may have a claim for loss of consortium.
What is the average settlement for a head-on collision in Texas?
There is no fixed average settlement amount for a head-on collision because every case is different. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to over $1 million depending on the circumstances. Minor injury cases may settle on the lower end (tens of thousands or less), while crashes causing severe injuries (such as brain trauma or paralysis) or wrongful death can result in very large settlements.
Attorney Coby L. Wooten can determine the true value of your claim by adding up all economic and non-economic damages. No matter how much the insurance companies try to reduce or deny your compensation, Coby will fight for every dollar owed to you.
Who is usually at fault in a head-on collision?
Fault in a head-on collision almost always lies with the driver who entered the oncoming lane or was driving on the wrong side of the road. Common scenarios include drunk drivers going the wrong way on a highway, distracted drivers drifting over the center line, or drivers overtaking improperly on a two-lane road.
However, Texas law requires a thorough investigation. Police reports, eyewitness accounts, skid mark analysis, and even vehicle “black box” data can help determine who caused the crash. In some cases (for example, poor road design or missing signage), a third party could bear fault as well. It’s important to have an experienced attorney investigate all possible causes.
No matter the cause of your head-on collision, Attorney Coby L. Wooten can gather strong evidence to support your claim.
What should I do after a head-on collision in Texas?
The moments after a head-on crash are chaotic, but taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do if you’re involved in a head-on accident:
- Call 911 immediately: Report the accident and request an ambulance for anyone who is injured. Police will come to secure the scene and create an official accident report.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel “okay,” get evaluated by paramedics or go to the ER. You may have internal injuries or be in shock. Prompt treatment creates a record of your injuries in case you file a claim later.
- Document the scene (if safe): If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, skid marks, and your injuries. Get the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses. This evidence can be crucial for proving what happened.
- Exchange information: Trade insurance and contact details with the other driver(s) involved. When talking with the other driver or police, do not admit fault or apologize for the crash, as this can be used against you later.
- Notify your insurance company: Texas law requires you to report accidents to your insurer promptly. Stick to the facts of what happened. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance or accept any quick settlement offer before speaking to an attorney.
- Consult a car accident attorney: Especially after a serious head-on collision, Attorney Coby L. Wooten can guide you through the process and handle communications with insurance companies. An attorney will fight for fair compensation while you focus on healing.
Put an experienced Fort Worth head-on collision lawyer to work for you today
When it comes to serious legal matters, it isn't enough to just hire a lawyer. You need a lawyer with experience defending the rights of car accident victims against big insurance companies. Often, insurance adjusters will try to bully you into accepting a "low ball" settlement that doesn't cover the true cost of your injury, medical bills and lost wages you face. You need a lawyer who knows how to get things done right. Contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C. today and let us build your case.
Don't underestimate the seriousness of your head-on car accident. What may seem like a simple, straightforward legal matter can turn out to be much more complicated. That's why we're here. Contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C. to discuss your legal options with a Fort Worth head-on collision attorney who gives honest answers to difficult questions. Case results matter - and so do you. Call (866) 408-0940 to schedule an appointment at our Fort Worth office. Serving families in Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington and throughout Texas.