Seattle Head On Collisions Lawyer
A head-on collision is one of the most severe accident types. Injuries are often more serious in head-on collisions because the impact speed of the crash is the speed of both vehicles combined. Head-on collisions are often fatal for victims. Those that do survive may suffer long-term injuries. If you or someone you know has injuries from a recent head-on collision in Seattle, contact the Seattle head-on collisions attorney at Washington Injury Law to discuss your case against the at-fault party. You could receive compensation for damages.
Why Choose Washington Injury Law?
- We fight diligently for our clients. Janelle Bailey, our Seattle personal injury attorney has a scientific background and is very thorough in her approach to personal injury. She is not afraid to fight for her clients in the courtroom if an insurance company is treating her client unfairly.
- We believe no victim should have to pay out of pocket for case expenses. Someone else’s negligence put you here – why should you be the one that has to pay? We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you will have no up-front costs and no costs at all unless we win.
- We make the legal process simple for clients. We understand how confusing and intimidating the process of hiring an attorney can be. We make it simple. You will speak to an attorney the first time you call and get answers to your questions during a free consultation in Seattle.
When to Contact a Seattle Head-On Collisions Lawyer
Contact a lawyer if your accident injuries are serious or debilitating. If you lost a loved one due to wrongful death, you should also call an attorney. A lawyer can help if your case involves criminal acts, such as a drunk driver. Using a lawyer to represent your case can allow you to focus on other things, such as recovering from your injuries. Your Seattle head-on collision attorney will handle insurance settlement conversations and other legal matters while you concentrate on healing. You have three years from the date of your car accident to file a claim in Washington state. Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the deadline.
Types of Head-On Collision Injuries
When one vehicle collides with another head-on, occupants in both cars may suffer life-threatening injuries. The forces of the collision can throw occupants into different components within the vehicle and suffer serious injuries. These injuries can include bone fractures, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, neck and spinal injuries, and internal bleeding. The elements of a crash could also cause lacerations, facial injuries, disfigurement, burns, and road rash. Serious injuries require immediate medical attention.
What Causes Head-On Collisions in Seattle?
A head-on collision can occur when one party loses control of a vehicle and enters a lane of oncoming traffic. Falling asleep behind the wheel, drunk driving, over correcting, misreading traffic signs, and distracted driving could all cause a head-on collision. It is up to all drivers to pay attention to the road and obey traffic laws. Failure to do so, causing a head-on collision, is negligence and may lead to the driver’s liability for damages, injuries, or deaths.
How to Prove a Head-On Collision Case
If you believe another driver is responsible for your head-on collision in Seattle, speak out against him or her in an insurance claim. Do not admit fault, and do not apologize to the other driver for the crash. Instead, aim to prove the other driver’s accountability by gathering evidence, speaking to eyewitnesses, and hiring a Seattle head-on collisions attorney to represent you. It is up to you or your lawyer to prove someone else’s liability for your damages. Only then may you recover financial compensation for your medical bills, pain, and suffering, property damage, lost wages, or the death of a loved one.
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After Being Involved in a Head-On Collision in Seattle?
Being involved in a head-on collision can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. However, taking the right steps immediately after the accident is crucial for your safety, health, and legal rights. Here is what you should do:
- Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention. The first priority after a head-on collision is your safety and the safety of others involved. If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic (this may not always be possible). Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 to report the accident. Even if you feel fine, it is important to go to the doctor for an evaluation as quickly as you can.
- Document the Accident Scene. If the area is safe, document as much as you can. Take photos (using a phone) of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be invaluable later when proving liability for the incident.
- Exchange Information. Exchange contact and insurance info with any other driver involved. Be sure to get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses as well.
- File a Police Report. Law enforcement must come to the scene, even for minor accidents. They will document the details of the accident and may include the officer’s opinion on who was at fault. This report can be critical when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
- Notify Your Insurance Company. Report the accident to your insurance carrier on the day of the collision, if possible. Provide them with the necessary information, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you have consulted with an attorney.
- Consult with a Head-On Collision Lawyer. Head-on crashes in Seattle often result in serious injuries and complex legal claims. Contact a Seattle head-on collision lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
What Types of Recoverable Damages Can You Receive?
Victims of head-on collisions in Seattle may be eligible to receive compensation if another party is found responsible for causing the accident. The compensation awarded can cover a range of damages, categorized into economic and non-economic types, depending on the nature of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.
Economic damages refer to the tangible financial losses that a victim incurs due to the accident. These include:
- Medical costs, which encompass all expenses related to the treatment of injuries sustained in the collision. This might involve fees for emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation. Additionally, victims may also need compensation for future medical needs if ongoing treatment or long-term care is required due to their injuries.
- Lost income is another significant economic damage that can be recovered. If the injuries prevent the victim from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently, they may seek compensation for the wages they have lost. This also includes any potential future earnings they might miss out on if their ability to work is permanently impacted by the injuries.
- Property damage compensation is available to cover the repair or replacement of the victim’s vehicle and any other personal belongings that were damaged or destroyed in the collision.
- Out-of-pocket expenses can also be claimed, covering any additional costs directly resulting from the accident. This might include expenses for transportation to medical appointments, the need for in-home care services, or necessary modifications to the victim’s living environment to accommodate new disabilities or limitations caused by the injuries.
Non-economic damages address the less tangible, more subjective impacts of the accident on the victim’s life. These damages include:
- Pain and suffering, which compensates for the physical pain endured from injuries, as well as the emotional trauma and distress caused by the accident. This can cover a wide range of suffering, from chronic pain and discomfort to more severe psychological impacts.
- Emotional distress damages are awarded to compensate for the psychological toll of the accident. Victims may experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their ordeal, which can significantly affect their quality of life.
- Loss of consortium is another form of non-economic damage, compensating for the negative effects the injuries have on the victim’s relationships, particularly with a spouse or family members. This could include loss of companionship, affection, and support that the injured person is no longer able to provide.
Washington Statutes of Limitations for Head-On Collisions
In Washington state, the limitation in place by law for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a head-on collision is generally three years. This means that you must file your civil lawsuit within three years from the day the incident happened, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation in court.
Contact Our Head-On Collisions Lawyer in Seattle Today
Washington Injury Law can help you identify the correct defendant, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation through all available outlets for recovery in Seattle. Start with a free consultation about you or a loved one’s head-on collision accident. Call (206) 960-4522 or contact us online today.