The Insurance Information Institute (III) reported that in 2017, over 3,400 people lost their lives in head-on collisions. Although this number makes up about 10 percent of all fatal crashes, the injuries that victims suffer in head-on collisions are among the most severe.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a head-on collision, a Long Island head-on collisions lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation. Get in touch with Morelli Law Firm, and call us at (212) 751-9800 today. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we will not charge you any attorney’s fees unless you win a financial award.
Learn About the Factors that Lead to Head-On Collisions
All drivers owe other road users a duty of care. A driver can breach this duty of care, which ultimately can cause an accident, leading to your injuries. This behavior is negligent and might even be considered reckless, especially if they were speeding or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Still, two common factors that cause a head-on collision to occur are:
Wrong-Way Driving
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDoT), wrong-way driving occurs when a driver is traveling against the legal flow of traffic, typically on a highway. About 300 to 400 people die from wrong-way driving every year in the United States. These kinds of accidents can happen when someone is driving under the influence, and their motor skills and cognition are compromised.
Failure to Yield
Sometimes, a driver might be speeding or distracted and might not yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians in time. They might not notice other road users coming or crossing and end up causing a head-on collision. This breach of duty of care can happen at stoplights, intersections, roundabouts, and other road signals.
Damages Often Result from Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can happen when a vehicle is traveling at high speeds. In these cases, both drivers and passengers can suffer severe injuries, and they can be either temporary or permanent.
Victims of head-on collisions might suffer one or more of the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other head injuries, like concussions, contusions, anoxic brain injuries, and penetrating brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, like bulged or herniated disks
- Internal bleeding
- Bruises, burns, or lacerations
- Broken or fractured bones
- Paralysis
If the accident was not your fault, it should not be on you to pay for the expenses related to the head-on collision. You might be able to get compensated for your expenses and losses, which can be categorized into two types of damages. The first category is economic damages, which are losses that have a monetary value. Some examples include:
- Medical bills, such as emergency transportation, X-rays, blood tests, CT scans and MRIs, medications, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, and chiropractic and physical therapy sessions
- Lost income if you were or currently are not able to work due to your injuries
- Property damage if your vehicle and other belongings were damaged and needed to be repaired or replaced
The second category is noneconomic damages. Contrary to the former type of damages, these do not hold any dollar value. Examples may include:
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship if you lost a loved one in the accident
Calculating the value of all your damages might seem overwhelming. However, a Long Island head-on collisions lawyer can help you figure this out and pursue compensation. Reach out to Morelli Law Firm now at (212) 751-9800.
Long Island Head-On Collisions Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Know About New York’s Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations that dictates how long someone has to file a lawsuit against another party. In New York, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214. If your loved one died in a head-on collision, the New York Estates, Powers, & Trusts Law (EPT) §5-4.1 says that you typically have two years to file for wrongful death on your loved one’s behalf.
Be sure to file your lawsuit quickly. Once the statute of limitations is over, you might not be able to collect any financial awards for your injuries and losses. In this case, it is your responsibility to pay for your accident-related expenses.
However, your corresponding deadline may be tolled under certain circumstances. For example, this might occur if one of the parties involved was a minor. The statute of limitations would then begin on the day they turn 18. You might want to consider talking to a lawyer to learn more about meeting the statute of limitations.
What a Lawyer Can Do for You
It might be very overwhelming to be in pain and try to file a lawsuit at the same time. This is where a lawyer can provide assistance. While helping you meet New York’s statute of limitations, a lawyer can also:
- Gather evidence from the accident, including photos of your resulting injuries or video surveillance of the accident
- Interview witnesses
- Negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf
- Talk to the doctors treating you for your accident-related injuries and get an idea of the costs and length of your recovery
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), most cases are settled outside of court. However, if your lawyer and the other party’s legal team cannot negotiate a fair settlement, you can take your case to trial. One of our lawyers can represent you and fight for your compensation.
Get Help from Morelli Law Firm Today
Being involved in a head-on collision can be a very traumatic experience—both physically and mentally. It might take months for you to get back to your normal routine. With that, it is important for you to focus on your recovery. In doing so, a Long Island head-on collisions lawyer can handle your case and help you get the compensation you need. Consider getting in touch with Morelli Law Firm, and call (212) 751-9800 today for a free case consultation.