Montgomery County Head-On Collision Lawyer
The consequences of head-on collisions can feel devastating and overwhelming: You may have suffered serious injuries, incurred significant financial burdens, and dealt with severe emotional distress. As you recover from your accident, a seasoned legal advocate can help you navigate the complexities of personal injury law and help you claim the compensation that you need to cover your costs. Trust a Montgomery County head-on collision lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. to collect the evidence you need for your case, advocate on your behalf, and protect your rights throughout the process.
What Makes Head-On Collisions So Dangerous?
Head-on collisions occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide at high speeds—they generate immense force, often resulting in severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, or internal organ damage for its victims. Some of our clients have even lost loved ones to head-on collisions.
Beyond the physical impact, these crashes can exact an immense emotional toll as the victims cope with pain, loss, or permanent disabilities.
Head-on collisions usually happen when a driver crosses the centerline and strays into oncoming traffic due to distraction, intoxication, fatigue, or reckless behavior. Sometimes, poor road conditions or defective vehicle parts can also contribute to these types of accidents. Whatever the cause, if you need to collect the compensation necessary to cover your associated costs, you need to establish negligence or recklessness on the part of the at-fault driver.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Head-On Collision Case?
To establish negligence, you need to prove that the at-fault driver failed to uphold their duty of care to others while on the road and that this breach directly caused your accident. You can try to prove that the other driver was intoxicated, texting, speeding, or otherwise engaging in dangerous behavior. To this end, you will need to collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, and accident reconstruction simulations from forensic experts.
In cases where road defects or vehicle malfunctions play a role, you may also pursue claims against government entities or manufacturers.
Car accident victims are generally awarded economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages help to cover tangible losses, like hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, help address pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life—any loss that does not carry a specific dollar amount.
In rare cases where the court determines that the at-fault driver acted particularly egregiously, you could also seek punitive damages. Courts award punitive damages to punish the negligent party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Why Should You Act Quickly After a Head-On Collision?
The Pennsylvania statute of limitations generally gives car accident victims two years to file a lawsuit. If you wait longer than this, not only do you potentially forfeit your ability to legally claim compensation, but you can also compromise the reliability of any evidence you gathered. Evidence can deteriorate, witnesses’ memories may fade, and you may even recall the accident differently than how it happened.
Can You Pursue Compensation if You Share Fault?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, allowing you to recover compensation if you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, the court may reduce any payout you win by your percentage of fault.
For example, if the court finds you 20% at fault for the collision because you failed to use your turn signal, and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
How Do Insurance Companies Handle Head-On Collision Claims?
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, even when their policyholder—the other driver—holds liability in your case. After a head-on collision, the insurance adjusters may resist your claim by disputing liability, downplaying the severity of your injuries, or pressuring you into accepting a low settlement.
We strongly recommend retaining a qualified personal injury attorney to handle your negotiations and counter any tactics the insurers use to devalue your claim. If you cannot reach a fair settlement, your attorney can help you take your case to court.
How Can an Attorney Help With Your Case?
An attorney experienced in head-on collision cases provides invaluable support at every stage of your claim. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, they handle the complex legal tasks so you can focus on recovery. This includes investigating the accident, gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and negotiating with insurance companies.
Your lawyer will also represent you in court if necessary, presenting a compelling case to secure the compensation you need. By partnering with an experienced Montgomery County head-on collision lawyer, you gain an advocate who will protect your interests and fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Look for a lawyer with years of experience handling head-on collision cases, an in-depth understanding of personal injury law, and a handle on negotiation tactics. Your attorney should have a track record of success in similar cases and a reputation for providing compassionate, client-focused representation.
When you find an attorney, they will provide you with an initial consultation to review the details of your case, assess the evidence, and provide an honest evaluation of your claim. If you choose to retain them to advocate for you, they will help you understand your rights, the potential value of your case, and the steps involved in pursuing compensation.
Should you opt to move forward with your claim, they will help you file the necessary paperwork while advocating as strongly as possible for your rights and interests.
Speak With a Montgomery County Head-On Collision Lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C.
If you want an experienced advocate who prioritizes your needs after a head-on collision, go to Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. A Montgomery County head-on collision lawyer will give you the personalized attention, aggressive advocacy, and committed representation you deserve. Call us at 267-861-7100 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our Philadelphia and King of Prussia office locations serve clients in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.
