Understanding Head-On Collision Accidents
Las Vegas, Nevada
Head-on collision lawsuits
If your head-on collision accident resulted in a severe injury, call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case.
We don't charge for consultations.
What is a head-on collision?
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles travel in opposite directions crash into each other front-to-front. These accidents can be severe, can result in significant damage to the cars and serious injuries or even fatalities to the occupants.
What causes a head-on collision?
Several factors can contribute to head-on collisions:
• Distracted driving (for example, texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or crossing into oncoming traffic lanes) can lead to accidents.
• Drunk driving can also be a reason for a head-on collision.
• Speeding, poor road conditions, and failure to obey traffic signs or signals can contribute to head-on collision accidents.
Who is liable
In Nevada, the vehicle traveling in the wrong direction is at fault, and the driver of that vehicle (or their insurance) is financially responsible for all damages. It includes medical bills, lost wages, damaged property, pain and suffering, and PTSD. In some cases, more than one party could be responsible for the accident.
Can pedestrians be liable?
Yes. A pedestrian can cause an accident by forcing a vehicle to swerve. In these cases, the pedestrian is partly liable - if their actions were negligent. For instance, if a pedestrian illegally runs into oncoming traffic, the pedestrian is partly responsible for the accident. The pedestrian's negligence could reduce the driver's liability in such cases.
Children crossing the street in the middle of the road
Children are supposed to follow the pedestrian crossing regulations, such as using designated crosswalks and obeying traffic signals and signs. However, Nevada law recognizes that children may not always exercise the same level of judgment or caution as adults and imposes a lesser standard of care on children under a certain age.
For more information or if a small child's behavior on the street caused your head-on collision accident, call us at 702-432-1000 and ask to speak with our personal injury attorney.
When intervening drivers or vehicles are liable
In multi-vehicle accidents, the actions of intervening drivers or vehicles can complicate liability determinations. For example, if a third vehicle abruptly changes lanes or engages in reckless driving behavior, causing one car to swerve and collide head-on with another, the intervening driver may share liability for the collision.
Similarly, if a vehicle fails to yield or obstruct traffic, contributing to the accident, the driver of that vehicle may be held accountable for their actions.
Other liable parties
• Poor road maintenance, inadequate signage, hazardous road design, or the entity responsible for maintaining the road (e.g., government agency, municipality, or private entity) may share liability for the collision.
• Defective vehicle components (brakes, steering system, tires) or mechanical failures can contribute to head-on collisions.
• The manufacturer or distributor of the defective part may bear liability for the resulting damages.
Injuries after a head-on collision
Here are some common head-on collision injuries:
Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury. It is caused by the fast back-and-forth motion of the head during the accident.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Head-on collisions can cause a TBI and range from concussions to contusions or hemorrhages.
Spinal cord injuries: A head-on collision can injure the spinal cord and lead to a permanent disability.
Others: Broken bones, internal injuries, soft tissue injuries, and PTSD can result from a head-on collision.
Sadly, head-on collisions can result in fatalities either at the scene of the accident or as a result of complications during medical treatment.
What to do list
If you find yourself in a head-on collision with another vehicle, take these 9 steps:
1. Stay calm: Assess your surroundings and ensure you and your passengers are safe.
2. Check for injuries: Can you move? Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911.
3. Move the vehicle to a safe place: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
4. Exchange information: Exchange contact/insurance information with the other driver involved in the collision. Include names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's licenses, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance policy information.
5. Document the scene: Take many photos of the scene of an accident, including the vehicles involved, their positions, and any visible damage. Note the location, time of day, road conditions, and relevant traffic signs or signals.
6. Notify authorities: Report the head-on collision to the police, even if the accident is minor. Get a police report number.
7. Seek medical attention: Even if you don't feel your injury immediately after a head-on collision, still seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not look serious immediately but can worsen if left untreated.
8. Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident and provide the necessary information to initiate the claims process.
9. Call an attorney. If you sustained injuries, call a personal injury attorney. The attorney can help you get your deserved compensation. We invite you to contact us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case.
What are the challenges of head-on collision lawsuits?
Head-on collision lawsuits can be complex due to several factors:
Disputed liability: Determining fault in head-on collisions may be disputed, especially if conflicting accounts of the accident or insufficient evidence exist to establish liability. Often, attorneys hire an accident reconstruction specialist to help determine the cause of an accident and who is at fault. It can lead to lengthy legal battles and uncertainty for all parties involved.
If you are partly at fault: When the victim is less than 51% at fault, they are still entitled to a settlement, but your compensation will be lower. Establishing a percentage could be challenging and requires help from an experienced attorney.
More than 1 victim is involved: When many people are injured in an accident, ALL victims are entitled to compensation. However, settling a case involving multiple victims may take a long time.
We can help
Some injuries from car accidents can heal in a matter of months with proper treatment. But others (the injuries after head-on collision accidents is one of them) may stay with the victim for the rest of their lives. Also, there could be complications discovered decades later.
Our law firm handles dozens of motor-vehicle accidents every week. Call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your situation and ask to speak with our personal injury attorney.
The initial consultation is free.
We take all personal injury accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we get settlement money for you.
We serve clients injured in Las Vegas and Nevada.
We also provide house and hospital visits upon request.
Last updated on May 5, 2024.
