Michigan Head-On Collisions

Due to their nature, a head-on collision has the potential to lead to devastating and life-threatening injuries in Michigan.

If you were injured in a front-end crash, you might be suffering severe physical trauma and trying to contend with a pile of medical bills.

However, by consulting a proative lawyer, you could have help in understanding your legal options and decide how to best proceed.

Depending on the circumstances of your auto accident, you might be able to pursue a claim against a negligent and reckless driver.

A well-versed attorney could help to gather evidence and pursue a thorough claim to demand the compensation you deserve.

• Types of injuries caused from direct impact accidents
• Types of compensation available after a head-on collision
• Head-on accident lawsuit settlement example
• How to retain a lawyer after a head-on accident

Injuries From Direct Impact Accidents

While head-on car crashes are not as common as other types of accidents in Michigan, they often result in some of the most significant and potentially life-threatening injuries to motorists and passengers. These injuries might include:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Spinal trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Many of these front-end collisions occur after a motorist attempts to pass another driver on a two-lane road, unaware of the vehicles coming in the opposite direction. Other causes include a driver being distracted, texting, speeding recklessly, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

While the resulting injuries might be severe, an innocent motorist might be able to pursue compensation against a negligent driver for disobeying the rules of the road and causing a head-on car wreck.

Types of Compensation Available After a Head-On Crash

Because of the severity of many direct impact crashes, a person might have to undergo immediate surgery, as well as years of treatment, rehabilitation, and physical therapy—all of which are often expensive, time-consuming, and often difficult. Essentially, the fallout from a car accident can leave a widespread impact on a person’s personal, professional, and financial livelihood.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways an injured motorist might be able to seek compensation for their losses and financial strain. For example, the state’s no-fault insurance might be able to provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other associated damages.

However, when a person’s injuries are extensive, no-fault insurance benefits might be able to cover the full scope of their losses. Instead, an injured motorist might be able to request compensation directly from a reckless driver who caused a front-end collision. A Michigan head-on collision accident lawyer could help to explain how a motorist might seek compensation and work tirelessly to build a persuasive claim on their behalf.

The Time Limit for a Claim in Michigan

Under Michigan Complied Laws §600.5805, a three-year statute of limitations is in place for anyone looking to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver. This timeframe begins from the date of the accident that results in the potential claimant’s injuries.

Because of this, anyone seeking compensation might benefit from working with a qualified Michigan attorney to try to ensure they file a timely claim. While exceptions might exist to this statute, anyone who files a claim after this time runs the risk of facing a dismissal.

Head-On Collision Fatal Crash Statistics

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported a 58% fatality rate for motor vehicle occupants in frontal impact crashes in 2017. According to the report, a head-on crash is more likely in a rural area, and 13% of all rural fatal crashes are head-on crashes. In urban areas, fewer than 7% of fatal crashes are reported as head-on collilsions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed a list of driver behaviors as factors in fatal crashes.

The pie chart below shows the percentage breakdown of types of fatal collisions involving a moving motor vehicle across the nation in 2017.

According to the report, head-on collisions accounted for more than 10 percent of all fatal collisions (13,416) with a moving motor vehicle.

Head-On Collision Settlement Example

A car accident lawsuit was filed for a woman driving down the road.

Another driver operating a company truck was distracted and not paying attention to the vehicle in front of him. He swerved to avoid a crash, but crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the innocent woman.

The woman suffered a traumatic brain injury and orthopedic fractures. The company was sued and later agreed to pay her a settlement of $5 million.

Retain a Lawyer After a Michigan Head-On Collision

If you were injured in a car crash with a negligent motorist, you might benefit from reaching out to a lawyer who has experience and skill in handling Michigan head-on collision claims. When the careless, reckless, or malicious behavior of another person causes your injuries, you should not have to shoulder the subsequent costs alone.

However, proving fault and pursuing a claim is a complex and exhaustive legal process. By working with a tenacious and experienced attorney, you could have help with each step. To schedule a consultation, call a legal professional at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. today.