Head On Collision Lawyer in New Orleans

When you get behind the wheel, you don’t expect to be involved in an accident. You pay attention to your surroundings and obey traffic rules. Unfortunately, not everyone does.

This means that you could be the unfortunate victim of a head on collision. If you’ve suffered injuries in this type of accident, then a head on collision lawyer in New Orleans can provide much-needed support and advocacy. 

When another motorist hits you head on because they were careless, you have a right to be compensated for the injuries and damage they caused. There is a high likelihood that your injuries will be severe due to the abrupt impact between the two vehicles.

A New Orleans car accident lawyer from Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers wants to see you and your family compensated after an accident.

Why Choose Scott Vicknair as Your New Orleans Head On Collision Lawyer

The New Orleans personal injury lawyers at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers have 121 years of combined experience handling a wide variety of cases and securing results for our clients.

When you are dealing with extensive injuries and growing expenses, our team can provide clarity on how to navigate your case and secure compensation for everything you’ve lost. We are in your corner and are committed to your success and well-being. 

From start to finish, we advocate for you and provide unwavering support during this difficult time. Our team handles the logistics of your case as well as all communications on your behalf so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

We work diligently to gather evidence, evaluate the value of your case, and negotiate with insurance companies so we can secure a settlement that fits your needs. 

While many cases are resolved through negotiations and settlements, some cases may have to be litigated. If insurance doesn’t cover the totality of your losses or insurance companies refuse to cooperate and pay you what you are entitled to, then you may need to file a lawsuit instead.

Our team at heaScott Vicknair Injury Lawyers prepares for this possibility by building cases that are court-ready so we can get you maximum results.

What Constitutes a Head On Car Crash and What Factors Contribute to Them

Head on car accidents, also known as head on crashes, are less common than T-bone or rear-end crashes, but they usually cause more damage.

This is because these accidents involve a powerful impact, an abrupt stop, and apply significant force on the body. This frontal assault by another vehicle is also more likely to have a direct effect on drivers’ physical health. Some common causes of head on crashes include:

• Motorists trying to pass on two-lane roads
• Confused drivers going in the wrong direction
• Drivers who are distracted by mobile phones or other activities that pull focus from the road and result in lane-drifting
• Drunk, drug-impaired, or distracted drivers who drift into the oncoming lane
• Drivers in no-passing zones who try to pass when they cannot see what is coming the other way
• Road and weather conditions that may force a vehicle into another lane

These motorists’ actions are negligent and can lead to a civil lawsuit against them when they injure someone. After a head on crash, Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers can study medical and police reports, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident. We can present this documentation as evidence of negligence to the insurance company or to a jury.

Common Injuries Sustained in a Head On Car Collision in New Orleans

When examining the effects of each type of crash, the numbers show that head on collisions lead to 8.6% of all car accident injuries but cause 29.9% of car accident fatalities.

This large gap demonstrates just how serious head on accidents are and the danger they pose to drivers. Some of the most common injuries that a driver may sustain when involved in a head on accident in New Orleans may include: 

• Broken bones
• Whiplash
• Neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Chest injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries 
• Facial injuries
• Catastrophic injuries

Because these accidents are so dangerous, the importance of seeing a doctor after a car accident cannot be overstated. It may not always be easy to tell the extent of your injuries right away, so you should receive a full examination and treatment by a medical professional as soon as possible.

They can also evaluate your prognosis, future needs, and work with you to develop a recovery plan. Keep all records.

What Happens When a Head On Collision Results in a Wrongful Death

When an injured party’s attorney can demonstrate negligence in a head on car accident, but the person dies, family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at–fault driver on the decedent’s behalf.

This ensures justice for the victim and provides compensation to the decedent’s family to offset the unexpected losses and expenses they’ve suffered.

Wrongful death compensation often includes the loss of financial support that the decedent provided, as well as loss of their companionship and guidance, emotional distress, and end-of-life expenses, such as medical bills and funeral costs.

Compensation can provide considerable relief for surviving family members in the aftermath of a head on collision fatality, so they can begin to rebuild their lives. 

A wrongful death lawyer in New Orleans provides compassionate and empathetic support during this painful time and is your strongest ally and boldest advocate during your case.

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers help you resolve your claim as swiftly as possible so you’re able to cover expenses and rest easy knowing you have the resources you need.

Establishing an At-Fault Driver’s Liability for a Head On Collision in New Orleans

Getting hit head on by a negligent driver can turn your life upside down. When you file an accident claim, you have the opportunity to hold the other driver accountable for their actions and make them pay for the losses you suffered. Since the burden is on you to demonstrate the other party’s negligence, a New Orleans head on collision attorney can help you meet the requirements. 

To do this, your lawyer will demonstrate that the other driver was obligated to show you a duty of care on the road and ensure your safety. Next, they will show that the driver breached their duty of care to you by engaging in unsafe and negligent actions.

As a result of their actions, the other driver drifted into oncoming traffic and hit you, causing your losses. The driver must then pay for your damages.

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers will work closely with you to gather sufficient evidence to demonstrate each of the elements of negligence stated above.

The quantity and quality of evidence you have impact the strength of your claim and how quickly your case can be resolved. Strong cases reduce pushback from insurance and at-fault parties, as well as obstacles in your case, which helps you get better results.

When an Injured Party is Partly Responsible for a Head On Car Accident

Establishing liability in head on car accidents in New Orleans is not always black and white. Sometimes, an injured plaintiff bears some responsibility.

Under Louisiana Civil Code 2323, an injured party may still collect a damages award if they are 50% or less at fault for the accident. This law is called modified comparative negligence. The plaintiff’s percentage of fault will reduce the award. 

For example, when the defendant is passing illegally on a two-lane road and hits a speeding plaintiff head on, the jury could decide the plaintiff is 30% at fault. A $1,000,000 settlement will be reduced by 30% to $700,000. Conversely, the defendant who is 70% at fault for the accident will be barred from recovering compensation since they are primarily at fault for causing the collision. 

Even a small amount of fault can translate into a considerable loss of compensation. To avoid losing any more of your settlement than is necessary, you should talk to a lawyer.

They will discuss what your options are and can tailor their strategies so your case is optimized to recover as much as possible. 

Compensation a New Orleans Head On Collision Lawyer Can Help Victims Recover After an Accident

Whether you’ve been injured or lost a loved one to a head on accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation to offset the losses that you’ve suffered.

A lawyer can show you how to protect yourself financially after a head on collision. They can also help you file your claim and pursue damages. A settlement will generally provide for your financial expenses and trauma.

Losses covered may include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation, medical equipment, and accommodations
• Property damage expenses
• Lost wages and earning potential
• Costs associated with funeral and burial arrangements
• Reduced enjoyment and quality of life
• Emotional distress
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of companionship or consortium

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers fight to secure the full value of your losses in your settlement. We carefully evaluate each one of your losses and present a detailed account to the insurance company in a demand letter.

With clear evidence of how much your case is worth, your lawyer can advocate for you more effectively and increase the likelihood that you’ll receive a larger settlement for the losses you suffered. 

Let an Attorney Help After Head On Car Accidents in New Orleans

Head on car accidents happen because some drivers behave irresponsibly. When your head on collision attorney in New Orleans has the necessary evidence to establish negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is dedicated to righting the wrongs bad drivers commit, as well as the harm they cause you in the process. We fight to win as much compensation as possible so you can recuperate in financial comfort.

When you are hurt in a head on car collision in New Orleans, call us for a free consultation. We’re ready to fight for you, help you get started on filing your claim, and get justice. 

Commonly Asked Questions About New Orleans Head On Collisions

How Long Do I Have After a Head On Collision to File an Accident Claim?

You have two years from the time of the accident to file a claim to recover the losses you sustained in a head on collision, according to Louisiana Civil Code 3493.1.

Cases can be complex and take longer than you might expect, so it’s important to consult a lawyer and initiate your claim as early as possible. If you don’t resolve your case before the statute of limitations expires, then you could risk not recovering damages.

What Should I Do After a Head On Collision?

Knowing what to do after a Louisiana car accident can help you physically and financially recover faster. Immediate medical attention is essential to ensure your safety and establish the extent of your injuries.

You should also file a police report to document the crash and gather evidence such as witness information and photos. You’ll also need to exchange information with the other driver so you can file an insurance claim. 

Before contacting the insurance company, consult an experienced lawyer about your legal options and how much you can recover. They can then also help you file your claim, communicate with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and negotiate a fair settlement.

You will also need to notify your own insurance company so they can communicate with the other driver’s insurance company as needed. 

How Quickly Can I Resolve My Accident Claim and Recover Compensation?

The amount of time it takes to resolve a head on collision claim and recover compensation is dependent on several factors. The complexity of your case, the number of losses you’ve suffered, the severity of your injuries, insurance cooperation, partial fault, and more.

Lawyers can provide clarity on the estimated timeline for your case and will work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.