Head-on Collision Accidents in Pennsylvania: Causes, Injuries, and Your Legal Rights

Head-on collisions are often severe, leaving victims with serious and catastrophic injuries. If the accident was not your fault, the negligent driver who caused it should pay for your medical expenses and other damages. You deserve financial resources to help you heal, and you should not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes.

KBG Injury Law has over 40 years of experience fighting for injured parties in Pennsylvania. Our head-on collision car accident lawyer could help you build a solid case proving your right to compensation. We are here to deal with the insurance companies, legal action, and every case detail so you can concentrate on getting your life back on track.

What is a head-on collision, and why is it so dangerous?

Head-on collisions involve two vehicles traveling in opposite directions, crashing front-end to front-end. The force of two moving cars colliding in this way can be especially violent, making head-on wrecks among the most deadly types of car accidents.

The force and speed of a frontal collision accident can cause the vehicle to dent in toward the driver and front-seat passengers and set off airbags, all of which can cause bodily harm. The impact can also cause the body to jolt forward, potentially colliding with the car’s dashboard.

The resulting, head-on collision injuries may include:

• Severe cuts and bruises
• Facial and dental injuries
• Broken bones
• Shoulder, neck, and back injuries (including whiplash)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries

If you sustained an injury in a head-on crash caused by a negligent driver, our attorneys want to help. We know the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious injury can take, and we are here to get you money you need to care for yourself and your family while you recover.

What are the most common causes of head-on collision accidents?

Head-on collisions happen when one driver is traveling the wrong way in the wrong lane. Sometimes, this is due to a driver going the wrong direction down a one-way street or entering the wrong way onto a highway. Drivers typically end up in the wrong lane for reasons that involve negligence.

Negligent actions that could result in a driver drifting into the wrong lane include:

• Distracted driving
• Texting and driving
• Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs
• Fatigued driving
• Reckless or illegal passing
• Loss of vehicle control
• Poorly maintained or badly designed roadways

When vehicle defects or hazardous road conditions contribute to head-on accidents, injured parties may have claims against auto or auto parts manufacturers or roadway owners (where exceptions to governmental immunity apply). Our head-on collision car accident lawyer could help you identify all those who may be liable in your case.

How to prove fault in a head-on crash

The at-fault driver in a head-on collision is typically the driver who crossed over into the wrong lane. However, the force of impact in a frontal car accident can send vehicles spinning, making it hard to determine who crossed the centerline from where they ended up.

Evidence, such as eyewitness testimony and video footage of the crash, can be used to prove fault and support your claim. Other case evidence may include police reports, medical records, accident scene photos, and accident debris.

Gathering this proof can take a lot of time and effort. Our lawyers can handle this for you. When necessary, we can also call on experts, such as crash reconstruction specialists, to assist with the case.

How does full tort vs. limited tort coverage affect head-on collision claims?

Pennsylvania has what is often referred to as a “choice” no-fault auto insurance system. Your selection of limited or full tort coverage could affect the types of damages you can recover after a crash.

According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, all drivers must carry a minimum of $5,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance (also called personal injury protection insurance, or PIP). They must also have $15,000/$30,000 per person/accident in bodily injury liability and $5,000 in property damage liability.

Medical benefits pay for your accident injuries, no matter who caused the collision. Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damages caused to others if you are legally responsible for a wreck.

The choice drivers get to make is between full and limited tort coverage. Limited tort offers slightly lower premiums, but if you purchase this type, you give up your right to sue a liable driver for pain and suffering damages unless you have a serious injury as defined by Pennsylvania law or one of the other enumerated exceptions apply. If you choose full tort, you have the unrestricted right to recover all types of compensation through legal action.

If you have questions about your insurance coverage, our head-on accident attorneys can review your policy. We are here to help you pursue all damages available to you, through both first-party and liability insurance claims.

Potential head-on collision damages

Every case is unique and, as discussed, your insurance coverage can affect the damages you can pursue after a head-on crash. Generally, compensation may include:

• Current medical bills
• Ongoing medical expenses
• Lost income and employment benefits
• Lost earning capacity
• Vehicle and personal property damages
• Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages on behalf of a fatally injured loved one

What to do after a head-on accident

The most important thing after a head-on collision in PA is protecting your health. If you did not receive emergency medical care at the accident scene, see your doctor as soon as possible. A physician can ensure you do not have undiagnosed or worsening injuries. Getting treatment also verifies your injuries and creates a medical record for your case.

If you are physically able, while at the crash site, you should:

• Call the police to report the accident – particularly if it involves injury, death, or significant property damage (this will initiate an investigation by law enforcement)
• Take photos of the scene and the involved vehicles
• Take photos of your injuries
• Get the other driver’s name, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance information, and contact information
• Get contact information from eyewitnesses

You should also consider reaching out to our head-on collision lawyer right away. Our attorney can notify the insurance companies about the crash and begin the claims process. Allowing us to represent you from the start sends the message that you will not settle for less than you deserve. It also gives you an experienced legal ally who will look out for your best interests and fight for full and fair compensation.

Contact KBG Injury Law about your head-on crash

KBG Injury Law can guide you through your personal injury case if you were hurt in a head-on collision in PA. We believe in forging personal relationships with our clients and will be at your side, offering you support and quality legal service every step of the way.

To learn more about how our attorneys can advocate for you, contact us today. We have offices conveniently located throughout South Central Pennsylvania.