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Shealey Law Firm is a head-on collision lawyer serving Columbia, SC, and the surrounding areas. If you have been in an accident or if you have lost a loved one, we invite you to contact our experienced Columbia car accident lawyers today to learn about your case and see how a lawyer can help.
Why Head-On Collisions Are Among the Most Deadly Accident Types
Head-on collisions can be especially deadly because both vehicles contribute speed and force at impact. These forces are compounded.
When impact occurs, this kinetic energy quickly stops. The vehicles sustain damage and come to rest. But the people inside the vehicles keep moving forward.
Vehicle occupants may strike objects in the interior of their vehicles. They may be thrown from the vehicle. If forces are strong enough to collapse the front of the vehicle, the engine may push into the passenger compartment, causing further injury.
All these factors make head-on collisions especially dangerous. Surviving victims may suffer serious, life-changing injuries.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Columbia, SC
Here are some common causes of head-on collisions in Columbia, SC:
- Speeding. A speeding driver may not be able to control their vehicle or react in time to avoid a crash.
- Drunk driving. Intoxication impairs judgment, hand-eye coordination, and response time.
- Reckless driving. Driving with a clear disregard for the safety of others.
- Distraction. Manual, visual, or mental distraction from driving tasks.
- Passing. Entering the opposite lane of travel to pass another vehicle.
- Wrong way driving. When a driver goes against the direction of travel.
- Road design. Narrow lanes, no center median, deteriorated pavement markings, and no curve warnings, for example.
- Vegetation. Overgrowth may limit the sight of approaching vehicles.
SCDPS reported 12,450 total traffic collisions in Richland County in 2023. These collisions resulted in 4,107 injuries and 60 deaths.
The top roadways for collisions in Richland County, including Columbia, SC, were US-1, I-20, US-76, US-21, and I-77.
The US DOT says that head-on collisions are responsible for 14% of U.S. traffic fatalities. Most head-on collisions resulting in fatalities occur on undivided highways with a posted speed of over 50 miles per hour.
Long-Term Consequences of Head-On Crash Injuries
Long-term consequences of a head-on crash injury may include:
- Physical pain
- Medical bills
- Long-term medical care
- Loss of earning potential
- Reduced mobility
- Disability, disfigurement
- Less independence
- Not being able to participate in activities
- Changes to social relationships
- Lowered life expectancy
- Mental anguish, grief
- Anxiety, PTSD, emotional suffering
A head-on crash can change lives in an instant. Victims may deserve compensation. A head-on collision lawyer can represent you.
How Fault Is Determined After a Head-On Crash
Fault for head-on collisions in Columbia, SC, is based on negligence. Negligence is a legal term that means a lack of reasonable care. All drivers must be safe on the roads. Drivers must pay attention and observe speed limits. They must stay in their lane and adjust for road conditions.
The duty of care doesn’t just apply to drivers. Commercial vehicle operators must make sure their transported loads are secure and balanced. The governments that design and maintain roads have a duty for safety, too.
Fault is determined by looking at the actions of each party for negligence. One party may be entirely at fault. Fault may be shared. South Carolina uses a case-by-case comparative negligence system to determine the right to compensation.
Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages: What You May Be Owed
Head-on collision claims in Columbia, SC, may seek economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are direct, financial losses from the accident, like medical bills. You may be owed compensation for personal care expenses, replacement household services, and physical therapy. Projected future expenses can be included, too.
Non-economic damages cover a range of intangible losses. Of course, people who are in a head-on collision already know that it is life-changing. Victims and their families are impacted physically, emotionally, socially, and more. These are very real losses that can be compensated with a monetary award. The amount of the award reflects the overall severity of harm and impact of the collision.
To receive compensation, the victim must make a claim and prove their case. A lawyer can help you value your claim.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Contact a Head-On Collision Lawyer
The sooner you contact a head-on collision lawyer, the sooner you have an experienced professional protecting your rights. Your lawyer can preserve evidence while you’re focusing on medical care. They know what to say and what not to say to the insurance company.
A head-on collision lawyer makes sure your claim is complete. They can explain what to expect and answer your questions, giving you peace of mind.
When you have an experienced lawyer, you have a professional on your side who knows what to do to maximize your compensation.
Talk to a Lawyer
Shealey Law Firm is a Columbia, SC, head-on collision lawyer. Our attorneys represent victims and their families.
You may have a claim for compensation. You can have a lawyer as early as today. We can handle your case at any stage, whether or not you have started a claim with an insurance company.
Contact us for a consultation and get legal help now.