Head-on car crashes are not very common, but when they do happen, they almost always result in devastating injuries. In fact, frontal collisions account for about 10 percent of all fatal crashes in the US, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For victims and their families, the physical and emotional suffering can be unimaginable, especially if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Medical bills and other related costs will also rack up quickly, causing more distress.
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt in a head-on auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. In New Jersey, talk to us at The Grossman Law Firm to know your best legal options. We can help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
Free Consultation: Call (732) 625-9494.
Negligence In Head-On Crashes in New Jersey: Common Causes And Fault
Frontal collisions usually involve one vehicle crossing the median line and meeting oncoming traffic on the wrong lane. Others occur when a driver goes too fast or loses control at a curve. In most cases, the accident can be traced to the negligent actions of one party:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated/Drunk-driving
- Speeding
- Driving too fast at a curve or on a dangerous road
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Defective brakes.
A vast majority of head-on auto accidents could have been prevented if the at-fault driver had been more responsible on the road. Thus, an at-fault driver is typically held liable for compensating the injured party. But on rare occasion, the crash is caused by faulty car parts such as malfunctioning brakes. Injuries may also result from defective airbags or seatbelts. In such a case, the car manufacturer could be investigated for product liability.
New Jersey law follows the “modified comparative negligence” rule, which means that fault in an accident can be divided among involved parties. If you are the injured party and you had some share of fault in the crash, your compensation could be reduced accordingly. Further, if it is found that more than 50 percent of the crash was your fault, you may be barred from receiving compensation altogether.
It is important that you hire a lawyer to protect your right to fair compensation. While an attorney is not required for injury claims, having a lawyer can be indispensable to thoroughly investigate the case, establish the other party’s liability, and assert the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries In New Jersey Head-On Crashes
Frontal crashes happen at such high speeds that resulting injuries are very often catastrophic or fatal. These include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal injury
- Whiplash
- Airbag or seatbelt injuries (broken ribs, chest trauma)
- Knee or leg injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Facial disfigurement.
Together with your doctors and lawyer, you’ll want to determine the full extent of your head-on crash injuries. Many of these are not just immediate injuries – they involve long-term consequences such as impairment or chronic pain. These entail additional costs that you might have to face long after the accident. They are also damages for which you could be compensated.
A competent attorney can help you assess the true value of your injury case, and fight for the maximum compensation that you need and deserve. We at the Grossman Law Firm can even assist you in finding the right physicians and medical care for your injuries.
We also serve families who have lost a loved one in a head-on car accident. A wrongful death claim may compensate you for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and other related damages. While monetary reimbursement can never replace the life lost, it can help ease your financial concerns so you can focus on your true healing.
Call The Grossman Law Firm
Our attorneys at the Grossman Law Firm are highly experienced in personal injury and wrongful death cases from head-on collisions. We are tenacious in fighting for full compensation for our clients, while treating them with family-like consideration throughout their case. Your consultation with us is free. Call us at (732) 625-9494 today.
