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Houston Head-On Collision Accident LawyerCause of Houston Head-On Collision Accidents
On highways, a head-on collision usually happens when one vehicle crosses the median into oncoming traffic and hits an approaching vehicle. It can also occur if a driver travels the wrong way down a one-way lane. On non-highways, they most often occur at intersections, with one driver racing through a red light into oncoming traffic.
Head-on collisions can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Distracted driving, including texting;
- Falling asleep at the wheel;
- Speeding;
- Tire blowout; or
- Any other event that causes the driver to lose control of his vehicle.
Recovery of Damages for Houston Head-On Collision Accidents
Head-on collisions can cause death or serious physical injury to its victims, both of which can have lifelong consequences to the survivors. Potential injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Partial or complete paralysis;
- Broken back or neck;
- Amputation; or
- Damage to, or loss of, internal organs.
If your loved one has been killed in a head-on collision accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the driver of the other vehicle. If you survived the head-on collision, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. In both cases, you would need to prove that the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence or wrongful act. If you can prove negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Loss of income;
- Mental or emotional pain or anguish;
- Loss of consortium or companionship;
- Medical bills; and
- Long-term care.
If you can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the death was caused by the other driver’s willful act or omission or gross negligence, you may also be entitled to recover punitive damages.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a Houston car accident, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. Our experienced head-on collision attorney will collect all evidence regarding the accident, including police, eyewitness and crash reports, to determine if you have a claim for damages. We accept only the most serious personal injury cases, and our limited case-load ensures that your case will get the attention it deserves.
Call the Houston Head-On Collision Accident Lawyer
With more than 35 years’ experience handling the most serious personal injury cases in Houston, the head-on collision accident lawyer Gregory Baumgartner at Baumgartner Law Firm fights for our select clients. We know that money can never fully give you your life back, especially if the accident resulted in the loss of a loved one.
But easing the financial strain associated with the death or injury of a loved can leave you with one less thing to worry about as you face your new future.
Call the Houston head-on collision accident lawyer today at (281) 587-1111 to discuss how we can help you fight for full and just compensation for your injuries after an accident.
[1]Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Highlights, 2013, http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2013/01-2013.pdfNeed an Attorney for Car Accident
Houston Car Accident Claims:From Start To Finish
An Interactive Guide
CRUNCH!
You hear metal crumpling. Someone just hit your car. Maybe they ran a red light or lost control of their vehicle. Maybe you were rear-ended by a teenage driver on her cellphone.
Either way, you’re angry and frustrated. You have things to do. Places to go. But now, you're standing beside your damaged vehicle waiting for the police to arrive. You start to feel some neck pain.
All that to say: A single, unexpected moment changed everything.
A car accident can strike at any time. Whether you are on your way to work or headed to the store, it doesn’t matter. It’s moments like these that cause the government to require everyone to buy insurance.
A Guide For All Car Accident Victims
In this guide, you will learn:
- How To Handle Yourself When Disaster Strikes
- How To Ensure The At-Fault Insurance Company Covers Any Property Damage And Injury Expenses.
- What Injury Lawyers Do And How They Can Help You.
Get To Safety
Prevent Further Damage & Injury
If you find yourself in the middle of the intersection or on the freeway, you first priority is to move all persons (and vehicles if possible) out of the way of oncoming oncoming traffic.
Survey The Damage
Call The Police + Gather Evidence
After getting to safety, you should immediately dial 911. Make sure to alert the dispatcher if there are any serious injuries.
As you wait for help to arrive, you have 3 goals:
- Identify Extent of Injuries
- Identify Witnesses
- Identify Vehicle Damage
Pro Tip: Use your cell phone to record a statement from the other driver, as well as to store contact information for the other driver and any witnesses.
What Type Of Photos
Should I Take?
Take Photos Of The
Following:
Other Driver's License
Damage On Both Vehicles
License Plate Of
Other Vehicle
Insurance Policy Of Other Driver
Get Medical Help
Your Health Is #1
After emergency help arrives, it is important to seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t feel injured, it is important to get checked out for any internal injuries.
Be sure to go in for any follow-up checkups or procedures.
Pro Tip: If you wait before seeking medical treatment, the at-fault insurance company may argue that your injury wasn’t serious and that you don’t deserve compensation for medical expenses.
Common Internal
Injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal Bleeding
- Broken Ribs
- Punctured Lungs
Whiplash
Whiplash is caused by a sudden forward or backward jerking motion of the head, which can damage the intervertabral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots. Symptoms of whiplash manifest in neck pain, dizziness, sleep disturbances, fatigue, headache, lower back pain and sometimes numbness in the arm or hand.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is caused by blunt trauma, and varies depending on the forces involved and the individual. It cannot be seen outside of the body, and it may occur within organs, tissues and body cavities including the abdomend, chest, spinal canal and head.
Broken Ribs
It takes aproximately 4,000 Newtons (measurement of force) to break or crack a rib. The symptoms of a broken rib include pain while breathing, applying pressure to the area, and when you bend or twist your body. Ribs are often broken by the force of the seabelt during deceleration of the vehicle during a crash.
Punctured Lungs
Puncturing a lung can be a serious injury. In a punctured lung, air gathers between the lungs and the chest cavity. The pressure build up makes it impossible for the lung to expand. Symptoms include coughing blood, chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness and headaches.
Hire An Injury Lawyer
Save Time. Get Compensated.
Hiring an injury lawyer after a serious accident is one of the best things you can do. Injury lawyers take care of all communication and negotiation with insurance companies. This frees up your time to focus on recovering.
At our law firm, we offer free initial consultations to all Houston residents. Just fill out our contact form — or give us a call to schedule a convenient time for you. We’ll listen to your story and offer our advice.
Pro Tip: Never accept a settlement without consulting a lawyer, especially if injury is involved. Once you accept a settlement, you can never recover anything further in the future.
Time Is Of The Essence
In most cases, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is called the Statute of Limitations.
Certain exceptions can extend and/or shorten a limitations period.
If the victim is a minor, the limitations may be extended until they are 18 years old.
If you are in an accident caused by a governmental entity in Texas, the statute of limitations may be much shorter — ranging from a few months to six months.
File Your Claim
Notify Your Insurance Company
It is important to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
Many insurance companies allow you to file your claim online. Otherwise, call the number listed on your insurance card.
Be sure to keep track of all adjuster names and contact information.
Pro Tip: There may be multiple active insurance policies that can cover you. For example, if the other driver didn’t have insurance, your own Uninsured Motorist coverage could kick in. An experienced attorney can help identify these policies & maximize your recovery.
Find Your Insurance Company
Find Your Insurance Company Contact Info
Learn Fault Factors
How Fault Is Determined
Were you speeding? Nearly one-third of all car accidents can be attributed to speeding.
Was anything obstructing your view? Over half of all states have windshield obstructions laws.
What were the weather conditions? Slippery roads can reduce traction and cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Who had the right of way? The law gives the right of way to no one, but it does state who must yield (give up) the right of way.
What were the Traffic Conditions? Crashes of all types are at their highest Monday through Friday between the hours of 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Were you distracted? (Radio, Phone) Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving.
Were you wearing a seatbelt? Seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes.
Was a citation given out? In most instances, any driver violating traffic law will be held largely responsible for a resulting car accident.
Pro Tip: Do not give any recorded statements until you have the opportunity to consult with legal counsel.
Schedule a Free Strategy Session
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Our Atascocita, Texas Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury or was killed in an accident, the Atascocita, Texas personal injury attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm can help. For almost three decades, we have focused solely on severe personal injury cases, giving our attorneys a depth of experience that has earned us a reputation for getting maximum compensation and superior ratings from numerous attorney ranking authorities.