Any auto accident is capable of causing serious injury or even death. However, Kentucky head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of accidents. Indeed, recent statistics indicate that, while head-on collisions represent only 2% of all auto accidents, they are responsible for 10% of all traffic-related fatalities and 4% of all auto vehicle accident injuries. This is particularly a concern in Kentucky, because head-on accidents occur most often on rural roads, causing 13% of all traffic deaths in rural areas.
At the Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC, we help those injured in Kentucky head-on collisions recover financial compensation from the parties responsible for the accident. We also represent surviving family members who tragically lost a loved one in a head-on accident. Our dedicated team of injury advocates has over 22 years of experience holding negligent motorists and their insurance companies accountable, and we look forward to seeing how we can help you.
What Is a Head-On Collision and How Do They Occur?
Head-on collisions, also called frontal crashes, are those accidents in which two vehicles collide from front-end to front-end. Head-on collisions can occur in a few different ways. However, most of them are the result of any of the following:
Distracted driving – Motorists who are not paying attention to the road ahead of them may drift out of their lane and into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision.
Intoxicated driving – Intoxicated drivers, whether under the influence of drugs or alcohol, have a difficult time maintaining their lane. Additionally, drivers may doze off while behind the wheel, causing them to lose control of their car.
Weather-Related accidents – Motorists who fail to take adverse weather conditions into account lose control as they encounter a puddle of water or black ice. This can cause them to cross over the center median and into oncoming traffic.
Dangerous passing – When a driver passes another slower moving vehicle, they must take extra care to do so safely. Overtaking another car over a double-yellow line, or without the room needed to complete the maneuver, can result in a head-on collision.
Drowsy driving – For most, the concept of falling asleep behind the wheel is unthinkable. However, it happens relatively often. The motorists most likely to fall asleep or drift off are truck drivers, who frequently spend long hours on the road. While state and federal law require truck drivers to take frequent rest breaks, many truckers disregard these rules in favor of making good time.
Of course, these are just a few of the causes of head-on collisions. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding an accident, these collisions do not typically occur when drivers exercise the necessary level of care while driving.
Common Injuries in Kentucky Head-On Collisions
Due to the fact that head-on collisions, by definition, involve direct impact and many occur at high speeds, the injuries these accidents cause are often extremely serious. For example, the following are among the most common injuries in a head-on collision:
Even if your injuries appear to be minor, that may not be the case. For example, many serious head injuries present no symptoms right after the accident. It is not until days, weeks, or even months later that symptoms develop. For this reason, it is crucial for Kentucky hit-and-run accident victims to obtain immediate medical attention to evaluate the full extent of their injuries and obtain the appropriate medical care.
Compensation in a Kentucky Head-On Accident Case
Those involved in a hit-and-run accident due to no fault of their own can pursue a civil claim for damages against the motorist responsible for the accident. These cases are referred to as injury cases. If an accident victim is successful in bringing their claim, they may be entitled to a variety of damages, including compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate victims or their family members for the out-of-pocket expenses they incurred because of the accident. For example, the most common economic damages include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Funeral and burial expenses (in a wrongful death case)
Plaintiffs typically prove economic damages by presenting evidence of their out-of-pocket costs, such as their medical bills. Regarding a decrease in earning capacity, expert witnesses can help accident victims forecast the income they would have earned if they worked to retirement age.
Non-economic damages, however, are more difficult to pinpoint. Non-economic damages consist of the non-monetary damages a victim experiences as a result of the accident. For example, the following are common types of non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Limitations on the victim’s ability to live their life the way they want to live it
- Loss of consortium
Establishing a claim for non-economic damages is more challenging than proving economic damages because there is no hard evidence illustrating the appropriate amount of damages. Typically, non-economic damages are proven by presenting a compelling case that outlines the impact that the accident took on the victim’s life. Thus, the assistance of an experienced attorney is crucial to maximizing a non-economic damages award.
Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney for Immediate Assistance with Your Head-On Collision Case
If you or someone you love has recently been severely injured in a Louisville head-on collision, give the injury legal team at the Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC, a call. We can help you pursue a claim against the responsible parties. With more than 20 years of experience helping accident victims obtain the compensation they need and deserve, we have what it takes to go up against even the largest insurance companies. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our dedicated injury lawyers, call today or contact us through our online form. Please remember, because we handle all cases on a contingency basis, there is no risk in calling as we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
