When two vehicles collide head-on, it creates conditions for severe and debilitating injuries. If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a head-on collision anywhere on Long Island, the five boroughs of New York City, or any of the surrounding counties, you may qualify to recover damages. An East Meadow car accident lawyer from the office of Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will fight for justice on your behalf.
We will take all the necessary steps to build and present your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating your settlement. We can also offer this assistance in different languages. Call our office today at (516) 932-0400 for a free consultation.
- Risk Factors for Head-On Collisions
- Establishing Liability After a Head-On Collision
- Going After Recoverable Damages
- Contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. Today
Risk Factors for Head-On Collisions
There are several factors that may lead to head-on collisions. While many of these collisions are the result of driver error, road conditions may also play a role. For example, if two vehicles are traveling on a road with a tight blind curve, there is the possibility of one vehicle veering into oncoming traffic.
Other factors, such as poor visibility or a lack of traffic signals, may also lead to a head-on collision. Inclement weather conditions create hazardous driving conditions as well, making it difficult to keep control of the vehicle and stay on the right side of the road.
While conditions on the road can certainly cause head-on collisions, driver mistakes are most commonly responsible for traffic accidents. Many head-on collisions are avoidable when drivers abide by safe and responsible driving practices.
Unfortunately, not all drivers take the necessary precautions and care when they get behind the wheel. Some of the most common causes of head-on collisions include:
- Drunk or impaired driving.
- Drowsy driving.
- Texting while driving.
- Other forms of distracted driving
Driving Under the Influence or While Drowsy
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs pose a substantial threat to themselves, their passengers, and other drivers. Alcohol intoxication leads to decreased depth perception, lack of awareness, and lethargy. All of these risk factors combined can create a greater chance of head-on collisions and other types of accidents.
Driver fatigue can have many of the same effects as intoxicated driving. Extreme drowsiness can make it difficult for drivers to stay focused and alert enough to control their vehicles, particularly at night.
Distracted Driving
While distracted driving comes in many forms, texting and driving is perhaps the most common form of distracted driving behavior. Those who operate a cellphone, tablet, or another electronic device behind the wheel also pose some serious risks for head-on collisions. When a driver becomes distracted by their mobile device, they have a delayed reaction time and require more distance to stop the vehicle.
When looking down at a device, a distracted driver risks swerving into oncoming traffic or failing to see a “do not enter” or “one-way” traffic signal. These risk factors may overlap to produce a head-on collision.
Other risky driving behaviors, such as speeding and road rage, carry the potential for devastating consequences. If a driver accelerates too quickly, for example, he or she may lose control of the vehicle. In doing so, the vehicle may cross into oncoming traffic, thus increasing the chances of a head-on collision.
For a free legal consultation with a Head-On Collisions lawyer serving East Meadow, call 516-932-0400
Establishing Liability After a Head-On Collision
In any accident, it is important to determine who is at fault if you want to seek compensation. Law enforcement entities who survey the scene of the accident may be able to determine the physical mechanics of the collision ( for example, the speed, position in the roadway, and points of impact of the involved vehicles,) as well as other contributing factors, (such as, cell phone usage at the time of the accident, blood alcohol levels of the drivers, etc.,) and this evidence can play a significant role in helping to determine the respective degrees of negligence by the involved parties.
The comprehensive investigative process that law enforcement will conduct in some accidents, (most often when there is a fatality and in some cases where there is clearly a catastrophic injury that suggests a fatality may result), involves gathering evidence such as road conditions, (which can include consideration of traffic volume and weather conditions, along with an assessment of the road surface condition, such as icy, wet or dry,) witness reports, and video footage collected from nearby surveillance cameras or drivers’ dashboard cameras, in addition to, as mentioned above, phone records and blood toxicology reports.
While determining fault in a head-on collision case may seem simple, you or your attorney will still need to have evidence ready to back up your claim for damages. Having the right legal assistance by your side can help you ensure that you have sufficient proof for the insurance company or judge and jury in your case.
If you were involved in a head-on collision, an East Meadow head-on collisions lawyer from Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will keep you updated on your case, gather the necessary evidence, and work to prove liability. Call our office today at (516) 932-0400 for a free consultation.
East Meadow Head-On Collisions Lawyer Near Me 516-932-0400
Going After Recoverable Damages
There are several forms of compensation you can attempt to pursue after a head-on collision. The property damage, personal injuries, and suffering you endure from an accident of this nature are likely significant. Possible forms of compensation include:
- Past and future medical bills.
- Property damage.
- Emergency medical transportation services.
- Pain and suffering.
- Medications, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatments.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs.
- Lost wages.
Regardless of the extent of your injuries and losses, you have a limited amount of time to take action after an accident in the State of New York, according to New York Civil Practice Laws & Rules (CPLR) §214.
In addition to actual legal filing deadlines, practical considerations are a factor in the wisdom of taking prompt action. Because evidence like eyewitness statements or video surveillance footage is best collected when fresh, the sooner you contact us, the greater our opportunity to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
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Contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. Today
Head-on collisions are often a source of severe personal injuries and financial stress. If you were involved in a head-on collision on or anywhere near Long Island, you do not have to deal with the fallout on your own.
An East Meadow head-on collisions lawyer from Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will stand by your side and fight to assert your legal position in a compelling way. Our team will communicate with all parties on your behalf, estimate the value of your damages, and represent you throughout the process. Call our office today (516) 932-0400 for a free consultation.
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