Head-on crashes in Sherman Oaks, California, occur infrequently. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), head-on collisions are the least common multi-vehicle collision type, making up only 2.8% of all traffic crashes in 2023. However, these car accidents are especially dangerous, accounting for over 11% of fatalities in the NHTSA’s analysis.
These crashes are almost always avoidable. As a result, crash victims can often pursue personal injury compensation from the at-fault driver. A Sherman Oaks head-on crash lawyer from JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers can help gather evidence of liability and present it to insurers and jurors. Contact us today at (833) 852-3600 to schedule a free consultation.
How JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After A Head-On Accident in Sherman Oaks, CA
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers has been assisting injured people in Sherman Oaks, CA, for over four decades. Our attorneys have 105 years of combined experience helping accident victims stand up to at-fault drivers and their insurers.
When you suffer an injury due to a car crash caused by a careless, intoxicated, or aggressive driver, our Sherman Oaks car accident lawyers can:
- Review your accident and determine the claims you can assert
- Collect records and other evidence to build your injury claim
- File with the at-fault driver’s insurer and negotiate for an insurance settlement
- Litigate against the insurer if it denies your liability claim
Head-on crashes can cause catastrophic injuries to the head and spine that may require expensive treatment and long-term care. Contact us to request a free consultation with a Sherman Oaks head-on crash attorney to learn how we can help you fight for your right to compensation for your injury-related losses.
Causes of Head-On Collisions in Sherman Oaks
Head-on crashes, also called front-to-front collisions, happen when the front of one vehicle impacts the front of another vehicle. Almost all head-on collisions result from wrong-way driving. Two vehicles rarely collide head-on unless one of them is driving in the wrong direction in its travel lane.
The exception to this generalization occurs in parking lots or other locations where the direction of travel might not be specified. For example, in a parking garage, two vehicles might collide head-on as they round a corner in opposite directions. Here, it might be unclear which driver caused the crash.
However, in almost every other case, you can clearly identify which driver was traveling in the wrong direction when the crash occurred.
Head-on crashes often occur in the following locations:
- One-way streets
- Alleys
- Undivided highways and streets, when a driver crosses the center line
- Freeway ramps and freeways, when a driver enters the freeway in the wrong direction
Going the wrong way on highways and freeways is not easy. These roads often include “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” signs to warn drivers that they are traveling in the wrong direction.
How Does a Driver Travel the Wrong Way?
It may be a bit easier for a driver to become disoriented on a road and drive on the wrong side. However, any experienced driver automatically knows to drive on the right side of the road.
A driver may end up going the wrong way on a road because of:
- Inattentive or distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Driving in an unfamiliar area
Additionally, external factors might contribute to wrong-way driving. Poor visibility due to fog or heavy rain might obscure the driver’s vision. Missing warning signs due to these hazards might lead the driver to make a mistake. Our Sherman Oaks car accident attorneys can investigate the cause of the head-on collision, gathering evidence to determine the party at fault.
Why Do Head-On Crashes Often Have Catastrophic Results?
The energy released by a crash depends on the relative speed of the vehicles. When they are going in the same direction, the relative speed equals the difference between each vehicle’s speed. Thus, when a vehicle traveling 65 miles per hour rear-ends a vehicle going 55 miles per hour, the relative speed is 10 miles per hour.
In head-on crashes, the relative speed is the sum of the individual vehicle speeds rather than the difference. Thus, two vehicles colliding head-on at 25 miles per hour have a relative speed of 50 miles per hour. This kind of crash is equivalent to hitting a wall at 50 miles per hour. Thus, even in a low-speed head-on collision, an enormous amount of energy is released.
California Law and Liability for Head-On Accidents
The liability for Sherman Oaks car accidents is determined by applying negligence law to the facts of the case. Negligence occurs when someone fails to drive with the care expected of a reasonably prudent driver in the same circumstances.
In a head-on collision, it is often apparent who the wrong-way driver was. For example, an intoxicated driver going the wrong way on the 101 Freeway will often be found liable for the resulting head-on collision.
However, in some cases, the victim may be partially at fault. Under California’s comparative negligence rules, a victim can still recover damages even if they are found 99% responsible for the accident. However, their recovery can be reduced by that percentage of fault.
A Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyer can investigate the crash scene, gather witness statements, and analyze police reports, all of which are crucial steps in establishing the precise sequence of events. These details are vital in accurately assigning fault and calculating the appropriate level of compensation you can pursue.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, which includes claims arising from a head-on car accident, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This time limit is critical, as failing to file a lawsuit within this period typically bars you from pursuing compensation in court.
Because time is of the essence, it is crucial to contact a Sherman Oaks personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your crash to ensure your case is filed before the deadline and that all necessary evidence is preserved.
Contact Our Sherman Oaks Head-On Crash Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
Head-on collisions are often caused by distracted or intoxicated drivers going the wrong way in their travel lane, but that is not always the case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on crash, contact the experienced attorneys at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers.
Schedule a free consultation with our Sherman Oaks head-on crash lawyers to discuss your crash and the options you have for pursuing accident compensation from the at-fault driver.
