None of us plan for the worst when heading out for the day; whether it's meeting a friend, visiting family, or running errands, the goal is simply to get things done. The last thing you would want to think of is a head-on collision. Of all the vehicle accidents you could become a victim of, a head-on collision is among the most traumatic. Unlike other types of crashes, having a vehicle crash into yours as you watch in complete shock is the worst of its kind. These accidents most often happen due to another driver’s negligence and the impact can be severe.
For those affected, hiring an experienced head-on car accident lawyer is crucial. A skilled attorney not only navigates the legal complexities but also manages communication with insurance companies, maximizing compensation so victims can focus on recovery.
What is a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision is also known by the name, frontal collision. As the name suggests, this type of car crash occurs when two vehicles crash into one another while traveling in opposite directions. The impact of head-on car accidents is relatively higher as there is a direct impact on the front area of both vehicles where the drivers are seated.
New York City is a borough where traffic congestion is more of a norm. Therefore, head-on collisions can happen on any occasion, whether vehicles are traveling at high speeds on highways or at lower speeds on crowded streets.
One of the main factors that contribute to head-on collisions is fatigued driving, as most drivers in New York have long work shifts. In addition, reckless overtaking attempts in traffic also cause head-on collisions.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
There are several other reasons for head-on collisions to occur in New York. For example, if road conditions are poor due to construction zones or hazardous weather conditions, you have to be careful of head-on crashes. In the case of poorly maintained roads, not only is the driver liable for damages, government entities that are responsible for road maintenance are also held responsible.
Another reason that critically affects a driver’s reaction time is driving under the influence (DUI). The typical reaction time for a driver is around 1.5 seconds. This period is taken to press the brake pedal or steer away and if there is a delayed response due to a DUI, there is an increased risk of a head-on collision occurring.
Even simple distractions such as using a phone or adjusting in-car controls are enough to take a driver’s attention away from the road, thereby causing head-on car collisions. In the case of head-on collisions, reaction time is particularly important as it can reduce the impact caused by braking or steering clear although it is indeed terrifying for the driver facing the collision!
The Role of a Head-On Collision Lawyer in New York
An experienced head-on collision attorney New York helps victims of head-on collision crashes by providing all the essential services to make victims’ lives easier. New York vehicle collision legal help includes a thorough investigation where evidence is gathered by examining the car crash.
Police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and findings from accident reconstruction experts are used by NYC head-on collision law firms to build a strong case. Following this investigation, head-on accident personal injury attorneys calculate current and future damages to cover medical expenses and financial damages.
A head-on collision attorney in New York also negotiates with insurance companies as they try to reduce compensation. You need a car crash lawyer New York to make sure that insurance companies do not lowball their offers. If these negotiations fail, head-on collision attorneys represent victims in court. Follow this guide to further understand the role of a head-on car collision attorney New York.
The No-Fault Insurance System in New York
New York operates under the no-fault insurance system. This means that insurance companies pay for economic and non-economic losses after a car crash, regardless of who was at fault. The no-fault insurance system also applies to head-on collisions in New York.
Medical expenses and lost income are covered by the no-fault insurance law. Car drivers in New York have to carry no-fault insurance with a minimum of $50,000 coverage. However, under the New York no-fault insurance law, there is no coverage for pain and suffering, and your injury has to be classified as “serious” legally for you to have the chance to file a personal injury claim.
Working With Insurance Companies After a Head-On Collision
An experienced head-on car accident lawyer NYC is necessary to navigate the legal complications that arise with the no-fault insurance system. To elaborate, if your injury from the head-on collision seems to be a serious injury, but you aren’t sure, you might even let go of your right to sue for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Learn why an experienced head-on car accident lawyer NYC should be hired to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve under the New York law.
In addition, insurance companies lowball their offers by downplaying injuries for their benefit. Therefore, top auto accident lawyers NYC ensure that they collect solid evidence and estimate damages in order to negotiate with insurance adjusters. Right after a car accident, victims are in a state of shock and may either forget or not be in a state to fill out police reports or gather evidence. With proper New York car crash legal representation, everything is taken care of so that insurance companies cannot play around.
What You Need to Do Right After a Head-On Collision in New York
According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, head-on collisions account for about 10-15% of total road fatalities in New York. If you become a victim of a head-on collision in New York and become lucky enough to sustain no injuries, don’t take your blessings for granted. Seek medical attention despite no symptoms showing since certain injuries like whiplash or concussions can have long-term impacts if not treated on time.
Next, you need to act like a car crash attorney yourself and document the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicle damage. Don’t forget to capture road conditions and injuries. This evidence is necessary to build a strong case if your insurance doesn’t cover the deserving compensation.
You also have to file a police report in New York to claim insurance. By contacting an experienced head-on collision lawyer, you can document the police report accurately and maintain a legal record from the beginning. Police reports need to be filed before deadlines by your car accident lawyer.
Tips to Hire a Head-On Car Accident Lawyer in New York
Recovering from a head-on collision is a difficult journey. Although it may not seem like it at first, hiring vehicle accident legal services New York can make a huge difference. Following a head-on collision, the first thing you should be thinking of is getting the medical attention you and your loved ones need. Afterward, hiring New York car crash legal representation from a head-on accident personal injury attorney is the ideal way to ensure that you can finance the medical care required.
As explained earlier, no-fault insurance has limitations to the coverage it provides. If your injuries belong to the “serious injury” threshold, your head-on car accident lawyer can sue for the deserving compensation. In order to make sure that your NYC head-on collision law firm knows what it is doing, check if the car accident attorney you hire has specialized experience in handling liability issues related to head-on collisions.
You can have a look at case results for similar cases. Usually, a good car accident lawyer displays successful outcomes from past cases. You can also review client testimonials to get an idea about the car accident lawyer you want to hire.
In addition, it’s important to hire a head-on collision attorney from a well reputed head-on collision law firm that has an abundance of resources to build a strong case. For example, some head-on collision cases require additional support from financial analysts to accurately calculate your damages. If you need further tips on finding the best head-on car accident lawyer New York, explore our guide on choosing the right car accident attorney to support your unique needs.
Moving Forward with a Head-On Car Accident Lawyer in New York
If you are a victim of a head-on collision who didn’t seek legal help at the time as you were too occupied with surviving the traumatic moment, it’s not too late yet. Take the first step by scheduling a consultation with a qualified head-on collision lawyer today to discuss your options.
When your head-on car accident lawyer advocates for your rights and gets you the compensation you deserve, you get a second chance at rebuilding your life. Don’t miss out on that opportunity.
For further readings
Why Hire a Head-On Collision Attorney in New York
Securing Fair Compensation with the Best Head-On Car Accident Lawyer in New York
The Value of an Experienced Head-On Car Accident Lawyer NYC for Complex Cases
At Alex Yadgarov & Associates, we know how stressful this time is for you. With our resources and legal expertise, we can ensure that you get the best possible outcome for your case. Let us focus on building your case while you focus on healing. Contact our team today for a free initial consultation.