Head-on Truck Collision Lawyers

• About 7 percent of head-on truck accidents are fatal, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 
• A little under 27 percent of frontal truck crashes cause disabling injuries.
• And 65 percent cause severe injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on truck collision it is important that you understand your rights and legal options for financial compensation. Contact an experienced head-on truck accident lawyer for a free consultation to learn more about how the law applies to your specific situation and how much your claim may be worth.

How to get compensation after a head-on truck collision

Injured truck accident victims are typically entitled to pursue compensation for their medical expenses and lost wages, among other damages. This process usually starts with the victim filing an insurance injury claim. Once a claim is filed, the insurance company will investigate the crash and build a case that justifies rejecting the claim or lowballing the settlement offer.

Never accept a settlement or any other type of compensation from an insurance company without consulting an experienced truck accident attorney first. It is almost guaranteed that the lawyer will have a more valuable and accurate estimation of the claim than the insurance company. Head-on truck accident attorneys with successful track records know how to demand maximum compensation and get results.

The main factors that determine the size of a truck accident settlement are injury type, injury severity, fault, and negotiation skills. That's why, in general, accidents with 18-wheelers, construction vehicles, and other large trucks result in bigger settlements, verdicts, and judgements than crashes that only involve passenger vehicles. The sheer size of the truck immediately increases the risk for severe and fatal injuries.

Accident awards are usually private, so an average settlement for head-on truck collisions is not readily available. Depending on the circumstances, a victim’s head-on truck accident settlement could be worth anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some cases result in million-dollar recoveries.

Can I file a lawsuit after a head-on truck collision?

In general, yes, injured accident victims have the right to file lawsuits seeking compensation for their economic damages. But that may not be necessary. Most truck accident claims are settled without having to go to court. However, there are situations in which an injured truck accident victim should consider filing a lawsuit:

• Damages exceed policy limits. If a victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses exceed the at-fault party’s insurance limit, then the injured victim may have to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages not covered by insurance.
• Negotiations break down. When the insurance company will not make a substantial settlement offer, an attorney can file a lawsuit to get results.
• Fatal truck accident. Every state has its own laws about who can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages like funeral expenses, loss of household contribution, and loss of consortium, among other things.

In a head-on truck accident, typically, it is the driver that failed to yield the right of way that is at fault. However, there can be disagreement, even among witnesses, about who had the right of way. Insurance companies know that if they can blame the victim for the crash, they will have more authority to deny their claim or offer a lowball settlement. Depending on the circumstances, there may be more than one party at-fault and liable for a victim’s injuries.

A head-on truck accident attorney with a winning track record knows how to prove fault on the part of the trucker, trucking company, or another third-party that caused the crash. Their experience allows them to locate, protect, and use hard evidence and expert testimony to prove what really happened. They understand the state and federal laws regulating the trucking industry and how to track down information from out of state entities. If the trucking or insurance company won’t cooperate, the lawyer will know how to get around them to build a strong case for top results.

Common causes of head-on truck collisions

A head-on truck accident can happen for a variety of reasons, but some are more common than others. Typical factors in a head-on collision with a semi-truck include:

• Defective or malfunctioning truck brakes.
• Speeding.
• Trucker inexperience.
• Cargo shift.
• Over-the-counter or illegal drug use (driving impaired or under the influence, aka DUI or DWI).
• Trucker fatigue or drowsiness.
• Tailgating (truck following too closely).
• An illegal maneuver causes the trucker to lose control.

An experienced head-on truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash, collect evidence, and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Injuries a victim may suffer in a head-on truck accident include:

• Severe lacerations.
• Broken or distorted limbs.
• Skull or chest injuries.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).
• Abdominal injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs).
• Fractured bones.

How a head-on truck accident lawyer can help

Never wait to start an injury claim after a head-on truck accident. Statutes of limitations apply to truck accident claims and lawsuits. Depending on the circumstances, state law, and how much time has already passed, an injured truck accident victim may have years or just a few weeks to file a claim or lawsuit.

If you were injured or a loved one died in a wreck with a semi, hazmat tanker, or another type of large truck, an experienced head-on collision truck accident lawyer can put you in the best position to pursue maximum compensation. Contact a trusted truck accident lawyer for a free case consultation today. At no cost to you, a member of the legal team can answer your questions, explain your legal options for compensation, and help you decide what to do next. Truck accident lawyers typically work for a contingency fee, which means there is no money down and if they don’t win, you don’t pay. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain by consulting an attorney. Contact one in your area today to schedule a free consultation.