Our Head-on Collision Lawyer Can Help You

Head-on collisions in Los Angeles are car accidents that occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with each other, with at least one of the vehicles involved in the accident being in Los Angeles. These types of accidents can be particularly severe due to the high speeds at which many vehicles travel on Los Angeles roads, as well as the heavy traffic in the area.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a head-on collision in Los Angeles, it’s important to seek the advice of an experienced car accident attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and assist you in pursuing compensation for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Causes of Head-On Collisions

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Information Institute (III), head-on collisions are often caused by several factors, including:

• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a significant contributing factor to head-on collisions. This can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, or other activities that take a driver’s attention away from the road.
• Impaired driving: Whether due to alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication, can impair a driver’s ability to navigate the road, including staying in their lane.
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds can make it difficult to react to hazards on the road, including oncoming vehicles.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving behaviors, such as swerving, tailgating, and passing in no-passing zones, can increase the risk of head-on collisions.
• Bad road conditions: Poor road conditions, including weather-related hazards, potholes, and construction, can rise the risk of head-on collisions.
• Fatigued driving: Driving while fatigued can impair a driver’s ability to react to hazards, including oncoming vehicles.
• Inexperienced drivers: Inexperienced drivers, including new drivers and those who have not driven in certain conditions, can be more likely to be involved in head-on collisions.

California Statutes for Head-on Collisions

Sec. 20008 of the California Statutes applies to all types of car accidents, including head-on collisions. Under this section of the law, any person who is involved in a head-on collision that results in injury, death, or property damage must stop their vehicle at the scene of the accident and provide reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured.

In addition, if a head-on collision results in injury or death, the driver must report the accident to the local law enforcement agency or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after the accident occurred.

Determining Fault

Determining fault in a head-on collision in Los Angeles or anywhere else in California involves a careful examination of the facts and circumstances of the accident. This includes gathering evidence from the accident scene, eyewitnesses, and other relevant sources.

In general, the fault is determined based on the principle of negligence. Negligence refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. To establish fault, it must be shown that one or more drivers involved in the head-on collision breached their duty to exercise reasonable care and that breach caused or contributed to the accident.

Factors that may be considered in determining fault for a head-on collision include:

• Whether either driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Whether either driver was distracted, such as texting or using a phone while driving
• Whether either driver was speeding or driving recklessly
• Whether either driver violated any traffic laws or regulations, such as failing to yield or passing in a no-passing zone
• Whether there were any road hazards or other external factors that may have contributed to the accident

Once the fault has been determined, the liable party or parties may be held responsible for the damages resulting from the head-on collision. This can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses associated with the accident.

Insurance Requirements

In California, all drivers are required to carry liability insurance to cover damages or injuries they may cause in a car accident. The minimum liability insurance coverage required by law in California is:

• $15,000 for injury or death to one person
• $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $5,000 for property damage

These are the minimum coverage amounts, and drivers can choose to purchase higher amounts of liability insurance if they wish. Liability insurance is meant to cover damages or injuries to other parties in an accident that the insured driver is found to be at fault for.

Legal Options for Head-On Collision Victims in LA

Head-on collisions can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a head-on collision in Los Angeles, you may have legal options to seek compensation for your damages and losses.

Some legal options for head-on collision victims in LA may include:

• Filing a personal injury claim: If you were injured in a head-on collision caused by another driver’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim against that driver’s insurance company. In a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Filing a wrongful death claim: If your loved one was killed in a head-on collision caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against that driver’s insurance company. In a wrongful death claim, you can seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and other damages.
• Negotiating a settlement: In many cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will offer a settlement to the victim or their family to avoid going to trial. A skilled attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to seek a fair and just settlement that covers your damages and losses.
• Going to trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, you may have to take your case to trial to seek compensation. A skilled attorney can represent you in court and present evidence to support your case.

It’s important to note that the legal options available to you will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Therefore, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and help you determine the best course of action.

The Pacific Attorney Group Can Support You in Seeking Justice 

The Pacific Attorney Group can provide support to victims of head-on collisions and their families in seeking justice and compensation. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has helped numerous clients in Los Angeles and throughout California to recover damages for their injuries and losses.

We understand that a head-on collision can be a traumatic and life-changing event, and we are committed to providing compassionate and personalized representation to our clients. Our attorneys will investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence to support your case, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial to seek the compensation you deserve. We handle all aspects of the legal process, so you can focus on your recovery and well-being.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a head-on collision in Los Angeles, contact the Pacific Attorney Group today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.