Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions often lead to some of the most serious injuries on the road. When two vehicles crash into each other from the front, the force of impact can be devastating. Victims may face long hospital stays, expensive medical bills, and uncertain recovery.

Many people are left with questions about why these wrecks happen and what steps they should take afterward to hold the responsible party accountable. Luckily, our experienced accident attorneys in Peachtree Corners, GA can help walk you through the complex legal process. Give us a call today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Head-On Crashes 

Head-on crashes often happen unexpectedly and usually involve severe injuries. These crashes usually occur when something causes one vehicle to cross into the path of another, directly facing traffic going the other way. Here’s what often leads to these accidents:  

• Distraction or Fatigue: Drivers may drift over the center line because they are distracted or because they have fallen asleep due to fatigue. Even looking at your phone or adjusting the radio for a split second can cause your vehicle to stray. 
• Impairment: Alcohol or drugs can cause poor judgment and slow reaction time. Some head-on crashes also happen when impaired drivers use highway exits as entrances and drive the wrong way on the road. 
• Speeding and Dangerous Passing: Driving too fast can make it hard to stay in the proper lane, especially on curves or when someone tries to pass in areas where it isn’t safe to do so, such as in no-passing zones. 
• Low Visibility and Weather Challenges: Heavy rain, fog, or poorly lit areas can make the road’s centerline nearly impossible to see. Missing signs or old, faded lane markings can increase the risk of a head-on crash as well.  
• Vehicle Failure: Blowouts or failure in crucial systems like steering or brakes can quickly force a driver into an oncoming lane without warning. 

If you have been affected by a head-on collision, understanding what might have happened is often the first step towards getting help and seeking justice.

Who’s at Fault in a Head-On Collision?

Determining who’s at fault shapes the outcome of insurance claims and lawsuits that follow. In these types of accidents, fault may rest with one person, several people, or even entities not directly behind the wheel. Here’s what this can look like: 

Driver Who Crosses The Line or Drives The Wrong Way 

In most instances, the driver who crosses the dividing line or travels the wrong direction is responsible for causing a head-on crash.  

Both Drivers Share Fault 

In some cases, it’s possible that both drivers involved in the accident are at fault. For example, if one driver started to cross into the other lane and the person they are in an accident with was texting or speeding and as a result, couldn’t avoid the accident, it’s possible they’re both liable. 

Understanding Shared Liability – Modified Comparative Negligence in Georgia 

Georgia follows modified comparative fault for car accident claims. That means you can collect damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault.  Your compensation will then be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

Where an action is brought against one or more persons for injury to person or property and the plaintiff is to some degree responsible for the injury or damages claimed, the trier of fact, in its determination of the total amount of damages to be awarded, if any, shall determine the percentage of fault of the plaintiff and the judge shall reduce the amount of damages otherwise awarded to the plaintiff in proportion to his or her percentage of fault.

If your own reckless actions are proven to play a bigger role (50% or more), then you cannot recover any compensation at all.  

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Code section or any other provisions of law which might be construed to the contrary, the plaintiff shall not be entitled to receive any damages if the plaintiff is 50 percent or more responsible for the injury or damages claimed.

Employer Responsibility

If someone was driving a company car while on duty, the business can become liable. Sometimes, this is through vicarious liability, which means the company is responsible for the negligence of their employees, even if the company itself didn’t do anything wrong. In other situations, the company can be directly liable. This can happen if they were negligent in hiring or training, for example, and that led to the accident. 

Bars and Restaurants (‘Dram Shop’ Liability)

In cases involving drunk driving, the bar, restaurant, or even a party host who served alcohol to someone under legal drinking age may end up responsible for injuries caused after the driver leaves.  

Government or Road Authorities

Sometimes, fault is assigned to a local government entity that is in charge of keeping the roads safe. For example, if a missing “do not enter” sign caused the accident, the entity responsible for these signs could be liable.   

Figuring out who is at fault is an important part of your accident case. The best way to do this is to work with a car accident lawyer at Bridger Law Group so you can get everything you’re entitled to. Contact our personal injury attorneys in Peachtree Corners, GA today to schedule a free consultation.