Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous and potentially deadly crashes that occur on South Carolina’s roadways. They can have catastrophic consequences for injured victims and their families, with the potential for astronomical medical expenses, lost income, and permanent impairment.
If you or someone you love got hurt in a head-on accident that another driver caused, you deserve the space to focus on healing. Let the team at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys provide the legal support you need.
We have a 45-year track record of getting results for our clients and have recovered millions for injured individuals in Rock Hill and throughout South Carolina. Contact us 24/7 to speak with a Rock Hill head-on collision lawyer in a free consultation and learn more about how we can fight for the compensation you deserve in your car accident claim.
What Is a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash front-to-front. These accidents often happen at high speeds, making them among the most severe types of car crashes. Even when vehicle occupants are wearing seat belts and their airbags deploy, the force of impact can cause devastating or fatal injuries.
What Are Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Rock Hill, SC?
When a driver acts carelessly or violates traffic laws, they risk causing serious injuries to others. Head-on collisions typically happen because a driver crosses into oncoming traffic or loses control of their vehicle. These crashes can occur on rural roads, highways, or city streets, and they’re almost always preventable. Some of the most common causes of head-on accidents include:
- Wrong-way driving
- Distracted driving
- Impaired or drunk driving
- Fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
- Passing in a no-passing zone.
What Are Common Injuries from Head-on Collisions?
Because of the extreme force involved, head-on crashes often leave victims with life-altering injuries that require extensive treatment and recovery time. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken or crushed bones
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations
- Burns
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Chest trauma from seat belts or airbags.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Head-On Crash?
Depending on how the crash occurred and whose actions or inactions contributed to it, several parties may be responsible for a head-on collision, including:
- Negligent drivers who cross the centerline, speed, or drive under the influence
- Employers that fail to properly train or supervise the commercial truck drivers who are their employees
- Manufacturers of defective vehicle parts
- Government agencies that poorly designed or failed to maintain a roadway.
To determine who and what caused an accident, the insurance companies and attorneys of the parties involved will conduct thorough investigations into the crash. An experienced head-on car accident attorney in Rock Hill can build a persuasive case on your behalf and fight back against attempts to blame you for the collision.
What Should I Do After a Head-On Collision in Rock Hill?
After a head-on collision, many victims are too seriously hurt to gather evidence or communicate at the scene. After addressing your immediate medical needs, take the following important steps in the days and weeks that follow to protect your ability to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries:
- Contact a head-on collision injury lawyer as soon as possible – An experienced lawyer at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys can handle all communications with insurers, gather evidence, and preserve your right to file a personal injury claim before critical deadlines pass.
- Follow all medical recommendations – Attend every appointment and complete prescribed treatments. Gaps in care can weaken your case.
- Keep records of everything – Save medical bills, prescriptions, correspondence, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash.
- Notify your insurance company – Report the collision promptly, but avoid giving a recorded statement without first consulting legal counsel.
- Avoid discussing the accident online – Other parties may take social media posts out of context and use them against you.
How Does Compensation Work in South Carolina After a Head-On Crash?
Head-on crash compensation can encompass economic (financial) and non-economic (intangible) losses. The purpose of these damages is to make the victim as “whole” as possible. The compensation may include:
- All medical bills, including hospital stays and rehabilitation costs
- Future medical expenses for ongoing care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for a spouse or family member
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement.
South Carolina law entitles you to recover compensation only if you are less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. If you share some responsibility, your compensation will decrease in proportion to your percentage of fault. This rule is another reason why it’s so important to work with an experienced Rock Hill car accident lawyer. Insurers try to use this rule to underpay or deny valid claims. Your attorney will have the resources and knowledge to protect your rights.
Why Choose Elrod Pope for My Head-On Collision Case?
Your choice of a personal injury lawyer can have a significant bearing on the outcome of your case. For this reason, you should choose an attorney with a strong reputation and a history of successful outcomes. When you trust Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys with your head-on accident injury claim, we will:
- Take the time to understand your unique challenges and needs
- Treat you like family and prioritize your well-being at every stage
- Be available to you 24/7 to address your questions and concerns and provide updates on your case.
We understand how the cost of legal representation can be a source of worry for families facing sudden financial strain after a collision. Our firm charges no upfront fees and works on a contingency fee basis. In short, we get paid only if you recover compensation.
Contact Our Rock Hill Car Accident Lawyers Today
A head-on collision has the potential to upend your life in a heartbeat. Don’t wait to get the help you need to hold an irresponsible or reckless driver accountable for their actions. Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys has over 45 years of experience serving clients from our six offices in South Carolina and North Carolina. Our legal team has built a reputation for providing trustworthy, compassionate counsel to the injured.
Contact us today to speak with a South Carolina personal injury attorney and review your legal options after a head-on collision in a no-obligation, free consultation.
