X
Despite accounting for a relatively small percentage of all Georgia car accidents, head-on collisions cause a disproportionately high number of severe injuries and fatalities. If you suffered injuries in a head-on collision, here is what you need to know.
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with each other, typically at high speeds. When two vehicles moving toward each other collide, the impact force multiplies exponentially, at least when compared to other accident types like sideswipes or even T-bone collisions. This force differential explains why these crashes, though less common than rear-end or side-impact accidents, often lead to more catastrophic outcomes.
The statistics paint a sobering picture: In 2020, motor vehicle accidents caused the most injury-related deaths for children between 5 and 14 years of age, and the second-most deaths among adults aged 25 to 65+. In 2022, Georgia saw approximately 380,000 car accidents, of which 1,786 resulted in a fatality.
If you find yourself in one of these serious collisions, ensure your own safety and the safety of others in your vehicle or at the scene of the crash. Call 911 immediately and request assistance from emergency personnel, even if you do not feel injured. Your adrenaline may mask some serious internal damage or symptoms.
Georgia law requires you to move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic if possible—of course, if you have serious injuries or if you cannot move the car safely, leave it in place and wait for emergency services. Use a cell phone or another camera to take photographs at the scene. Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, names and contact information from any witnesses, the badge number and name of the responding officer, and a copy of the police report or instructions on how to obtain it
Georgia law requires you to report an accident to your insurance company, and most providers require you to notify them within 24 hours of your accident. When speaking with your insurance company, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about the cause of your collision, as your insurer could twist your words and argue that you admitted fault.
Georgia follows an “at-fault” insurance system, which means the driver who caused the crash bears liability for any injuries or damages. If you want to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover additional compensation for the crash, make sure you do so within two years of the accident. Otherwise, under Georgie’s statute of limitations, you may forfeit your right to file your lawsuit, no matter how strong your case.
Though many car accident victims feel like they can take care of themselves while talking to insurance agents, these adjusters undergo training to minimize victims’ payments as much as possible to save money. If you lack the right experience or representation, you may walk away thinking you got a good deal when, in reality, you collected much less than you deserved.
With over two decades of combined experience, the lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC can represent you and help you demand the compensation you need for your accident. They can collect the necessary evidence for your case, handle all communications, and represent you in court if necessary. They are genuinely passionate about fighting for the rights of the injured and helping you get what you need to heal.
Head-on collisions can change your life instantaneously, but with qualified legal representation, you can protect your rights and focus on your recovery. Trust the experienced Savannah car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC to guide you through the entire legal aftermath and act as your dedicated, effective advocate. Call us at 478-254-2007 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Macon, Georgia, we gladly serve clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.
Facing the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Before you speak with the insurance companies, make sure you schedule a free consultation with the Macon personal injury lawyers at Childers & McCain. We can protect your rights while anticipating the insurance company’s tactics to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this tough road alone – let our team of professionals help you move forward.
