Michigan Head-On Collision Accident Lawyers

While every type of motor vehicle collision involves the potential for serious injury or death, head-on car accidents produce some of the most devastating injuries. These crashes often involve high speeds and direct impact, making them the most dangerous type of car accident for drivers and passengers. According to 2019 data from the Insurance Information Institute, although head-on collisions only represent 2 percent of all car accidents, they are responsible for more than 10 percent of traffic-related deaths. 

If you have been involved in a Michigan head-on car accident, you need a law firm that will aggressively pursue the compensation you need and deserve. 

You need a law firm with a reputation for excellence. 

You need the Michigan car accident lawyers at Sommers Schwartz.

Common Injuries in Michigan Head-On Car Accidents

A head-on car accident is just what it sounds like: a crash involving two vehicles that collide front-end to front-end. Due to the nature of head-on collisions, they often cause serious, life-threatening injuries to everyone involved. Researchers from the IIHS, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, and a manufacturer of test dummies found that a head-on crash between two similar vehicles traveling between 50 and 56 mph would reliably result in severe brain and neck injury and serious face and leg fractures. 

The following are among the types of injuries that are common in a head-on collision:

• Broken Bones: The force of a head-on car accident is generally much higher than other types of accidents due to how the cars collide. Thus, it is common for motorists involved in these accidents to break bones in their arms, legs, and face.

• Head and Brain Injuries: Even if you are wearing a seatbelt at the time of a head-on accident, you may still suffer serious head injuries. Typically, head injuries occur when an occupant’s head collides with a hard surface in the vehicle’s interior, such as a window or dashboard. However, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also caused by violent shaking, even without direct impact on the head. 

• Neck and Spine Injuries: Head-on accidents exert a tremendous amount of force on the head and neck. When you are involved in a head-on collision, your head continues traveling forward while your safety belt keeps your body relatively still. This causes your head to “snap” forward and back suddenly, potentially causing serious damage to the structures around the neck and back. Whiplash, fractured spinal bones, disc injuries, and even paralysis are common injuries in head-on car accidents.

In any car accident, the full extent of your injuries may not be immediately apparent, which is especially true for head and spine injuries. Often, motorists sent home by emergency responders assume they survived the accident without any significant injuries but begin experiencing severe pain a few days later. Internal bleeding and swelling, nerve damage, and other serious internal injuries can be difficult to see but deadly to ignore. It is imperative to seek immediate medical treatment and get a full diagnostic evaluation as soon as possible after a car accident. Prompt medical intervention can significantly increase the chances of a full recovery.

Causes of Head-On Collisions in Michigan

For most motorists, it may seem hard to understand how a head-on collision can happen. If all drivers consistently pay attention, make responsible and informed driving choices, and focus on the road ahead of them, most head-on accidents could be avoided. However, drivers do not always adhere to the rules of the road or live up to their duty of care. 

As experienced Michigan head-on collision attorneys, we have handled thousands of car accident claims for injured clients. Through this experience, we have come to understand most head-on car accidents are the result of one or more of the following:

• Aggressive driving.
• Construction zones.
• Distracted driving.
• Drowsy driving.
• Drunk or drugged driving.
• Equipment malfunctions.
• Inclement weather conditions.
• Inexperienced drivers.
• Poorly designed roads.

Notably, each of these involves a level of negligence. Most often, the negligent party is the other motorist. However, a vehicle or part manufacturer may be liable if a defective product causes a driver to lose control. Similarly, a construction company or state or local government might be responsible for a head-on collision if the roadway was not properly marked or designed, debris or equipment negligently obstructed the road, or a diversion or detour was unreasonably dangerous. An accident lawyer with extensive experience in Michigan head-on car accidents can help victims understand what contributed to the accident and prepare a claim against all responsible parties.

Damages in a Michigan Head-On Collision Case

Head-on car accidents not only cause serious injury, but they also can disrupt your life and limit the things you can do after an accident. For example, you may miss months of work while recovering from your injuries. You may be forced to confront the fact that you are unable to ever resume your job duties fully. You may live with life-long pain, limiting your ability to participate in the activities you used to enjoy. You may need assistance with basic life activities or additional care.

If you successfully bring a Michigan head-on car accident lawsuit, you can recover for both your economic and non-economic damages. These include:

• Past and future medical expenses.
• Lost wages.
• A decrease in future earning capacity.
• Property damage. 
• Other out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel to and from doctor appointments.
• Physical pain.
• Emotional distress.
• Loss of enjoyment of activities.
• Worsening of existing injuries.
• The temporary or permanent loss of relationships.

At Sommers Schwartz, our compassionate Michigan head-on collision lawyers understand the impact a car accident can have on your life. We prepare every case as though it was our own. We will identify the full extent of your damages so you are not left paying for another’s negligence or receiving surprise medical bills later. 

Contact the Michigan Head-On Collision Lawyers at Sommers Schwartz to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in a Michigan head-on collision, contact the knowledgeable lawyers at the accident firm of Sommers Schwartz. We have recovered over a billion dollars in compensation for our accident clients over the decades. Our lawyers are nationally recognized as authorities in car accident law, and we look forward to putting our experience, knowledge, and skill to use on your behalf. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation, give us a call at 800-783-0989. You can also reach us through our online form.