Head-On Accident Lawyer Ventura

Helping Victims of Head-On Collisions in Ventura to Seek Justice

A head-on collision is one of the most dangerous and deadly of all vehicle accidents, often causing serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. If you or someone you love was injured in a head-on collision, you need assistance from a car accident lawyer to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Causes of Head-On Accidents in Ventura

Head-on collisions can occur due to various types of driver negligence, including but not limited to:

Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting in-vehicle systems, or other distractions can cause drivers to move into oncoming traffic.
Drunk Driving: Alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medications can impair judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of crossing into opposing lanes.
Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers may drift out of their lane or fall asleep at the wheel, leading to catastrophic head-on collisions
Speeding & Reckless Driving: Speeding reduces the ability to control a vehicle and may lead to swerving into the oncoming lane due to a hazard or other situation.
Dangerous Passing: Trying to pass another vehicle without a clear view of oncoming traffic can result in a deadly head-on crash.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Running stop signs, stop lights, yield signs, or illegal turns can result in a deadly collision with an oncoming vehicle.
Wrong-Way Driving: Drunk or drug-impaired driving or confusion regarding one-way streets or ramps in Ventura can cause drivers to drive the wrong way on a street or freeway.
Weather Conditions: Rain or foggy conditions reduce visibility, which could lead a driver to swerve out of lanes and hit an oncoming vehicle.
Mechanical Failures: Tire blowouts, brake failure, or steering malfunctions can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause a head-on collision.
Road Hazards: Swerving to avoid hitting an animal, debris, or another hazard can result in a driver moving into oncoming traffic.
Inexperienced or Elderly Drivers: Lack of driving experience or cognitive decline in elderly drivers can lead to errors in judgment or lane control.
Construction Zones: Roadwork often causes confusing detours or requires narrower lanes, increasing the risk of head-on crashes.
Medical Emergencies: A driver experiencing a stroke, heart attack, or seizure may lose control and drift into opposing lanes.

Head-On Collisions in Ventura—Types of Injuries

Sadly, a head-on collision can often lead to severe injuries or loss of life. Vehicles have airbags, but these safety features may not protect the human body in a head-on impact or fail to deploy. The types of injuries sustained include the following:

Broken Bones

Fractures are a common injury in head-on collisions, often affecting the lower body, including feet, ankles, legs, pelvis, or other physical structures.

Spinal Cord Injuries

An impact on a moving vehicle can crush or sever the spinal cord and the nerve bundle that sends signals to all other body areas, causing paraplegia, quadriplegia, or long-term mobility issues.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A powerful impact on the front of a vehicle can cause a head and brain injury, with long-term consequences. Concussions, brain hemorrhages, and skull fractures in mobility, cognition, and quality of life, and in the worst cases, are fatal.

Internal Injuries

A crushing blow from another vehicle can cause severe internal organ damage that will require urgent medical intervention to resolve.

Burns and Disfigurement

If the vehicle catches fire or there is an explosion, occupants can suffer third-degree burns. Broken glass and debris can cause deep lacerations, facial injuries, and permanent scarring.

Fatal Injuries

Many head-on collisions result in instant fatalities, often when they occur at high speeds. Victims may also succumb to complications from internal bleeding, brain trauma, or crush injuries.

Who Is Liable in a Head-On Collision?

The first step in filing a claim involves identifying the liable party or parties. In many cases, it is clear which driver was responsible for the accident. In other cases, a deeper investigation may be required to determine liability. When a driver is speeding, driving drunk, or driving recklessly, causing a head-on accident, that individual should be held accountable for the harm they cause innocent people.

In most cases, a claim is filed with the party’s insurance provider, which is responsible for paying out claims. The skills with which a settlement is negotiated could not be a more critical issue. It is vital that the injured individual recovers fair compensation based on the extent of the injuries and the long-term consequences on their lives and abilities.

How Do You File a Claim After a Head-On Collision? A Guide

If you’ve been involved in a head-on collision, filing a claim is essential to recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Take these steps to protect your right to fair compensation for all damages.

Medical Care

The most urgent issue is your health. Emergency services will arrive at the scene, and the injured party will be transported to a trauma center for treatment, typically to Ventura County Medical Center. The medical interventions needed vary widely based on the type and extent of the injuries. Your health comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor to document any injuries related to the crash. Some very serious or fatal injuries are not physically visible, such as closed head injuries.

Police Report

Call 911 and file an official police report at the scene. Law enforcement will issue a report with crucial details regarding who appears to be at fault, will take witness statements, and will seek video footage of the accident from dash cams, traffic cams, or local businesses.

Supporting Evidence

Take photos and videos when possible, including:

Vehicle damage
Skid marks
Road conditions
Traffic signs or signals
Collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider to report the accident as soon as possible. Stick to basic facts—do not admit fault or speculate on the cause of the accident.

Consult a Head-On Collision Attorney to Manage Your Case

Head-on collisions often involve serious injuries and complex liability issues. An attorney can help:

Investigate who was at fault (e.g., distracted, impaired, or reckless driving).
Handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
Represent you in court if necessary.

Skinner Law Corp in Ventura offers personalized legal counsel in car accident claims and vigorously seeks all compensation possible based on the facts.

File a Personal Injury Lawsuit When Necessary

If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient and unable to cover all damages, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek additional compensation.

What Damages Can Be Paid in a Head-On Collision?

Damages in a head-on crash include several types of losses:

Economic Damages: The actual financial losses associated with the collision, including the cost of current and future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, home modifications, transportation costs, and the costs of in-home care, along with all actual, quantifiable financial losses from the accident.
Non-Economic Damages: These damages recompense the victim for pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, the impact of permanent disabilities on the individual’s life experience, and issues such as emotional distress, loss of consortium ( or other personal, but very significant, losses.
Punitive Damages: These damages may be part of a jury award when the negligent actions of the responsible driver acted recklessly without regard for the safety of others, such as drunk driving, reckless driving, or fleeing from law enforcement after causing an accident.

The responsible driver’s insurance company may contact you and make a settlement offer long before the full scope of damages is determined. Ensure the negotiations regarding a settlement are managed by your attorney to avoid accepting an offer that will leave you without the resources you need.

The Elements in a Personal Injury Claim for a Head-On Collision

All personal injury cases hinge on proving negligence. These cases involve establishing certain facts:

Duty of Care

All drivers must follow traffic laws and exercise reasonable caution while on the road. The duty of care includes:

Obeying Traffic Laws: Following speed limits, stopping at red lights, and yielding when required.
Driving Safely for Road and Weather Conditions: Adjusting speed and behavior based on weather, road conditions, and visibility.
Staying Alert and Focused: Not driving distracted by texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, or other actions while operating a vehicle.
Alcohol and Drug-Free Vehicle Operation: Not driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications that affect response time and cognition.
Maintaining Vehicle Safety: Ensuring all vehicle systems, including tires and brakes, are in working order.

Breach of Duty of Care in Head-On Collisions

When a driver breaches the duty of care and an act of negligence causes an accident, they can be held legally liable for resulting damages. Examples of a breach of duty include:

Speeding or Reckless Driving: Ignoring traffic rules, excessive speeding, or weaving between lanes.
Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or engaging in activities that take focus away from driving.
Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle while intoxicated or impaired.
Failing to Yield or Stop: Running red lights violating right-of-way.

If a breach of duty leads to a head-on collision, the at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for damages through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Causation

It must be proven that the breach of duty of care was the cause of the head-on collision.

Damages

The head-on crash must have led to damages. The damages include injuries, pain and suffering, long-term impact on the future lifestyle of the individual, and issues such as permanent impairments or disfigurement.

Head-On Collisions: FAQ

What should I do immediately after a head-on collision?

After a head-on collision, prioritize your safety and getting medical attention. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if needed. Exchange information with the other driver, gather evidence (photos, witness contacts), and seek medical evaluation even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Contact your insurance company and consider consulting a personal injury attorney.

Who is at fault in a head-on collision?

Fault is determined based on which driver was negligent. Common causes include drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, or driving in the wrong lane. If the other driver violates traffic laws or acted recklessly, they may be held liable for damages. An investigation, police report, and witness statements can help establish fault.

What types of compensation can I recover after a head-on collision?

Victims may recover compensation for:

Medical bills (hospitalization, surgeries, rehab)
Lost wages (current and future earnings)
Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed in the crash)

An attorney can help calculate damages to ensure every form of compensation is pursued.

How long do I have to file a claim for a head-on collision in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. For property damage, you have three years. If you are filing against a government entity, the deadline is much shorter (six months). It’s best to take legal action as soon as possible.

Can I seek compensation when I was partially at fault?

Yes. California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible. The percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. For example, if you were 30% at fault, your final award will be reduced by 30%.

Do I need a lawyer to file a head-on collision claim?

While you can file a claim independently, an attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation. Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements to victims. With dedicated legal representation, you increase your chances of achieving the full settlement you deserve.

How much does hiring a lawyer for a head-on collision case cost?

Most personal injury attorneys, including Skinner Law Corp in Ventura, work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless they win your case. Their fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or court award.

What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover compensation through:

Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver
Exploring other legal options with an attorney’s guidance

How long does it take to settle a head-on collision claim?

Settlement timelines vary based on the injuries’ severity, the case’s complexity, and the negotiations with the insurance company. Minor cases could settle within a few months, while severe injury cases may require longer. An attorney can help expedite the process and avoid the risk of accepting a settlement offer far lower than you deserve.

What if my loved one died in a head-on collision?

If a family member died due to their injuries in a head-on collision, the surviving close relatives may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation. The compensation can include funeral costs, loss of income, medical bills before death, and emotional suffering. Skinner Law Corp can help guide you through the legal process during this difficult time.

Why Choose Skinner Law Corp for a Head-On Collision Case in Ventura?

Ensuring a talented personal injury lawyer represents you is crucial when facing legal challenges. At Skinner Law Corp in Ventura, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services delivered one-on-one. We offer our clients a unique and personalized experience:

Comprehensive Legal Expertise

We offer experience, knowledge, and top-tier legal counsel in personal injury cases, including head-on accident claims in Ventura and the nearby communities.

Experienced and Dedicated Representation

Led by Troy C. Skinner, who has been practicing law for over a decade, we bring years of experience to each case. Troy is known for his tenacity and commitment to advocating for clients against formidable opponents, including large corporations and insurance companies.

A Client-Centered Approach

We prioritize our client’s well-being, offering compassionate and personalized legal services. Our goal is to alleviate the stress associated with legal proceedings, allowing you to focus on your recovery and peace of mind.

Innovative Strategies

We embrace cutting-edge technology and stay ahead of legal trends to provide innovative solutions. This modern approach ensures your case benefits from the most current and effective legal strategies.

Transparent, Open Communication

We believe in maintaining open lines of communication and keeping you informed at every stage of the process. Our team can readily address your questions and concerns, ensuring you feel supported.

Proven Track Record

Our many client testimonials reflect our dedication and effectiveness. Our history of achieving favorable outcomes demonstrates our profound commitment to legal excellence.

Community Commitment

As a Ventura-based firm, we are deeply invested in our community. We understand the local legal landscape and are committed to serving the community with integrity and professionalism.

Choosing Skinner Law Corp means partnering with a firm that values your trust and who you can trust to fight to achieve superior results. Contact us today at 310-356-0074 to discuss how we can assist you with a head-on accident claim.

Head-On Collisions Accident Attorney Ventura