Who Is at Fault in a Head-on Collision in Indianapolis?

Car accidents on Indianapolis’s wide roads can be lethal. To top it off, if it is a head-on collision, it can be an even greater risk of life-altering injury or death. If you’ve been in a car accident in Indianapolis, you have the right to claim compensation for your pain and suffering from the negligent driver. 

You will need the help and assistance of an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit and get you the compensation you deserve. But how is fault determined in a head-on collision in Indianapolis? 

Let’s explore the details:

What Is a Head-on Collision?

A head-on collision or a frontal collision happens when the front of one vehicle crashes into the front of another vehicle or an object. 

What Causes Head-on Collisions? 

More often than not, head-on car collisions are caused by a driver’s negligence. The reasons can be: 

Distracted Driving 

When a driver’s focus is not 100% on the road and their vehicle, accidents are bound to happen. Texting, talking to another passenger, grooming, or eating while driving are all examples of distracted driving. 

Driving Under Influence

One should never drive while being drugged or under the influence of alcohol. A drunk driver has no control over their vehicle and has slowed reflexes which can cause head-on collisions. 

Driving the Wrong Way

A confused driver heading on the wrong side of the road or one-way road can end up causing an accident.

Tired or Drowsy Driving 

You should always be well rested before driving. Being short on sleep or tired can cloud a driver’s judgment and cause accidents

Weather and Road Conditions 

A worn-out road or bad weather conditions can also be the cause of an accident. Snow or heavy rains can cause the cars to slip into the other lane and large potholes or cracks can also cause an accident. 

What Injuries Can Frontal Collisions Cause? 

Because of the nature of a head-on collision, the impact on the victim’s body can be catastrophic. Here are some injuries that can be sustained during a head-on collision: 

  • Traumatic brain injury 
  • Heavy blood loss
  • Neck injuries including whiplash 
  • Lacerations 
  • Spine injuries 
  • Internal organ damage and bleeding 
  • Broken bones or fractures 
  • Paralysis 

Some of these injuries can progress to such severity that they can cause death. A victim deserves representation and compensation for these injuries and the pain and suffering caused by a negligent driver. An experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney can help build and defend a personal injury lawsuit. 

What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Head-on Collision in Indianapolis? 

Victims of a head-on collision can claim both special and general damages in the State of Indiana. 

Special damages that can be claimed in Indianapolis:

  • Medical costs and expenses including treatment cost, medications, and supplies, etc
  • Lost income 
  • Ongoing treatment
  • Vehicle damage repair 
  • Loss of earning ability in the future 

General damages that can be claimed in Indianapolis:

  • Degraded quality of life 
  • Disability or physical impairment 
  • Pain and suffering 

You will need the help of an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer to calculate your damages, especially the non-economic ones. 

Who Is at Fault in a Head-on Collision? 

The driver on the wrong side of the road is often responsible for the accident and held liable for it but some cases can be complicated, for example, when there are no markings on the road or a third driver might be liable for forcing one of the drivers to swerve on the road.

An experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney will be able to show negligence through the following measures: 

  • Duty of care: Each driver on the road owes it to every other driver to drive carefully and legally. 
  • Breach of care: The driver acted in a way or failed to act in a way that resulted in the breach of that duty of care.
  • Causation: The driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
  • Damages: Your accident led to compensable damages. 

This is why you need an experienced car accident attorney to walk you through your case. 

Why Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis? 

Going through a head-on collision can be an ordeal for you and your loved ones. The injuries you endure will need time and rest to heal. You cannot be tied up in a legal battle while focusing on your recovery.

This is why you need Rowe & Hamilton’s experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyers to help you gather evidence, file a personal injury claim and get you the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. We’ve been serving clients for over 32 years and are experienced in dealing with head-on collision cases in Indianapolis. 

Have you been in a head-on collision in Indianapolis? Call us now. 

View these other frequently asked questions pages:

Can You Still Sue if You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet?

When is it a Good Idea to Settle My Car Accident Lawsuit?

Should You Sue a Driver Who Has No Insurance?

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