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Each year, there are around 5.25 million car accidents in the United States. Even though head-on collisions are pretty rare, they make up 10% of fatalities overall. They account for 13% of rural fatal crashes and 7% of urban fatal crashes. For those that survive the crash, they are likely to experience serious injuries. If you or a loved one were involved in a head-on accident, a New Jersey personal injury attorney can help you secure a settlement that you can use to cover any expenses related to the accident.
Cause of Head-On Accidents
Head-on accidents are really rare because they only happen in certain conditions. These accidents can generally be avoided, as at least one of the drivers should be able to see well enough to swerve and change how the vehicles collide.
Some circumstances are more likely to lead to a head-on accident, including:
- Cell phone use
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Poor road conditions
- Unsafe passing
- Wrong-way driving
One of the most common factors in head-on collisions is drunk driving. Drinking and driving are illegal for good reason. This dangerous activity is extremely dangerous, as drunk drivers don’t have the best reflexes or judgment, and they even run the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Steps to Take After the Collision
If you are involved in a head-on accident, there are some steps you should take so that you can protect yourself and get things for your car accident claim, as well as a personal injury settlement.
- Contact emergency services, including police and an ambulance.
- If you can, turn off your vehicle, and move away from it. While not super common, you don’t want to be too close if any combustion occurs.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Take photos and speak with the witnesses.
- Have your injuries addressed and officially documented.
- Inform your insurance company of the recent accident.
- Get in contact with a New Jersey personal injury attorney.
What Can Influence Your Settlement Amount?
The settlement amount varies depending on whether the damages were special or general. Special damages are economic damages caused by the accident. General damages refer to other damages, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other injuries.
Some other factors that can impact the amount of the settlement include:
- Weather conditions
- Statements from the drivers
- Whether the driver has commercial insurance or not
- Other factors
What is the Average Settlement for a Head-On Collision?
Because a large portion of head-on accidents involves less serious injuries, the average settlement overall is around $30,000. However, many head-on wrecks involve death or serious injuries. If one of the vehicles involved was a commercial vehicle, you can expect a larger settlement, as the insurance on these vehicles is often up to $1 million in liability coverage. The more serious the accident, the more you will get paid.
You Don’t Have to Handle the Aftermath on Your Own
When it comes to head-on crashes, serious injuries and death are pretty common. When you contact a New Jersey personal injury attorney, they can look at the specifics of your case and help you get the best settlement possible based on the circumstances at hand. Get in touch with our office today.