Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous, leaving victims with significant injuries and long recovery periods. They can also cause extensive damage to your vehicle, potentially rendering you unable to work until repairs or replacements are made. When another party is responsible for your losses, you need the assistance of an accomplished Nashville car accident lawyer at Weir & Kestner.

Our team is committed to investigating who is at fault and holding them accountable for their actions. We negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement but are prepared to proceed to trial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Nashville car accident lawyer.

How and why do head-on collisions happen?

A head-on collision is often the result of negligent driving when two cars are involved. However, if your crash occurred because you lost control of your vehicle and collided with a stationary object, there may still be liable parties. Other parties could be held accountable if a vehicle component or system fails, such as a defective tire or faulty braking system.

In Nashville, careless drivers cause head-on collisions by:

• Using their cell phones while driving
• Disobeying traffic laws
• Ignoring signs, such as for one-way streets or no left turns
• Passing other vehicles unsafely on two-lane roads
• Speeding around a curve and colliding with oncoming vehicles
• Driving under the influence
• Driving while drowsy or fatigued
• Driving recklessly or aggressively

Other causes include inadequate signage in construction zones. If the road repair crew fails to indicate the direction of travel clearly, drivers may inadvertently drive against traffic, leading to a head-on crash. Victims may have grounds to file a claim against the company performing the work or the government agency responsible for maintaining the signage and roads.

Why are head-on collisions so dangerous?

When the front end of a vehicle strikes another object or vehicle, a substantial amount of force is transferred through the car to your body. This can result in broken bones, muscle strains and tears, internal organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Even with airbag deployment, you could suffer severe facial injuries and eye damage, especially if wearing glasses. Bruising or broken ribs from the seatbelt’s force are also common. These injuries often require emergency care, surgery, and weeks of rehabilitative therapy. In extreme cases, victims may be left permanently disabled or even lose their lives.

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that 30% of fatal vehicle crashes involve head-on collisions. If someone you love dies in a head-on crash, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit to secure justice on behalf of that person. A Nashville head-on collision lawyer from Weir & Kestner can assist you.

What should I do after a head-on collision in Nashville?

After a head-on collision, you should seek medical attention by calling 911 or having someone do so on your behalf. If it’s safe and you can move your vehicle to the side of the road, especially if the accident occurred on a major highway in Nashville. Exchange insurance and contact information with everyone involved and inform your insurance company about the accident without providing detailed statements or accepting blame.

Collect evidence at the scene, including photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, road conditions, and anything pertinent to the accident. Refrain from discussing the crash on social or with anyone outside of the situation. Follow your doctor’s orders closely and document all expenses related to your injuries to support your case.

How long do I have to file a head-on collision lawsuit in Nashville?

For head-on collision injury claims, you have one year from the date of the accident to initiate legal action against the party or parties responsible for the collision. This time frame is crucial because if you fail to file your lawsuit within one year, you are generally barred from seeking compensation for your injuries in court later.

Similarly, if the head-on collision resulted in property damage, such as damage to your vehicle, you have a slightly longer period to file a claim. Tennessee law allows three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for property damage.

Exceptions to the rule

Certain exceptions to these statutes of limitations might extend the filing deadline in specific circumstances, such as when the injured party is a minor or if the defendant leaves the state of Tennessee after the accident but before the lawsuit can be filed. However, these exceptions are relatively rare and subject to specific legal rules.

What kinds of damages can I recover in a head-on collision case?

Each case is unique, and the severity of injuries from a head-on collision can lead to significant medical expenses and potentially lifelong conditions like vision loss, paralysis, or brain injury. Without discussing your specific situation, it’s challenging to estimate the value of your case, but we can outline the damages typically sought in these incidents.

Economic damages

The bulk of your claim is likely to consist of economic damages, which are quantifiable financial losses you’ve incurred, including:

• Emergency transportation to the hospital
• Intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency room (ER) treatment
• Surgical procedures
• Physical therapy sessions
• Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers
• Specialist treatment
• Travel expenses related to medical appointments
• Loss of income during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity due to lasting disabilities
• Loss of benefits and retirement savings during recovery or as a result of job loss
• Costs for in-home nursing care or a stay in a nursing facility
• Expenses for household services like cleaning, cooking, and yard maintenance
• Modifications to your home to accommodate any permanent disabilities

Non-economic damages

In addition to economic losses, you’re also likely to encounter substantial non-economic damages, which pertain to the emotional and psychological toll of the accident. These damages, though more challenging to quantify, are no less real and include:

• Pain and suffering experienced in the aftermath of the collision
• Emotional distress stemming from the incident
• Anxiety, depression, and potential PTSD as psychological responses to the trauma
• Embarrassment and social isolation due to scars or loss of limbs
• Diminished enjoyment of life due to the accident’s lasting impacts
• Damage to personal reputation, particularly if you’re unable to return to work
• Persistent chronic pain that may not fully resolve

Calculating the value of non-economic damages requires careful consideration and expertise. A Nashville head-on collision lawyer is skilled in evaluating these aspects of your claim to ensure you seek a comprehensive settlement reflecting the full extent of your losses.

How do I get compensation for my injuries in a Nashville head-on collision?

Begin by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging, but you deserve compensation for your damages. If the settlement offered is insufficient or negotiations stall, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the next step. This process can secure the full range of damages you’re entitled to, and your attorney can continue negotiating for a fair settlement throughout, possibly avoiding the need for a trial.

What if my family member died in a head-on collision?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought when the negligence or wrongful act of another party causes someone’s death. In the context of a head-on collision, if the accident resulted from another driver’s reckless or negligent behavior, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Who can file a claim

Tennessee law specifies who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Typically, the deceased’s spouse, children, or, in some cases, parents have the right to file. If no immediate family members are available, the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate may file the claim.

Potential damages

Compensation in a wrongful death case can cover a variety of losses, including but not limited to:

• Medical expenses: Costs incurred for treating injuries leading up to the death.
• Funeral and burial costs: Expenses associated with funeral services and burial.
• Lost wages and benefits: The income the deceased would have earned had they lived, including future earnings.
• Loss of companionship: Compensation for the loss of love, companionship, and guidance the deceased would have provided.
• Pain and suffering of the deceased: If the deceased survived after the collision and before death, compensation could include their pain and suffering.

Importance of legal representation in head-on collision wrongful death cases

A skilled Nashville head-on collision lawyer will not only understand the intricacies of wrongful death claims but also be dedicated to ensuring that your family receives the full compensation you’re entitled to. They will vigorously advocate on your behalf, allowing you to focus on healing and honoring the memory of your loved one.

Losing a family member in a head-on collision is an indescribably painful experience. While no amount of compensation can replace your loss, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and a sense of justice, holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Speak with a qualified Nashville head-on collision lawyer now

At Weir & Kestner, we are dedicated to helping you achieve complete recovery on every level. We emphasize building a strong attorney-client relationship founded on trust and open communication. Offering free initial case reviews, we keep you informed throughout the process and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Call Weir & Kestner at (615) 220-4180 or use our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you navigate the challenging aftermath of a head-on collision with the expert, compassionate representation you deserve.

Related articles for further reading

• How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Tennessee?
• How long does it typically take to resolve a Nashville car accident case?