Head-on collisions can result in massive damage to both vehicles involved. When cars heading in the opposite direction collide, the impact is far more powerful than in an accident at the same speeds where the drivers are traveling in the same direction. If you were injured in a head-on collision caused by the actions of another party, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, we have over 100 years of experience helping accident victims recover compensation from those responsible for their injuries. Our team of Indianapolis head-on collision lawyers is ready and waiting to help get you the money you need. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team.
Make Sure You don’t Miss the Deadline for Filing a Head-On Collision Lawsuit
If you are attempting to recover compensation through a lawsuit after suffering damages in a head-on collision, you need to be aware of the statute of limitations. In Indiana, the personal injury statute of limitations is two years. Should you miss this deadline, you could be out of options for recovering damages.
Despite the fact that the deadline is very rigid most of the time, there are still exceptions that may apply to your case. In certain situations, accident victims can still sue the liable party even after the statute of limitations has run out. That’s why it is critical that you consult an attorney even if you believe you have missed your chance for pursuing damages.
Alternatively, the deadline for filing a lawsuit can move in the other direction as well, leaving you with very little time to submit your paperwork. The best way to avoid being barred from getting the money you need due to an unexpected deadline is by hiring an experienced attorney shortly after your accident.
Who Is to Blame for a Head-On Collision Accident?
Determining fault after suffering damages in a head-on collision is essential. Until you establish who is to blame for your accident, you won’t be able to move forward with your claim. Even if liability seems straightforward, proving fault can be tricky. In most cases, there are a variety of parties who could potentially share the blame.
Fortunately, you don’t have to work to prove liability alone. When you hire an experienced head-on collision attorney in Indianapolis, IN, they will know exactly what to look for as they investigate your case.
Steps a Head-On Collision Truck Accident Lawyer Will Take in Your Case
When you hire an attorney to work on your case, one of the first things you can expect them to do will be to begin their own investigation into your accident. Their aim will be to determine who was to blame and gather evidence supporting your compensation claim. Next, they will figure out what damages you are eligible to pursue and calculate the full worth of your claim.
The next step will be for your attorney to speak to you about your options. They will explain the pros and cons of the different avenues you can take to get the money you need and advise you on how best to proceed. Your lawyer will then file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit with the appropriate agency.
When pursuing a lawsuit, your lawyer will complete all the stages of the pretrial process and then represent you in court if necessary. However, the majority of these cases never go to trial. The reason for this is that your lawyer will be in ongoing negotiations with the opposing party, working to reach a favorable settlement deal.
Damages Available in Head-On Collision Accident Cases
If you were injured in a head-on collision, you will likely be eligible to pursue several types of damages. Determining all the damages that apply to your case is essential for recovering the full amount to which you are entitled.
While figuring out what damages you can claim can be difficult on your own, an experienced attorney can easily identify which damages apply. All the damages you can recover belong to three main categories.
Economic Damages
Economic damages account for any monetary losses caused by your accident. Among the economic damages most frequently claimed in head-on collision cases include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Any money paid to complete daily tasks you are unable to perform because of your injuries
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are diverse and include all other losses resulting from your accident. These losses tend to be of a more personal nature and leave a much deeper impact on the accident victim. Some of the non-economic damages most often claimed in a head-on collision case include:
- Permanent disability
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Lowered quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are quite different from the compensatory damages reviewed above. Rather than replacing the losses suffered by the victim, the purpose of punitive damages is to punish the at-fault party for the role they played in the collision. Punitive damages aim to discourage similar behavior going forward.
The court reserves punitive damages for extreme cases. These damages are only awarded if the responsible party purposefully caused harm or was grossly negligent.
Get Your Free Consultation from an Indianapolis Head-On Collision Attorney Today
After a head-on collision, recovering compensation can be essential. To ensure you are giving yourself the best chance of getting the money you need, it is vital that you hire the right attorney. You need a lawyer with experience and a history of getting big victories for their clients, both in and out of court.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, our team of head-on collision accident lawyers has been helping injury victims recover the money they deserve for over a century. Call us or complete the contact form on this site to schedule a free consultation today.
