Head-On Collisions in Arizona
Holding irresponsible drivers in Phoenix accountable since 1991
Head-on collisions are among the most serious types of car accidents. In many cases, they happen because one driver crosses into the wrong lane due to distraction, intoxication, or fatigue. Drivers should be in the correct lane of travel. When they’re not, the consequences can be life-changing.
At Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and working relationships with investigators, law enforcement, and others to determine why head-on crashes occur and who is responsible. Our Phoenix and Tempe head-on car accident lawyers can seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. Call us now to hold irresponsible drivers responsible.
How can we help?
- What makes head-on collisions so dangerous compared to other types of crashes?
- What are the most common causes of head-on collisions in Arizona?
- How is fault determined in a head-on collision?
- What injuries commonly result from head-on crashes?
- What should I do immediately after a head-on collision?
- How long do I have to file a claim after a head-on collision?
- Who is liable for head-on accidents in Arizona?
- What types of damages can I recover in Arizona?
- Do you have a Phoenix head-on accident attorney near me?
What makes head-on collisions so dangerous compared to other types of crashes?
Head-on accidents are extremely dangerous for several reasons:
- The force of the impact. Generally, when two cars traveling towards each other collide, the force of the collision is proportional to the combined speeds of the vehicles. The closing speed is roughly the sum of both vehicles’ speeds, which greatly increases crash severity.
- The lack of defensive options. If one car is traveling towards you, there’s often little time or distance to avoid the collision, especially if there are a limited number of lanes, the bordering lanes have vehicles in them, and the roads don’t have a shoulder.
- The likelihood of other accidents. If a vehicle is driving toward you, surrounding vehicles may also be forced to swerve or collide, leading to secondary crashes with other cars, guardrails, or roadside structures.
What are the most common causes of head-on collisions in Arizona?
Our Phoenix and Tempe car accident lawyers work with investigators, the police, traffic reconstruction experts (if necessary), and through the formal discovery process to show why head-on accidents happen.
Some of the reasons head-on crashes happen include the following:
- The driver who is driving the wrong way is:
- Intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- Distracted driving (such as by texting, using a cellphone, or looking at a GPS)
- Confused as to which road, on/off ramp, or exit to take
- Trying to pass and doesn’t leave enough room to complete the pass
- Tired
- The road is poorly designed. For example:
- The overhead signs are not clear
- The intersections are not properly designed
- Traffic lights don’t work
- The lanes are not properly marked
- There’s construction work, and drivers don’t know which lanes to take
- Many other reasons
How is fault determined in a head-on collision?
In many cases, it’s fairly clear which driver is at fault because one driver is usually traveling in the wrong lane or in the wrong direction.
Typically, the police are called to the accident scene. The police should clear the accident site to prevent other accidents. They’ll obtain everyone’s contact, driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. The police should also conduct an initial investigation. They may even issue traffic citations.
At Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers, we can review the police report. We may also speak directly with the investigating police officer and hire investigators to examine the accident site, speak with eyewitnesses, and inquire with nearby businesses and residences to determine if they have any video of the accident.
If necessary, we can work with traffic reconstruction experts who can show, step-by-step, the path of each vehicle.
Our experienced car accident attorneys can also formally question defendants and witnesses.
Can I recover compensation if the other driver crossed the line or drove the wrong way?
Yes. Generally, drivers who cross a center line or drive in the wrong lane or the wrong direction are responsible for any head-on accidents they cause.
What if both drivers share some fault – can I still recover damages under Arizona law?
Arizona uses the comparative negligence standard for assessing fault if more than one driver is partially responsible. You can recover damages if you are partially responsible, but your recovery can be reduced by your degree of fault.
What injuries commonly result from head-on crashes?
Head-on collisions often cause catastrophic and permanent injuries because the collisions are so intense. Many head-on collisions are fatal. Our Phoenix and Tempe head-on collision lawyers handle all types of serious personal injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and other types of head trauma
- Paralysis and other types of spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limb/amputations
- Broken bones/fractures
- Lung, kidney, and other types of organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Burn injuries
- Nerve, tissue, muscle, ligament, and tendon damage
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of sight or hearing
- Emotional suffering
- Death
What should I do immediately after a head-on collision?
Drivers should contact the police as soon as possible. The police can assist in many ways, as discussed above. A priority for most accident victims is getting immediate emergency medical care, including emergency transport and emergency room care.
If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision, contact our personal injury lawyers to schedule a consultation. We can begin investigating your case promptly, speak with witnesses while their memories are still fresh, and help ensure you receive the appropriate medical care for your injuries.
How long do I have to file a claim after a head-on collision?
Generally, you must file a personal injury claim within two years from the date of the accident or injury. Families of loved ones who die in a head-on crash must file their wrongful death claim within two years from the date the loved one dies. There may be much shorter notice requirements if the claim involves a governmental agency or entity, including a 180-day notice of claim deadline and a one-year lawsuit filing deadline under Arizona law.
Who is liable for head-on accidents in Arizona?
It’s not just the driver going the wrong way who is responsible for head-on crashes. Other defendants may include:
- A driver’s employer, if the driver was acting within the course and scope of employment at the time of the crash.
- The owner of the car, such as parents, when liability exists under negligent entrustment or other applicable legal principles.
- A seller of alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or a minor.
- A governmental entity or agency, when permitted.
- The manufacturer of a defective vehicle component that caused or contributed to the crash.
What types of damages can I recover in Arizona?
At Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers, we can work with you and our experts to place a value on your claim. Our team consults with your doctors to confirm your diagnosis, explain the full range of medical care you need, understand what complications may arise, and determine just how painful and limiting your injuries are. We can also work with your employers, financial experts, car mechanics, car appraisers, and other experts – as necessary.
We may seek compensation for all your damages so far, and all your future damages (including lifetime damages). These damages include:
- Medical bills. These include emergency transportation, ER care, hospitalizations, doctor visits, rehabilitative therapy, medications, and assistive devices and technology.
- Lost income. This includes wages, business income, and benefits, for as long as you can’t work.
- Pain and suffering. This includes every moment you have pain, discomfort, itch, cry, feel anxious, worry, or have any other type of physical or emotional trauma.
- Property damage. This includes the damage to your car.
- Other damages. These include:
- Scars and disfigurement
- The inability to use a body part
- The loss of life’s pleasures
- The loss of consortium (marital comfort and intimacy)
We file wrongful death claims if a head-on crash is fatal. Wrongful death damages include:
- The funeral and burial costs
- The loss of income and inheritances from the decedent
- The loss of love, comfort, guidance, and companionship from your loved one
- The value of the household services your loved one would have provided
- Any outstanding medical bills due to the head-on crash
In rare cases involving reckless or aggravated conduct, we may also seek punitive damages where Arizona law permits.
Do you have a Phoenix head-on accident attorney near me?
We meet clients at the following locations:
- 316 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85012
- 5500 S Lakeshore Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283
We can also meet clients away from the office when necessary, or consult with clients by phone and through online video platforms, such as FaceTime and Zoom.
Talk with an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer now
Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers has 35 years of experience fighting for car accident victims. Head-on accidents can be extremely damaging. We hold negligent drivers accountable for permanently or substantially changing your life. To schedule a free consultation today, please contact our Phoenix car accident lawyers through our contact form. We handle car accident claims on a contingency fee basis.
We serve clients throughout Maricopa County.