Two people have died after a head-on collision in Johnston County, North Carolina. At 2:00 a.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol received a call regarding a crash. Investigators have determined that one vehicle was heading westbound and crossed into the eastbound lane, colliding head-on with another. Both of the drivers of the vehicles died from their injuries at the scene of the crash. As this accident shows us, head-on collisions are often fatal. When victims survive head-on collisions, they may suffer catastrophic, life-altering injuries.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover After a Head-On Collision Injury?The compensation you can receive after a head-on collision depends on the financial damages involved, the severity of your injuries, the strength of your evidence, your insurance company, and the other driver's insurance policy. It will also depend on whether you have hired an experienced, aggressive personal injury attorney who can negotiate the most amount of compensation possible. Head-on collisions usually occur when the front of one vehicle collides with a stationary object or into the front of an oncoming or stand-still vehicle.
The amount of compensation you can recover will also depend on whether one or two defendants are at fault. For example, suppose a commercial driver caused the collision because they were drinking and driving, and their employer failed to do a background check that would have shown they have multiple DWIs on their driving record.
In that case, the victim could probably file a lawsuit against the employer, who may have a more significant commercial insurance policy or business assets to cover all of the damages. Each case is unique, and the amount of damages you can recover will depend on several factors, such as:
A person can pursue three main categories of damages through a personal injury lawsuit: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Economic damages, such as medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and loss of future earning capacity, are easily quantifiable. Non-economic damages refer to the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and difficulties due to disability.
Punitive damages can be awarded when the defendant engages in willful or wanton Behavior or shows a reckless disregard for human life. For example, if a drunk driver crosses over into oncoming traffic and causes a head-on collision, the victim would likely be able to recover punitive damages. Drinking while driving is extremely reckless, and the judge may award punitive damages to punish the offender and warn other drivers who may drink and drive.
When it comes to economic damages, in most cases, the more severe and permanent your damage is, the higher the amount of your settlement. For example, suppose you experienced a head-on collision driving at low speeds in a parking lot and did not suffer significant injuries. You may be able to recover $10,000 to $20,000 for your property damage and medical treatment. However, suppose you were in a head-on collision with a commercial truck that veered into oncoming traffic, and you suffered spinal cord damage that resulted in paralysis. In that case, your case may be valued at one to two million dollars or more.
The Benefits of Working With a Skilled AttorneyWorking with an experienced attorney can help you determine the full value of your claim. We regularly work with medical experts to carefully consider all of your injuries and their impact on you going forward. Suppose you accept a settlement that is too low. You may not have enough money to pay for all of the medical expenses, rehabilitation, healthcare, and other expenses throughout the rest of your life.
Speaking to an attorney is essential because you have one opportunity to pursue compensation for all of your catastrophic injuries. Additionally, if your loved one has been killed in a head-on collision, you can pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
Contact a Head-On Collision Attorney in Charlotte, North CarolinaIf you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision in North Carolina, do not hesitate to contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule a complimentary case evaluation and learn more about how we can fight for your right to compensation.