Head-On Collisions

Head-On Collisions

For over 20 years, Georgia car accident lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert has protected the rights of victims injured in head-on collisions and other vehicle accidents. Honored as one of Georgia’s “Super Lawyers” and named one of its “Legal Elite,” Mr. Ozcomert concentrates on personal injury law. He offers legal representation and personalized service to clients across the State from offices in Atlanta and Decatur.

Head-On Collisions in Georgia

The highest rate of head-on collisions occurs on Georgia’s rural roads. With fewer lanes and an absence of visible division, two lane roads see over 90 percent of fatal head-on crashes. But head-on collisions can happen anywhere, and they often involve:

• Alcohol use
• Driver fatigue
• Crossing medians
• Distracted driving
• Passing maneuvers
• Diminished visibility
• Approaching vehicles
• Negotiating sharp turns
• Construction, work zones
• Improper detours, merging
• Run-off-road encroachments

Although some crashes can be averted through better road construction and improved traffic signs, others are caused by negligent driving. These errors cause preventable head-on collisions giving rise to personal injury liability. Atlanta auto accident lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert can help if you or someone you care about was involved in a head-on collision.

Negligent Driving

All motorists have a legal obligation to exercise care in operating their cars. Speeding, overtaking other vehicles, and driving while intoxicated are all ways of violating this duty. When careless operation of a vehicle causes an accident, at-fault drivers can be liable for injuries. This means compensating injured parties for various losses, including costs for:

• Repairs, rentals
• Medical expenses
• Surgical operations
• Lost income, earnings
• Prescription medication
• Wrongful death benefits
• Future required treatment
• Cost of permanent disability
• Pain, suffering, mental anguish

Negligent drivers may be operating bicycles, motorcycles, or trucks; all vehicles are subject to similar traffic rules under Georgia law. For head-on collisions involving trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles, multiple parties and insurance carriers may be involved. In all car accidents, injured victims should consult an experienced head-on collision lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters.

Premises Liability

Head-on collisions almost always involve negligence, but not only on the part of motorists. Some crashes are caused by preventable road conditions that equally endanger all drivers. Hazards that result in head-on collisions often involve:

• Poor lighting
• Centerline strips
• Narrow crossings
• Slippery pavement
• Poor highway design
• Lack of buffer medians
• Traffic signs, warnings
• Alternating passing lanes

Municipalities and public agencies have a duty to improve dangerous roads. Cities, counties, and contractors can all be liable for construction or engineering errors that cause head-on collisions. Failure to eliminate a known danger on property can give rise to premises liability, and can provide a legal basis for you to seek damages for your injuries if applicable in your case.

Product Liability

Injuries in head-on collisions are often exacerbated by defective products. Top car manufacturers recall flawed vehicle parts that endanger drivers and passengers every year. Defective products known to cause injuries in head-on collisions may include:

• Brakes
• Engines
• Fenders
• Tire tread
• Sticky mats
• Crumple zones
• Steering wheels
• Passenger airbags

Manufacturers that fail to correct a product defect or warn consumers of danger may be liable for resulting injuries. In head-on collisions, liability may extend to regional dealerships and include fraudulent marketing. Courts often allow class action lawsuits among multiple plaintiffs related to the same product defect.

Recovering Compensation

If you were injured in a head-on collision, Atlanta personal injury attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert can help. He has recovered significant awards for victims injured in head-on collisions, as well as many other kinds of accidents caused by negligence. As a longtime litigator with over 20 years of experience, Stephen M. Ozcomert is dedicated to seeking full compensation from all liable parties. Call (404) 370-1000 today for a free consultation or contact us online.