Chicago Head-On Collision Attorneys

A head-on collision in Chicago can leave you with devastating injuries. Because of the forces involved in most head-on crashes, the effects can be catastrophic and significantly affect the trajectory of your life, ability to work, and financial future. You and your family may face unexpected medical bills while you’re unable to work after experiencing a head-on accident.

If you were injured in a head-on collision that someone else caused, our Chicago car accident lawyers want to handle the legal process for you and demand the maximum compensation you deserve. At Salvi Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we understand you and your family may not know where to turn in the aftermath of a head-on collision. You need a Chicago head-on accident attorney and we are here to serve you.

What Is a Head-On Collision?

A head-on collision is also known as a frontal collision. It occurs when two vehicles traveling toward each other in opposite directions crash nose to nose. If a vehicle strikes a stationary object like a barrier or light pole, this single-vehicle accident may also be called a head-on collision.

A head-on collision is a serious accident that can result in life-threatening injuries. According to the National Safety Council, head-on crashes result in more deaths than rear-end collisions.

Common Factors Contributing to Head-On Collisions in Chicago

Head-on collisions in Chicago are typically due to one vehicle traveling the wrong way – either by driving against the traffic flow or by crossing the centerline or median. Our Chicago head-on car accident lawyers can analyze the other driver’s actions to evaluate the cause of the accident and the liability of the at-fault parties.

Some examples of common factors contributing to head-on collisions include the following:

Distracted drivers – Distracted driving has become an all-too-common cause of many motor vehicle accidents. Distracted driving is often involved in head-on collisions as a driver may cross the centerline while texting, adjusting controls in their vehicle, or assisting other passengers, for example. Drivers might think a momentary glance at their phone while driving is harmless. However, it is easy to drift into oncoming traffic or miss an avoidable accident when your attention is diverted from the road.
Speeding – Speeding is a well-known cause of motor vehicle accidents in general. It is a frequent cause of head-on collisions as drivers can lose control of their vehicle when they exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for conditions. That can result in the driver dangerously skidding into oncoming traffic. Because the speed of the vehicles at the time of impact significantly affects the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident, individuals involved in a speeding-related head-on collision may suffer catastrophic injuries or not survive the crash.
Impaired drivers – Some drivers get behind the wheel of a vehicle when drunk or under the influence of drugs. Alcohol and many illegal and prescription drugs are known to affect a driver’s reaction time and can cause the driver to become drowsy or disoriented. Impaired drivers may unknowingly cross into oncoming traffic and not have the ability to correct their error until it is too late.
Disoriented drivers – A driver may be unfamiliar with the road and become disoriented. They may not realize they are driving the wrong way on a one-way street or on the wrong side of a divided highway. This is a common occurrence on busy Chicago streets and expressways. These motorists put drivers traveling in the correct direction at risk for head-on collisions.
Improper passing – If the vehicle in front of an impatient driver travels too slowly, that driver may attempt to pass the vehicle despite a double yellow line prohibiting passing in the area. Double yellow lines indicate that visibility is limited, and there’s a risk that the driver may not see oncoming traffic. Failure to follow the rules of the road by improperly passing a slow-moving vehicle can result in a head-on collision.
Fatigued drivers – A sleep-deprived driver can experience delayed reaction time similar to that of an intoxicated driver. Drowsy, fatigued drivers pose a risk to other motorists as they can fall asleep while operating their vehicles and veer into oncoming traffic. For example, drivers who have been behind the wheel for too long or are leaving work after a late shift can cause head-on collisions when they cross the centerline.

Most Common Injuries from a Head-On Collision

Motorists frequently sustain significant and debilitating injuries from head-on crashes in Chicago. Some examples of common injuries in head-on collisions include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Internal organ injuries and bleeding
Whiplash and neck injuries
Broken bones
Joint damage
Back injuries
Burns
Crushing injuries
Severe lacerations
Emotional and psychological injuries
Fatalities and wrongful death

Types of Compensation Available in Head-On Collision Cases

The nature and severity of your injuries will largely affect the extent of compensation you may be entitled to pursue. Our Chicago head-on collision lawyers are ready to evaluate your injuries and financial losses to calculate the maximum compensation you can demand.

The following types of losses you could pursue compensation for in a head-on collision case include the following:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Loss of services
Loss of consortium

Importance of Hiring a Head-On Collision Accident Attorney

You may not know where to turn for help if you were injured in a head-on collision that someone else caused. The legal process can be confusing and intimidating, especially in the aftermath of a serious accident when you are not working and have considerable medical bills to pay. Our Chicago head-on collision attorneys want to be your legal advocate to investigate the accident, build your case, and pursue the compensation you need to get back on your feet.

Get help now from an experienced Chicago head-on collision accident attorney at Salvi Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Our diverse team of top litigation attorneys handles all types of personal injury cases, including head-on crashes. We have recovered more than $2 billion for our clients and are ready to fight for you.