Pittsburgh
Head-On Collision Accident Lawyer

On This Page

1. Causes of Head-On Collisions Stem Often from Careless or Inattentive Drivers
2. Head-On Collisions Can Lead to Severe Injuries
3. File a Claim to Recover Potential Damages from a Head-On Collision
4. What to Do After Being Injured in a Head-On Collision
5. How Our Pittsburgh head-on collisions lawyers at Berger and Green Can Help Your Case
6. Call Our Head-On Collision Attorneys Today

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

February 02, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Head-on collisions are among the most severe and devastating types of vehicle accidents, often leading to significant injuries or even fatalities. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of such an accident can be overwhelming for victims and their families. If you or a loved one were harmed in a head-on collision, you do not need to handle the process alone.

The Pittsburgh car accident lawyers experienced with head-on collisions at Berger and Green are ready to help you hold the irresponsible parties accountable for their careless actions. Contact Berger and Green for a free case assessment and learn how we can help.

Causes of Head-On Collisions Stem Often from Careless or Inattentive Drivers

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) defines a head-on collision as “a crash in which vehicles traveling in opposite directions, on the same road, collide.” Head-on collisions may be caused by various reasons, but they tend to be at the fault of a careless or inattentive driver. Some common causes of head-on collisions include:

• Drivers driving the wrong way due to inattention, not following traffic signs correctly, or drug or alcohol impairment
• Drivers overcorrecting once they drift into another lane
• Fatigued drivers who fall asleep at the wheel
• Drivers who disobey traffic signs or rules
• Speeding
• Passing another vehicle when it is not safe to do so
• Texting or talking on the phone while driving
• Adverse weather conditions that limit visibility
• Defective vehicles or improper maintenance of a vehicle
• Failing to slow down in construction zones

Of the 115,938 crashes that occurred in Pennsylvania in 2022, 4,586 of them were head-on. While head-on collisions only represented four percent of the overall number of crashes in 2018, they accounted for 13 percent of fatalities. These statistics show how dangerous head-on collisions can be.

Liability and Negligence in a Head-On Collision Case

Establishing liability and proving negligence in a head-on collision accident involves demonstrating that the other party breached their duty of care, leading to the accident. This process requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, including examining police reports, witness statements, traffic surveillance footage, and vehicle damage. 

Key factors include determining whether any drivers were under the influence, distracted, or violated traffic laws, such as crossing into oncoming traffic. Proving negligence often hinges on showing that the at-fault driver’s actions were not those of a reasonably prudent person under similar circumstances, directly causing the accident and resulting injuries or damages.

Our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers can help you determine who the liable parties are, and if there are multiple liable parties to seek compensation from. We can take on these complicated processes so you don’t have to.

Head-On Collisions Can Lead to Severe Injuries

Because head-on collisions often involve both parties driving at higher rates of speed, the resulting injuries may be devastating. Head-on collisions are more likely to cause fatalities and serious injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Chest injuries
• Amputation or disfigurement
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Complex or multiple fractures
• Crushed legs, feet, arms, or hands
• Whiplash

These injuries may require ongoing medical care and may be expensive to treat. They may also alter your life, preventing you from returning to work and enjoying favorite pastimes.

You may be able to pursue a claim to seek compensation for these and other losses. Call the personal injury lawyers at Berger and Green to speak with a member of our team about how one of our car accident lawyers may be able to help your case.

File a Claim to Recover Potential Damages from a Head-On Collision

In Pennsylvania, if you are injured in a car accident, you can pursue compensation for damages that are directly or indirectly caused by the accident. These damages vary by each case, but they may include:

• Property damage
• Medical bills
• Prescription medication costs
• Counseling costs
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Lost time from work
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

The potential losses in head-on collision cases may be extremely high due to the seriousness of the injuries, but you may be eligible to recover the entirety of your losses.

What to Do After Being Injured in a Head-On Collision

After you receive prompt medical care, there are several things that you can do to protect your legal rights and the potential value of your claim. Be sure that you keep track of the medical records and bills that you receive after seeking treatment. You may need to provide these records to your lawyer, and they can be useful in making the connection between the collision and your injuries.

Request a copy of the accident report that law enforcement prepared when they responded to the scene. You may be able to receive a copy of your report online, or you can contact the Pennsylvania State Police Crash Report Unit. The report may contain information that is helpful to your claim, such as:

• Contact and insurance information for the negligent driver
• Contact information for any eyewitnesses
• The police officer’s impressions on what they believed caused the accident
• Pictures of the accident scene
• A statement that the other driver received a citation

The costs involved in a head-on collision are often staggering, so it is important that you quickly take steps to protect your rights by hiring a Pittsburgh head-on collisions lawyer. They may begin the process of gathering additional evidence for your claim and communicating with the insurance company so that you can focus on your recovery.

Losses in Fatal Head-On Collisions

In Pennsylvania, wrongful death damages are designed to compensate the family and beneficiaries of a deceased individual whose death was caused by another’s negligent or wrongful actions. 

These damages can cover funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, medical expenses related to the final injury or illness, and the loss of companionship, guidance, and support. Pennsylvania law aims to provide financial support and justice to the survivors, acknowledging the profound impact of their loss.

How Our Pittsburgh head-on collisions lawyers at Berger and Green Can Help Your Case

Our lawyers are familiar with the process of pursuing compensation for car accident claims. We have more than 40 years of experience in handling personal injury claims, and our team has handled thousands of car accidents and other personal injury cases. We can get to work on your claim to establish the other driver’s negligence and to support your demand for damages.

Our team will handle communication with the insurance companies on your behalf. Our team will carefully consider all offers and can advise you on whether it is fair compensation based on the severity of your injuries.

If a fair settlement is not obtained, we can discuss the possibility of moving forward with a personal injury lawsuit. If you go this route, we take appropriate measures so that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date of the accident, according to the 42 Pa. CSA § 5524.

Call Our Head-On Collision Attorneys Today

If you or your loved one got hurt in a head-on collision, the Pittsburgh head-on collisions lawyers at Berger and Green can help. We will manage your case on your behalf, fighting for the compensation to which you are entitled. Call us to get started on your claim.