Houston Head-On Collision Accident Lawyers

Car accidents happen every day all across the U.S. Unfortunately, most of the crashes — 98% — are caused by human error. Reckless driving and other negligent behaviors are to blame for injuries and deaths on our roads.

Some of the most severe accidents in Houston and Texas, in general, are head-on collisions. These accidents can lead to extreme injuries and fatalities, completely altering the lives of victims and their loved ones.

If you or someone you care about are in this situation and believe someone else’s recklessness or carelessness may have contributed to your accident, it’s advisable to speak to experienced Houston head-on collision accident lawyers for sound legal advice and representation. Our legal team at Johnson Garcia is ready to guide you throughout this process. Call 832-844-6700 today to discuss your options with our Houston personal injury lawyers.

What Are Head-On-Collision Car Accidents

A head-on collision is a “crash of two vehicles that are moving directly toward each other.” Also known as frontal crashes or front-impact accidents, head-on collisions are scary and can lead to catastrophic injuries for the occupants of both vehicles and other road users such as pedestrians or cyclists.

Depending on the speeds at which both vehicles were moving at the time of the crash, frontal accidents are easily distinguishable from T-bone or rear-end collisions by the damage to both vehicles’ hoods. Following a front-impact collision, one or both cars may roll over. This depends on the specifics of the crash, including the speeds involved, the terrain, and the weather conditions.

Common Causes of Head-on Collisions in Houston

Generally, head-on collisions almost always mean one driver illegally entered the lane of oncoming traffic after crossing the center stripe. They also happen when drivers overestimate their passing ability on single-lane roads. Such reckless actions by drivers endanger the lives of many road users in Houston. Some of the common causes of frontal accidents include:

Distracted driving. When drivers don’t pay attention to the road, they may veer off their lane into the path of oncoming vehicles.
Passing aggressively. When driving on Houston roads, it’s easy to spot impatient drivers who are eager to pass slower cars, trucks, or buses. Drivers who miscalculate their passing, failing to accurately judge how much time they have, can collide with oncoming vehicles.
Drunk driving. A drunk driver is less capable of driving their vehicle within their lane than a sober driver. They may fall asleep while driving and veer off into oncoming traffic, causing head-on crashes.
Wrong way driving. There are many one-way streets in Houston. Sometimes, a driver may attempt to drive in the wrong lane as a shortcut and risk causing a head-on collision.
Speeding around bends. When drivers approach a curve or bend, they should exercise caution and slow down. Unfortunately, some drivers speed around bends, taking turns too quickly and veering off their lanes into oncoming traffic.
Fatigued driving. A motorist who experiences drowsiness due to driving for too long or other causes may be unable to steer their vehicle properly.
Poor weather conditions. Conditions like rain, fog, and snow may increase the risk of head-on collisions since they reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
Unexpected road hazards. Road hazards such as potholes, debris, and wild animals may cause drivers to quickly swerve and cause head-on collisions.

Other causes of front-impact collisions in Houston include:

Steering failure
Construction zones
Road rage
Failing to stop at red lights
Swerving through lanes
Driver confusion
Inadequate signage
Poorly designed roads

The majority of head-on collisions are the result of driver negligence. The Texas Transportation Code states that drivers should “not move from the lane unless that movement can be made safely.” If a driver disregards this law and causes an accident, they can be held liable for their reckless actions or failure to act.

Common Injuries From Head-on Collision in Houston

Front-impact crashes in Houston can be deadly. However, not everyone involved in these crashes dies. Many end up sustaining injuries. When two vehicles strike each other bumper to bumper, the occupants of both vehicles risk sustaining severe, catastrophic injuries, which may include:

Spinal cord damage
Traumatic brain injuries
Neck injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Back injuries
Lacerations
Burns
Cuts and bruises
Amputation
Whiplash
Concussions
Chest injuries
Internal organ damage
Blunt force trauma
Wrongful death

Following a head-on collision, it’s advisable to seek medical attention immediately. Prompt medical care and treatment can be the difference between a mild injury, a catastrophic injury, or even death. Don’t decline medical treatment by emergency medical technicians at the accident scene.

Receiving immediate medical care and keeping records of your recovery can significantly improve your chances of getting the best possible compensation after an accident. It’s also best to work with experienced Houston head-on collision accident lawyers to help you understand the dos and don’ts after a crash.

How Common Are Head-on Crashes in Houston?

Head-on collisions are some of the deadliest types of crashes that happen on our roads. According to the Insurance Information Institute, an estimated 3,631 head-on collisions occurred in 2020 throughout the U.S., accounting for approximately 10.2 percent of all fatal crashes.

In Texas, there were 4,497 motor vehicle accident fatalities in 2021, representing a 15.43 percent increase from the 3,896 deaths recorded by the Texas Department of Transportation in 2020. Approximately 19,456 people sustained serious injuries during the same year. The state also recorded 611 deaths involving head-on collisions in 2021.

What Damages Are Available to Head-on Car Accident Victims in Texas?

Head-on collisions are severe accidents that typically result in significant damages. Assessing these damages sheds light on the value of Houston’s personal injury claims. Based on various factors, some cases are worth more and some less.

Take, for example, Clay, who is involved in a head-on collision and loses both legs through amputation. Wayne, on the other hand, is involved in a head-on collision and suffers minor cuts and bruises. In this scenario, the judge and jury may consider Clay’s injuries more severe than Wayne’s and award more damages to Clay.

Every head-on collision case is different. A Houston head-on collision accident lawyer can help you understand how various variables may affect your claim and compensation. These variables include:

The severity of your damages
The extent and type of your injuries
Insurance policy limits
Age and occupation
Whether the defendant’s insurer is willing to settle or go to trial
Whether you will ever fully return to work
Whether your injuries are permanent
Whether the jury believes you and your eyewitnesses
Your Houston head-on collision accident lawyer’s negotiation skills and litigation ability

Houston personal injury settlements and verdicts are typically meant to compensate victims for damages brought about by tragic accidents, with the two most common types of damages available to victims being economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Also known as special damages, these are actual financial damages and can be found in receipts and bills. They are verifiable monetary losses that arise due to the defendant’s negligence. Some of the economic damages available in a head-on collision case include:

Medical bills, including hospitalizations, medications, mental health counseling, surgeries, and physical therapy
Future medical expenses
Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Funeral and burial expenses
Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses due to the accident

As the economic losses increase in a personal injury case, so does the settlement amount. However, if both parties share fault in an accident, compensation is decreased in accordance with one’s fault.

Texas follows the modified comparative negligence standard, also known as proportionate responsibility, when awarding compensation in personal injury cases. This principle bars parties from recovering damages if their percentage of fault is more than 50 percent.

Non-Economic Damages

Also known as general damages, these damages compensate for intangible losses that don’t have specific price tags. Generally intrinsic to the victim, these damages compensate for things that are genuinely felt and are highly subjective and invisible. In addition, there are no invoices or receipts associated with these damages.

Some of the common non-economic damages include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Mental anguish
Loss of consortium
Disfigurement
Reduced quality of life
Inconvenience

As with special damages, the more severe and permanent the non-economic damages, the higher the personal injury settlement. In a low-impact crash involving minor injuries, the settlement may be much lower than if the accident involved catastrophic injuries such as loss of limbs or paralysis.

Punitive Damages

Although rarely awarded, these damages may be available in your head-on collision case if the defendant acted extremely recklessly, intentionally or if their actions were motivated by malice. Punitive damages aren’t compensatory, as they aren’t meant to compensate for any loss. They are awarded to punish the defendant and deter them from repeating similar actions. Reckless actions such as drunk driving while speeding and running red lights may be grounds to award such damages.

It’s important to note that in Texas, punitive damages may not exceed $200,000, or two times the economic damages awarded, plus an equivalent amount of general damages up to $750,000.

Head-on collision cases are mostly settled out of court. However, keep in mind that assessing and calculating the damages available in your personal injury case isn’t a walk in the park. After an accident, the other driver’s insurance company may quickly approach you — even at the scene of the accident — and offer you a lowball settlement that doesn’t reflect your actual damages.

For this reason, it’s advisable to speak to experienced Houston head-on collision accident lawyers who can guide you throughout the claims process, ensuring you get the best possible compensation you deserve. At Johnson Garcia, our lawyers will aggressively negotiate with claims adjusters for fair compensation that covers even your anticipated future medical expenses.

Our head-on collision accident lawyers in Houston are also prepared to go to court if insurance companies deny or devalue your injury claim. Johnson Garcia will represent you in the trial process, proving to the judge and jury that you deserve an award that caters to all your damages.

Speak to Reliable Houston Head-on Collision Accident Lawyers Today

If a front-impact car accident has upended your life, you deserve to be financially compensated for all the damages you’ve suffered due to the crash. Profit-driven insurance companies don’t have your interests at heart. They are more concerned about limiting their liability and protecting their bottom lines. This is why you should hire an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you are looking for a reliable attorney with an impressive track record in head-on collisions, look no further. The attorneys at Johnson Garcia are experienced legal advocates who help injured victims and their families in the Houston area win personal injury claims. Our legal team has over 35 years of experience and is ready to put that experience to work for you. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients in state and federal courts across Texas.

Whether you realize it or not, having an experienced lawyer by your side is an essential factor in the success of your personal injury claim. At Johnson Garcia, our Houston head-on collision accident lawyers will review your case for free and advise you regarding your legal options. You don’t pay us any upfront fees for our legal services.

Remember, the other driver and their insurance company aren’t concerned about your best interests. That’s why you should contact Johnson Garcia and schedule your free case review.

For personalized assistance and hands-on legal help, call 832-844-6700 today.