Head-on car accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic and sometimes permanent harm. If another driver crossed the center line and collided with your vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for the resulting injuries and losses. Still, the prospect of pursuing a claim might feel like too much to deal with at the moment, on top of everything else. This is where an experienced Johnson City head-on collision lawyer can make a significant difference.
An attorney who has handled similar cases in the past can provide valuable guidance and support by managing the claims process while you concentrate on healing. Since 1960, the team at The Terry Law Firm has fought for clients harmed by other people’s carelessness and recovered tens of millions for people in situations like yours. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.
Contact us right away to get started with a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a reputable wrong-way driver accident lawyer in Johnson City. Your case review is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.
Where Wrong-Way and Head-On Crashes Happen in Johnson City and Washington County
Head-on collisions can occur anywhere a driver can move into oncoming traffic, although some roads and driving situations create more opportunities for these crashes. Some of the most common settings for wrong-way and head-on crashes include the following:
- Two-lane roads where opposing traffic is separated only by a center line
- Curves or hills that limit a driver’s view of approaching vehicles
- Intersections where a driver turns into the wrong lane
- Roads where drivers attempt unsafe passing maneuvers
- Highway ramps or divided roads where a driver mistakenly travels against traffic, such as on Interstate 26
Wrong-way accidents in Johnson City and greater Washington County may have a variety of underlying causes or complicating factors. A driver may cause a head-on crash by being drunk or otherwise impaired, confused, distracted, tired, or unfamiliar with local roads.
Proving Which Driver Crossed the Center Line
Most head-on collisions occur when a driver crosses the center line, and that driver is typically at fault in these cases. However, liability ultimately depends on the facts, and you’ll need strong evidence to show which driver made a mistake and why.
Getting the answers you need isn’t always as straightforward as you might hope. This is partly due to the physics of head-on accidents: the vehicles involved typically strike each other with considerable force, and they may come to rest far from the point of impact. Additionally, skid marks may extend into both lanes. The drivers may also remember the moments before the crash differently.
For these reasons, you need to show how the vehicles were traveling before they collided. Some types of evidence that may help establish which driver crossed the center line include the following:
- The official police report, including any citations issued
- Statements from the drivers involved, as well as any passengers or eyewitnesses
- Photographs and videos of the collision and its aftermath
- Physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle debris and skid marks
- Electronic vehicle data, including information about the vehicles’ speed, braking, or steering shortly before the crash
- Accident reconstructionists’ reports and other expert analysis of the crash scene
A Johnson City head-on collision attorney from The Terry Law Firm can gather and review the available evidence and prepare a claim on your behalf showing how the other driver’s actions contributed to the collision.
When the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Will Not Cover Your Injuries
In most cases, the at-fault driver who crossed the center line will cover your accident-related injuries and expenses through their liability insurance. However, drivers don’t always have the necessary coverage. If so, you may still have options. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurer. (This coverage is required unless you rejected it in writing.) Similarly, if you have medical payments (MedPay) coverage, this can also help cover medical expenses resulting from the crash.
Sometimes, the at-fault driver also isn’t the only liable party. Depending on what caused the crash, liability could also extend to an employer if the driver was working at the time or to another party whose conduct contributed to the collision. A head-on car accident lawyer in Johnson City can review the facts, identify all potentially liable parties, and determine possible sources of compensation.
What Happens When Both Drivers Blame Each Other
It’s not unusual for drivers to dispute liability after a head-on crash, but the good news is that it’s not just your word against theirs. Your Washington County head-on crash attorney, the other driver’s lawyer, and your respective insurance companies will investigate the crash and come to preliminary determinations about who was at fault. Their findings will influence settlement negotiations. If you can’t reach an agreement and the case goes to trial, the court will issue a final decision on liability.
Where a Washington County Crash Claim Gets Filed
If you decide to file a lawsuit and pursue your case in court, you’ll most likely file the paperwork in the Washington County Circuit Court, located at 108 West Jackson Boulevard in Jonesborough. This court hears civil claims for communities throughout the county, including Johnson City.
While the process of filing a lawsuit can seem intimidating, you don’t have to do this alone. The Johnson City head-on collision lawyers at The Terry Law Firm can handle it for you. We’re committed to taking the burden off your shoulders. As one client wrote of their experience with us:
“Everyone that I made contact with at The Terry Law Firm was professional, helpful with answering any questions, and very knowledgeable about the requirements necessary for my case. I strongly would recommend The Terry Law Firm to anyone. Special thanks to Braxton and Lisa for making me feel at ease.”
– P.D.
Talk to a Johnson City Head-On Collision Lawyer at The Terry Law Firm
If you were injured in a head-on accident, turn to the experienced and knowledgeable Johnson City head-on collision attorneys at The Terry Law Firm for the legal advocacy you deserve. We’ll investigate the accident, prepare your claim, and pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward. Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation, fully confidential consultation with a member of our team.