Few accidents are as devastating as a head-on collision. When two vehicles collide front-first, the forces involved are magnified, which may result in catastrophic injuries or tragic loss of life. Head-on collisions account for a small percentage of all motor vehicle accidents in Atlanta, but they’re responsible for a disproportionate share of fatalities and life-altering injuries.
At the Issa & Castro Law Firm, our Atlanta car accident lawyer recognizes the profound impact these collisions have on individuals and families. For nearly two decades, we have provided dedicated personal injury services and fought relentlessly for victims. We investigate thoroughly, litigate strategically, and pursue maximum compensation with our full legal might.
Impaired Driving: A Leading Cause of Head-on Collisions in Atlanta
In the experience of our Atlanta car accident attorney, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most common causes of head-on collisions. When a drunk or drugged driver veers into oncoming traffic, whether on an undivided road, a curved highway, or a one-way street, the risk of a head-on collision becomes higher.
Intoxicated drivers experience:
- Slower reaction times
- Impaired judgment
- Poor spatial awareness
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
These impairments can lead drivers to cross double yellow lines, turn the wrong way onto an interstate ramp, or drift into opposing lanes, especially at night or in poorly lit areas in Atlanta.
Other Causes of Head-On Collisions in Atlanta
In many cases, a head-on car crash may happen due to negligent driving that could have been prevented with basic attention and adherence to traffic laws.
Distracted Driving
Texting, adjusting GPS devices, eating, or reaching for items in the vehicle can cause a driver to unintentionally drift across center lines, especially in areas like Memorial Drive, Northside Drive, or the outer suburbs of Cobb and DeKalb counties.
Fatigued Driving
Drivers operating vehicles on little sleep, such as shift workers, truck drivers, or commuters, may experience “microsleeps” or zoning out behind the wheel. Fatigue-related lane departures are common on interstates like I-20 and I-285.
Improper Passing
On two-lane roads without a median, head-on collisions frequently occur when a driver attempts to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone or fails to judge oncoming traffic speed accurately.
Speeding Around Curves
In areas like Cascade Road or the hills of West Paces Ferry, speeding into a curve can cause a driver to lose control and cross into the opposite lane, leading to a devastating head-on impact.
Vehicle Defects
Faulty steering systems, tire blowouts, or brake failures may result in a driver unintentionally veering into oncoming traffic. In such cases, liability may extend to automakers, tire manufacturers, or service centers under Georgia product liability laws.
Why Is the Risk of Catastrophic Injuries or Wrongful Death Higher in Head-on Collisions?
Head-on collisions are among the most violent traffic accidents due to the combined force of both vehicles moving toward each other at high speeds. When two cars traveling at 50 mph collide, the impact is similar to hitting a wall at 100 mph. Because of this intensity, survivors may suffer life-altering injuries, or families are left mourning an irreplaceable loss.
Common injuries in a head-on auto accident may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe orthopedic injuries (pelvis, femur, or compound fractures)
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Disfigurement and burns from vehicle fires
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
Georgia’s civil justice system allows victims and their families to pursue compensatory damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In extreme cases, especially where drunk driving caused serious injuries or wrongful death, our experienced car accident attorney in Atlanta may also seek punitive damages from the other driver’s insurance company.
Steps Our Atlanta Head-On Collision Accident Lawyers Take to Maximize Your Compensation
At the Issa & Castro Law Firm, our head-on collision attorney in Atlanta provides strong car accident representation and builds powerful cases to pursue fair compensation for the injured victims.
Immediate Crash Scene Investigation
Our Atlanta auto accident attorney and investigators will move quickly to photograph the accident scene, preserve physical evidence, obtain the police report, and identify surveillance footage. Early evidence collection is vital before it disappears.
Accident Reconstruction Analysis
As part of our Atlanta accident legal representation, our experienced car accident lawyer may work with crash reconstruction experts to determine speed, angles of impact, lane positions, and vehicle trajectories.
Aggressive Negotiations for a Fair Settlement
We negotiate from a position of evidence-based strength, forcing insurance companies to take your claim seriously. We calculate the full value of your damages, and we won’t hesitate to walk away from unfair deals and take your case to court if necessary.
Litigation Readiness
While many cases settle, we prepare each one as if it will go to trial. Our trial readiness alone may lead to higher settlement offers in an Atlanta car accident claim. When insurers try to deny or delay, we file suit without hesitation and take the battle to court.
Get High-Powered Legal Representation from Our Atlanta Head-on Collision Accident Lawyer
When head-on crashes lead to severe injuries or fatalities, the victims deserve justice and compensation. At the Issa & Castro Law Firm, our founding attorney Mark Issa and partner attorney Miguel Castro bring 21 years of experience and ace legal skills to every case.
With industry awards and recognition as Super Lawyers and Top 100 Trial Lawyers, we’re strongly positioned to fight for the largest possible compensation you need. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (404) 468-4000 or contact us online.
