Head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of car accident, known for causing serious injuries. If you are lucky enough to survive the crash, you may be left with mounting medical debt and other expenses related to your accident.
The Chicago head-on collision attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have helped clients recover millions of dollars after car accidents. Read on to learn how to file a car accident injury claim with the help of our personal injury law firm and the types of compensation you can recover.
Filing a Head-On Car Accident Claim With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Our Chicago car accident attorneys do everything within our power to make filing a claim for head-on collisions as easy as possible. First, we’ll start with a free consultation, during which we’ll discuss what happened in the accident and recommend potential legal options based on your situation.
Should you decide to move forward with your claim, we will start to investigate and build your case. This process includes gathering medical records, collecting witness testimony, and trying to find business surveillance video footage. If needed, we may also consult with experts and accident reconstruction specialists before filing your case with the Cook County court.
Most car accident cases don’t go to court. Instead, they’re settled through negotiation. Your head-on car crash attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to get the maximum compensation possible for your car accident insurance claim. If it isn’t possible to reach an acceptable settlement this way, we are well prepared to go to court.
The Most Common Causes of Chicago Head-On Motor Vehicle Accidents
The most common causes of head-on collisions in Chicago include the following:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Driver negligence
The Most Common Head-On Car Accident Injuries
The most common injuries sustained in a head-on crash are as follows:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Concussions
- Internal injuries
- Bone fractures
- Whiplash
- Facial trauma
- Bruises
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
You Have Limited Time to File a Head-On Car Accident Lawsuit in Chicago, IL
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois is two years from the date of injury or death. You will not be able to file a civil lawsuit after this date passes.
Compensation We Can Secure for Head-On Car Accident Victims
There is no standardized settlement amount for a Chicago head-on collision case. However, our legal team has been able to recover million-dollar settlements for our clients. In one case, we helped recover $18.5 million for a client after a head-on collision with a semi-truck.
Factors Affecting Head-On Car Accident Claim Settlements
While no one can guarantee a settlement size, some factors can impact it. The factor with the biggest impact on your case is the extent of your injuries. Head-on crash cases with more catastrophic injuries are very likely to receive more in a settlement than those without a serious injury, or with an injury that the car accident victim will fully recover from.
The extent of your financial losses, the availability of witnesses and evidence, and the insurance policies involved will also impact settlement size. In particular, insurance coverage availability can be a significant factor since it determines how much support you receive through your own insurance company and the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
The percentage of fault that you share with the responsible party can also make a difference. Under Illinois’ comparative negligence laws, you are still able to receive partial compensation for accident claims.
What to Do After a Head-On Crash
If you have been involved in a head-on crash, the steps that you take in the immediate hours and days afterward can have an impact on your ability to pursue compensation in an auto accident lawsuit. Here are some general steps to take after a head-on crash:
- Call the police – Even if the accident first appears minor, it is important to call the police to come investigate what happened. The police report can serve as key evidence in your personal injury claim.
- Document the accident scene – Use your smartphone to document the accident, including any damage to your vehicle or injuries.
- Seek immediate medical treatment – Allow the ambulance to take you to the hospital and get medical attention. Some serious car accident injuries are not immediately obvious and require a doctor’s examination to properly assess and diagnose. If you fail to go to the hospital and end up having severe injuries, it can be more difficult to prove that your devastating injuries are related to the crash. Plus, the medical records from the hospital are important evidence.
- File an insurance claim – You will need to follow the protocols outlined by the auto insurance company of the at-fault party to file a claim. While it’s important to file a claim, do not negotiate with insurance adjusters without your head-on car crash lawyer.
- Schedule a free consultation with auto accident lawyers – Make an appointment with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to learn more about your legal options for pursuing compensation in a car accident case.
Legal Liability in Chicago Head-On Collision Cases
There are different parties that could be held liable in car accident claims, including the following:
- The other driver
- Pedestrians
- Government agencies responsible for maintaining road conditions
Damages a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover
There are different types of damages that your Chicago car accident lawyers can help you recover depending on the specific circumstances and losses associated with your accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are monetary losses related to your accident. These have tangible financial amounts and can be claimed in your lawsuit. These often include the following:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are not directly related to financial losses but are based on court calculations for intangible factors such as pain. Some common non-economic damages for head-on collisions include the following:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of future wages
- Loss of income potential
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Emotional or psychological trauma
In some cases, where the responsible party’s behavior was especially negligent or egregious, the judge may also assess punitive damages to punish or dissuade them from acting in the same way.
Wrongful Death
If your loved one died as a result of a head-on crash, an experienced car accident attorney can help you to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
The Time It Takes to Settle a Head-On Collision Case
Head-on collision cases generally take a long time to settle if they go to court. However, it is not possible to give you a standard time frame for such a case. Every case is different, and variations in factors like court schedules and attorney availability can affect how long you have to wait.
The Cost of Hiring a Head-On Car Accident Attorney
The Chicago head-on collision attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t need to come up with any money to pay for legal assistance out of your pocket or up-front.
If and when we help you recover compensation, we take a small portion of the settlement for payment. If you don’t end up with a settlement, you don’t owe us anything for the help of your head-on accident attorney.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Chicago Today!
Contact a Chicago head-on collision accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling toll-free at (888) 424-5757. A member of our team is available 24/7 to answer your call and get started. We have helped to recover millions of dollars for our clients. We are here to help you.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757
We also serve clients from Chicago, Elgin, Peoria, Rockford  and throughout Illinois.