Head-on collisions are among the most severe type of car crash. In 2023, there were 153 head-on collisions in East Baton Rouge Parish that resulted in injuries or death, emphasizing the major risks drivers in our community face on local roads. Our car accident injury lawyers here at Dudley DeBosier understand the rights of victims of head-on collisions in Baton Rouge and know how to pursue the compensation they need to recover their losses and rebuild their lives.
Why Are Head-On Collisions So Dangerous?
Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles collide head-to-head. These types of crashes often occur at high speeds and are so sudden that there’s no time to react. What’s particularly devastating about these crashes is the force of impact. They frequently lead to serious injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractures
- Internal injuries
Injuries like these often cause long-term or permanent injuries — requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation that many victims can’t afford without help, especially when their injuries leave them unable to work.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
In Baton Rouge, some of the most common causes of head-on crashes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, adjusting the GPS or radio, etc.)
- Impaired driving
- Wrong-way driving on unfamiliar roads
These accidents leave victims and their families facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges. That’s why it’s critical for Baton Rouge victims to seek help from experienced head-on collision lawyers for guidance on what to do next.
What to Do After a Head-On Collision
Taking the following steps after a head-on collision can not only help protect your health — which is of utmost importance — but also your legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you don’t feel hurt, some medical conditions can take time to show symptoms, such as internal injuries and soft-tissue injuries. Getting a doctor’s examination within a day or two of the crash ensures that your health is prioritized, any necessary treatment can begin right away, and provides official documentation connecting your injuries to the crash.
- Gather Evidence: If you can do so safely, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the other driver.
- File a Police Report: A detailed police report can serve as a vital piece of evidence when determining liability.
- Contact a Lawyer Quickly: Consulting a lawyer early allows the firm to begin gathering evidence and handling communication with insurers on your behalf.
Key Legal Considerations for Baton Rouge Head-On Collision Claims
If you were injured in a head-on collision due to another driver’s actions, here’s what you need to know before you can claim compensation.
- Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations: In Louisiana, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Why Timeliness Matters: Acting quickly ensures critical evidence is preserved, such as eyewitness accounts and accident scene details.
- Comparative Fault in Louisiana: If both drivers share at least some responsibility for the crash — for example, if one driver was speeding but the other was distracted — Louisiana’s comparative fault law reduces the compensation victims can receive proportionally to their degree of fault.
Having a law firm with strong knowledge of the law in Louisiana is essential to making important deadlines and improving your chances of receiving the full compensation you deserve.
Available Compensation After a Head-On Collision
Victims of head-on collisions may be entitled to compensatory damages, which are divided into two categories:
- Special Damages: These include tangible, measurable losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future lost earning capacity.
- General Damages: These account for intangible or unquantifiable losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
At Dudley DeBosier, we work to secure full and fair compensation for all of your losses. We take an assertive approach to insurance negotiations, letting insurers know that we won’t accept minimal payouts. We fight for fair settlements that accurately reflect our clients’ losses, and if a satisfactory settlement isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to pursue fair compensation in court.
Why Baton Rouge Residents Choose Dudley DeBosier
Dudley DeBosier has extensive experience handling head-on collision cases in Baton Rouge. Our team has knowledge of local laws and court procedures, and this gives our Baton Rouge clients an advantage.
We’re proud of our firm’s successful outcomes for injury victims in our community, but it’s important to note that while past results show our commitment to securing substantial compensation for our clients, they do not guarantee future results.
Besides a history of significant wins for Baton Rouge injury victims, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to personalized client care. We provide clear communication, personalized strategies, and the resources necessary to pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact Our Head-On Collision Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a head-on collision, you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. Dudley DeBosier’s Baton Rouge head-on collision lawyers are ready to help. You pay us nothing unless we win, so you can focus on recovery while we work to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
