Houston Head-On Collision Lawyer | Protecting Injured Drivers After Serious Crashes
Head-on collisions often lead to severe injuries, totaled vehicles, and sudden financial stress. These high-impact crashes are common on Houston roads and frequently involve driver negligence, distracted driving, or impaired driving.
If you were hurt in a head-on car accident, a Houston head-on collision lawyer at Texas Lawyers 365 can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain. Getting legal support early can make a major difference in your car accident case.
Understanding Head-On Collisions in Houston
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents in Houston. These crashes often cause serious injuries or death due to the direct force involved.
What Is a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two vehicles hit each other. These crashes usually happen when a driver crosses the center line or drives the wrong way on a roadway. Head-on car accidents often result in high-impact damage, increasing the risk of injury.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Houston
Most head-on collisions happen because of driver negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Fatigued driving, especially on long highways
- Speeding or unsafe passing on two-lane roads
- Poor visibility or confusion at intersections
Houston’s heavy traffic and highway systems increase the chances of these types of auto accidents.
Areas in Houston Where Head-On Collisions Occur
Head-on collisions can occur anywhere, but they are more likely on:
- Two-lane rural highways near Houston TX
- Urban roads with poor lighting or missing signs
- Entrance and exit ramps of freeways
- Roads under construction or with unclear traffic patterns
These locations see more accidents where drivers drift into oncoming lanes.
Why Head-On Collisions Are So Dangerous
The force of two vehicles crashing front to front is extreme. This type of car crash often results in:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones and internal bleeding
- Fatalities or long-term disability
Car accident victims in these cases often face long recovery times and high medical expenses.
Legal and Financial Impact
Texas follows a fault-based system for car accident cases. If the other driver is at fault, you may file a personal injury claim. You can seek fair compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
An experienced car accident attorney can help you hold the negligent driver accountable.
Importance of Acting Quickly
The Texas statute of limitations for a personal injury case is two years from the date the accident occurred. Waiting too long can affect your right to file a car accident claim. You should speak with a Houston car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.
Common Injuries in Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions often cause serious injuries due to the high speed and force involved when two vehicles crash front to front.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A sudden impact can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull. This may lead to a concussion, brain bleed, or permanent damage. Traumatic brain injuries affect memory, speech, balance, and behavior. Car accident victims with head trauma often need long-term care and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Head-on car accidents can damage the spine. Victims may suffer herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or complete spinal cord injuries. This can result in chronic pain, limited movement, or paralysis. These injuries require immediate medical attention and often lead to long-term disability.
Broken Bones
The force of a head-on collision can break bones in the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, or face. Some fractures may need surgery and physical therapy. In severe cases, broken bones lead to permanent loss of function or mobility.
Internal Injuries
Car crash victims may suffer internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen. These injuries may not show symptoms right away. This is why it is critical to seek medical attention after a head-on collision, even if you feel fine at the scene.
Burns and Disfigurement
In some head-on car accidents, a fuel leak or battery fire may cause burns. Victims can suffer second- or third-degree burns, which often require skin grafts and long-term treatment. Burns and facial injuries can lead to permanent scarring and emotional distress.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Survivors of serious auto accidents often face anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. This emotional pain can last long after physical injuries heal. Car accident lawyers may include mental health treatment costs in a personal injury claim.
Importance of Medical Records
After any auto accident, it is important to keep all medical records. These documents help show the extent of injuries sustained and support your car accident claim. A Houston auto accident attorney can use this evidence to fight for fair compensation.
What to Do Immediately After a Head-On Car Accident in Houston
Taking the right steps after a head-on car accident can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Check for Injuries and Call 911
First, check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor. Emergency responders will provide medical help and file an official report. This police report is key in any car accident claim.
Move to Safety
If it is safe and possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Staying in a travel lane can increase the risk of another crash, especially in busy Houston traffic.
Exchange Insurance Information
Share your name, contact details, and insurance information with the other driver. Get the name of the driver’s insurance company. Do not discuss fault or apologize at the scene. Anything you say can be used against you in a personal injury case.
Document the Accident Scene
Take clear photos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs. Get contact information from witnesses and ask for statements, if possible. These details help your Houston car accident attorney build a strong case.
File a Police Report
Even if the crash seems minor, a police report is important. Officers will document the accident scene, collect witness statements, and identify the at-fault driver. Request a copy of the report for your car accident lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
Go to the emergency room or visit your doctor as soon as possible. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Medical records help link your injuries to the accident, which supports your personal injury claim.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
After a head-on collision, contact an experienced car accident attorney. A lawyer can speak to the insurance company, gather evidence, and file your personal injury claim on time. Most Houston auto accident lawyers offer a free consultation to review your case.
Liability and Texas Laws on Head-On Collisions
Understanding liability and how Texas law applies is important after a head-on collision. Injured drivers need to know how fault is determined and what legal options are available under state law.
Texas Is a Fault-Based State
Texas follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible. The injured person can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit for damages. Car accident victims must prove that the other driver caused the collision.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, the state uses a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are less than 51 percent at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover any money.
Proving Driver Negligence
To recover compensation, your car accident lawyer must show that the other driver was negligent. Common examples include:
- Driving while distracted
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Drifting into oncoming traffic
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding or reckless driving
Evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements help prove fault in a personal injury case.
Role of the Insurance Companies
After a head-on car crash, you may deal with both your own insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company. Each company will investigate the accident. Their goal is to limit what they pay. An experienced Houston car accident attorney can handle communication, protect your rights, and seek fair compensation.
What a Car Accident Claim May Include
If you were injured in a head-on collision, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Future medical care
- Wrongful death damages, if a family member died
A car accident attorney will work to include all losses in your personal injury claim.
Time Limit to File a Claim
Texas law gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline starts on the date the accident occurred. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to compensation. A Houston car accident lawyer can make sure your case is filed on time.
How a Houston Head-On Collision Lawyer Can Help
A car accident lawyer can guide you through each step after a head-on collision and help protect your rights.
Investigating the Accident
A Houston car accident attorney will begin by gathering key evidence. This may include police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and crash scene photos. They may work with accident reconstruction experts to prove how the crash happened and who was at fault.
Managing Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to pay less than what car accident victims deserve. A lawyer will handle all communication with the driver’s insurance company and your own insurance company. This helps avoid mistakes that can hurt your personal injury claim.
Building a Strong Personal Injury Case
An experienced car accident lawyer will review your medical records, document injuries sustained, and calculate financial losses. They include medical bills, lost wages, and other damages in your claim. This helps ensure you request fair compensation for everything you lost due to the crash.
Negotiating a Car Accident Settlement
Many car accident cases are settled outside of court. Your Houston auto accident attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If the company refuses to pay what your case is worth, your lawyer can prepare to take the case to trial.
Filing a Lawsuit Before the Deadline
Texas law limits the time to file a personal injury lawsuit to two years from the date the accident occurred. If your case cannot be settled, your attorney will file the lawsuit on time to keep your right to compensation intact.
Providing Support Through the Legal Process
Dealing with the effects of a head-on car accident can be stressful. A car accident attorney will handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery. They will keep you informed, answer your questions, and explain your options at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Head-On Collisions in Houston
Understanding what to do after a head-on car accident in Houston can help protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. Below are answers to common questions people search after being involved in a serious motor vehicle accident.
What should I do after a head-on collision in Houston to protect my car accident claim?
After a head-on collision in Houston, you should call 911, seek medical attention, file a police report, and gather evidence at the accident scene. Collect contact information, insurance details, and witness statements. Keep copies of your medical records, bills, and repair estimates. Contact a Houston car accident lawyer as soon as possible to help you deal with the insurance company and build your personal injury claim.
How is fault determined in a Texas head-on car accident case?
Fault in a Texas head-on car accident is determined by reviewing the evidence, including police reports, witness accounts, accident scene photos, and traffic camera footage. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning the injured person must be less than 51 percent at fault to recover compensation. A car accident attorney in Houston can help prove the other driver’s negligence and protect your right to recover damages.
Can I still file a personal injury claim if I was partially at fault for a head-on collision in Texas?
Yes, you can file a personal injury claim after a head-on car accident in Texas even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 51 percent responsible. Your compensation will be reduced based on your share of fault. A Houston auto accident attorney can review your case, assess liability, and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company to pursue the maximum compensation available under Texas law.
What types of injuries qualify for compensation in a Houston head-on collision case?
Injuries that qualify for compensation after a head-on car accident in Houston include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, burns, and emotional trauma. Car accident victims may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and ongoing medical care. A Houston car accident lawyer can help gather medical records and build a strong personal injury case.
How long do I have to file a head-on car accident lawsuit in Texas?
You have two years from the date the accident occurred to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas, including head-on car accident cases. This time limit is set by the Texas statute of limitations. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to seek fair compensation. To avoid missing the deadline, contact a car accident attorney quickly for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Act Now with Texas Lawyers 365: We’re Here to Help!
Don’t wait to protect your rights after a head-on collision in Houston. Our team at Texas Lawyers 365 has the experience and dedication you need to fight for full compensation. Reach out today for a free consultation with our car accident attorneys. We will review your case, advise you on the best legal steps, and handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us at 800-800-8000 for a free case consultation today!
