Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous types of accidents that can occur on the road. Although all car crashes pose risks, head-on collisions often occur at high speeds and cause serious bodily injuries and property damage. In May 2017, for example, a Cranston resident was killed as a result of a head-on collision that occurred during the early morning hours. Fatal car accidents are not uncommon in Cranston, with 12 individuals losing their lives in 2014 as a result of a motor vehicle crash. As the third-largest city in Rhode Island, the odds of being involved in a crash are serious and real. Cranston car accident lawyer David Tapalian is ready to help you understand your legal options and to assert your right to compensation following a devastating head-on collision.

Motor vehicle collision cases are brought as personal injury lawsuits, regardless of whether they result from a head-on accident or another type of crash. In a personal injury claim, the plaintiff has the burden of showing that the driver owed them a duty of care, failed to operate their vehicle according to that duty, and caused them to suffer injuries as a direct and foreseeable result of this failure.

This may sound straightforward, but proving that the other driver violated a duty of care can be complex. In general, we each owe a duty to others to act with the same reasonable care and skill that a prudent person would use if faced with the same situation. When applied to operating a motor vehicle, this means driving safely, remaining alert, refraining from engaging in any distracted driving activities, and following all applicable traffic regulations. Many head-on collisions occur because a driver fails to yield the right of way and collides head-on with another vehicle passing through an intersection. Other common causes are intoxicated or sleepy drivers who drift across the center line into oncoming traffic. Regardless of the violation, if the plaintiff can show that the defendant did not obey a traffic law, the plaintiff is one step closer to establishing that the defendant was driving negligently at the time of the crash.

If you have demonstrated that the defendant was operating their vehicle negligently, you must prove that this negligence was the cause of the injuries that you sustained and that the type of harm that you suffered was a foreseeable outcome of the accident. The defendant can offer evidence to suggest that some other factor was the substantial cause of the accident and your injuries.

The final phase of a trial will require a victim to offer evidence substantiating the various forms of compensation that they are pursuing. In general, a plaintiff can claim compensation for any expenses associated with the injuries that they sustained in the crash. The most common example is medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, prescriptions, and physical therapy. The plaintiff can also seek damages for lost wages and diminished earning capacity, as well as reduced quality of life. A dedicated personal injury lawyer can help you assess your claim and determine the items of compensation to which you may be entitled.

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries as a result of another driver’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation. At Tapalian Law, car accident lawyer David Tapalian has assisted many drivers throughout the Cranston area with seeking the compensation that they deserve for their injuries and damages. As a result of this experience, he knows what you are going through and can ensure that you receive personalized and committed legal counsel throughout every step of the litigation, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and going to trial if that is what it takes. He provides a free consultation to discuss your situation and how he can help you. Call us at 401-552-5000 or contact us online to get started.