Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law helps victims that have been injured in Oklahoma City car accidents. While every car accident is the same in the eyes of the law, they are actually very different in real world terms. Usually, the most serious accidents involve a head-on collision. For as difficult as these accidents are, you have legal options that our team can help you with. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
Just because a head-on collision is usually much more serious in terms of the damage, you’re still not legally required to get a lawyer to file an injury claim. In fact, there’s the off-chance that your accident will be minor, in which case you won’t have to worry about taking legal action at all.
But most of the time, you’re going to be facing pretty serious losses with a head-on collision. And when you face that predicament, our team will be there to help you by:
- Explaining what your legal options are
- Helping you gather evidence and medical records
- Investigating what caused the accident and figuring out who’s responsible
- Filing insurance claims and working for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court if necessary
We aim to make the legal process easier for you and your family, so you can focus on getting better. Choosing to work with us is up to you. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay anything upfront–we take our fee from whatever result we get for you.
What Legal Options Do You Have After a Head-on Collision?
Legally speaking, your options don’t change when you’re in a head-on collision in Oklahoma City. As a victim of someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to file an injury claim. Where the process differs is in what option you choose–and what damages you’re able to get.
Generally, you can either:
- File an insurance claim – Filing an insurance claim is usually the first step, where you actually file a claim with the at-fault person’s insurance company. They’ll then investigate, ask for evidence, then eventually offer you a settlement. It’s a quicker process, but the drawback is that it’s totally controlled by the insurance company and their goal is to pay out as little as possible.
- File a personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance settlement doesn’t cover all your losses (which is likely in a serious head-on collision), you can file a lawsuit. This is a more formal process and takes more time and effort, but it gives you a better chance at fair damages because it’s overseen by a judge and potentially a jury.
Once your claim is filed, you have access to certain financial support that’s built on your losses, like your injuries, emotional toll, and damage to your car. This is known as “damages,” and usually includes things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Repair/replacement costs for your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if the accident is fatal
- Punitive damages, in cases of intentional negligence
Obviously, your damages are going to be specific to your accident and injuries. But, an important thing to keep in mind is that you only have a certain amount of time to actually file your claim. In Oklahoma, you have to file your claim within two years of the date of the accident. Miss this deadline, and you can’t recover damages at all.
Who Pays For Your Damages After a Head-on Collision?
You might think figuring out who has to pay for your damages after a head-on collision is pretty straightforward, and normally it falls on the driver that hits you. But, every situation is different. So, while liability–the legal responsibility for paying for damages–is still determined by negligence, it’s not always just on the other driver.
Others who could be liable for paying for your damages in a head-on collisions could include:
- Passengers
- Pedestrians
- Motorcyclists or bicyclists
- Car makers or repair shops if poor design or maintenance contributed to the crash
- Local governments if road conditions played a role
You may also bear some responsibility under comparative negligence. In Oklahoma, if you share some fault, your damages could be reduced by the percentage of your own responsibility. Oklahoma has a “50%” rule on negligence, which means if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you won’t be able to file a claim. This is rare, though, and our team can make sure you have what you need for a strong claim.
How Can You Protect Your Claim After You’re in a Head-on Collision?
The biggest problem with a head-on collision is pretty obvious: it usually results in pretty serious injuries and other problems you have to deal with. In the worst-case, they’re fatal. At the same time, though, you have to take the right steps after the accident to protect your claim–to the extent you’re even able to do that. Here’s what you can do:
- Call 911 for help – First, move to a safe spot away from traffic and call 911 for medical help. Even if you feel okay, it’s important for paramedics to check you out or take you to the hospital, as some injuries may not show right away. This will also tie your injuries to the accident.
- Call the police – While you’re on the phone with 911, ask the dispatcher to notify local law enforcement, like the Oklahoma City Police Department or state police. They will come to the scene to help manage the situation while also taking down key information you can use later.
- Collect evidence – If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, any damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved, visible injuries, and other details like skid marks. Also, get contact information from any witnesses who can testify to what happened.
- Keep records – Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, communications with insurance, and any expenses related to the accident. These documents are crucial for your claim because they show what you’ve lost.
- Watch what you say – Be cautious when talking about the accident, especially with insurance representatives. They might twist your words to downplay your claim, so stick to the facts. Also, avoid posting about the accident on social media.
By following these steps, you’ll strengthen your claim and demonstrate that you’ve handled the situation responsibly. This can be very helpful if your case goes to court, but it’s also a pretty solid foundation for an insurance claim as well. Regardless, though, you need to be prepared–and part of that means understanding how these accidents usually happen.
What Causes Head-on Collisions in Oklahoma City?
Certain parts of Oklahoma City might be busier than others, but the underlying causes of head-on collisions are usually the same across the city because negligence is involved. So, when you find yourself in one, you can often trace it back to the following causes:
- Speeding – Driving too fast makes it harder to react and control your vehicle, which increases the risk of serious accidents and injuries.
- Distracted driving – Texting distracts you from the road, slowing your reaction time and making crashes more likely. This can lead to serious injuries or even death.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol affects your judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents that can cause severe injuries or fatalities.
- Drowsy driving – Being tired reduces your alertness and reaction time, raising the chances of a crash. Falling asleep at the wheel can result in serious accidents.
- Illegal passing – Many head-on collisions happen when drivers try to pass other vehicles in unsafe areas, like over double lines, which can lead to major injuries, especially to the face, neck, and head.
Even with understanding these common causes, you never want to be involved in a head-on collision. Unfortunately, these are among the most common types of car accidents in Oklahoma City. No matter what the cause is, our team will be there to support your recovery.
Experienced Oklahoma City Head-on Car Accident Lawyers
No one wants to be in a head-on collision in Oklahoma City. These accidents can bring tough challenges and serious losses for you and your family. At Ylla Gosney, our experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyers are committed to fighting for your claim and holding those responsible accountable under the law. If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision, contact us today for a free consultation.
