Head-on collisions are among the most serious types of car accidents. When two vehicles collide front to front, the force of impact is often severe, leading to serious injuries and extensive damage. In New York, determining liability after a head-on collision is essential to recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. Understanding how fault is assessed can help injured individuals protect their rights.
What Causes Head-On Collisions in Brooklyn?
Head-on collisions often occur when a driver crosses the centerline or enters oncoming traffic. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, fatigue, and failure to navigate curves safely. These accidents may also result from poor road conditions or limited visibility.
Although weather and road design may contribute, liability typically depends on whether a driver acted negligently under the circumstances.
How Is Fault Determined in a Head-On Collision?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning more than one party can share fault. Investigators review evidence such as vehicle positioning, skid marks, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. Police reports often cite violations such as reckless driving or failure to maintain a lane, which can influence fault determinations.
Each driver’s actions before the collision are evaluated to determine whether they exercised reasonable care.
Who Can Be Responsible for a Head-On Crash?
In many cases, the driver who crossed into oncoming traffic is found at fault. However, other parties may share responsibility. Mechanical failures, such as brake or steering defects, may point to manufacturers or maintenance providers. Poor road design or missing signage can also raise questions about whether a government entity contributed to the accident.
Liability depends on the specific facts of the crash and the evidence available.
How Do Injuries Affect Liability Claims?
Head-on collisions often cause severe personal injury, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, fractures, and internal injuries. The seriousness of these injuries often increases the value and complexity of a claim.
Medical records, diagnostic testing, and treatment documentation help establish the connection between the collision and the injuries. Long-term medical needs and reduced quality of life are also considered when seeking compensation.
What Evidence Is Important to Prove Fault?
Photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and debris can be helpful. Witness statements often clarify how the collision occurred. Vehicle event data recorders may show speed and braking patterns just before impact.
Dashcam or traffic camera footage can be especially persuasive in showing which vehicle crossed the centerline.
How Do Insurance Companies Handle Head-On Collisions?
Insurance companies conduct their own investigations to assign fault. Because fault may be shared, insurers often dispute percentages of responsibility. These disagreements can affect settlement offers and delay resolution.
Careful documentation and consistent medical treatment can help counter attempts to unfairly shift blame.
What Should You Do After a Head-On Collision?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries are not obvious. Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report. Exchange information with the other driver and collect witness contact details if possible.
Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance adjusters before understanding your legal options.
Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki Help You Take the Next Step
Liability in head-on collisions often involves complex questions of fault and evidence. Understanding how New York law applies can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim. The Brooklyn car accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki assist injured individuals by evaluating liability, addressing insurance disputes, and pursuing compensation after serious head-on collisions. Call us at 718-522-1020 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Brooklyn, NY, and serve clients in the surrounding area.
