Head-On Collision Lawyer in St. Louis
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous crashes St. Louis drivers face. The destructive force of two cars crashing into each other at speed often causes severe injuries to occupants. Victims typically then face months or years of pain and medical treatments, disability, a significant income drop, and a lower quality of life.
At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, our St. Louis head-on collision attorneys believe you deserve to recover money to cover your expenses and losses when another driver injures you. If they were at fault for the collision, you have the right to demand fair compensation from their insurer. But don’t rely on the insurance company to do the right thing without a fight.
Our team has more than 20 years of legal experience and has recovered significant payouts for injured motorists like you in St. Louis and surrounding areas of Missouri. We are ready to fight tirelessly for your best interests and handle all the legal work while you tend to your physical and mental recovery.
Call our St. Louis law firm today or reach out online for a free case evaluation about your legal options for seeking maximum compensation.
The Impact of Head-On Collisions
Though less common than some other types of crashes, head-on collisions in St. Louis frequently have catastrophic consequences for everyone involved. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reports head-on collisions are the most harmful event in roughly 14 percent of all fatal crashes nationwide each year. That’s a significant amount, especially considering data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show head-on collisions made up just 2 percent of all crashes nationwide in one year.
Data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol show that in one recent year, 107 of the state’s 367 fatal crashes were head-on collisions. In other words, nearly one-third of all fatal crashes statewide that year were head-on collisions. Even if motorists survive a head-on collision, they frequently face severe injuries that require a lengthy recovery and an extended period of disability.
Causes of St. Louis Head-On Car Crashes
Here are some common causes of head-on car accidents in St. Louis:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers texting or talking on the phone may swerve into oncoming traffic, leading to a head-on crash.
- Drunk Driving – Impaired judgment from alcohol can lead drivers to drift into the wrong lane.
- Speeding – Driving too fast, especially around curves, can make it hard to stay in the correct lane.
- Fatigue – Tired drivers can easily drift into the opposite lane if they nod off.
- Poor Visibility – Fog, rain, or darkness can obscure lane markers and road signs.
- Overtaking Mistakes – Misjudging distances or speed while passing can send a vehicle into oncoming traffic.
- Poor Road Design – A lack of clear lane markers can confuse drivers. A lack of proper signs or a confusing design could lead a driver to get on a limited-access highway going the wrong way.
- Medical Emergencies – A sudden health issue can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and drive into oncoming traffic.
Awareness and vigilance can mitigate these risks, but when accidents happen, it’s crucial to understand their root causes. As experienced St. Louis auto accident attorneys, the team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can examine your case and assess whether you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Frontal Crashes?
When two cars collide head-on, the impact force is significantly higher than in most collisions. In turn, that intense force translates to more serious injuries to drivers and passengers. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common severe injuries car accident victims sustain in these events:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken or Fractured Bones
- Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
- Whiplash and Other Neck and Back Injuries
- Lacerations and Abrasions
- Burns
- Crushing Injuries and Compartment Syndrome
- Bruises and Contusions
- Airbag-Related Injuries
Who’s at Fault in a Head-On Car Accident in St. Louis?
The following parties might be liable for a head-on collision, depending on the specific circumstances of the car accident:
- The Other Driver – Often, one driver is clearly at fault for crossing into oncoming traffic. Their actions, whether due to distraction, impairment, or other reasons, can make them the primary liable party.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – If a car defect, like a brake failure or steering issue, contributed to the collision, the vehicle’s manufacturer might bear some responsibility. In such cases, injured drivers or passengers can pursue a product liability claim against the carmaker.
- Local Government or Road Maintenance Agencies – Poorly maintained roads, missing signs, or lack of clear lane markings can contribute to head-on accidents. If such conditions played a role, the entity responsible for the road might be liable.
- Construction Companies – Sometimes, head-on collisions occur in construction zones due to unclear detour signs or improper barriers. The construction company managing the zone might be at fault in these situations.
- The Vehicle Owner – If a vehicle’s owner knowingly lends their car to someone unfit to drive (for example, a person without a license or under the influence), they may share in the liability.
- Third-Party Drivers – Sometimes, another driver’s actions, even if they aren’t directly involved in the collision, can cause two other vehicles to crash head-on. Their reckless or negligent actions can make them partially responsible.
How Our Attorneys Help People Hurt in Head-On Accidents
The St. Louis head-on collision attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can aggressively fight for your rights after a car wreck. Our process begins with a thorough investigation, where our legal team meticulously examines all the accident details, from police reports to witness statements and on-site evidence. Our in-depth analysis helps establish the exact cause of the accident and pinpoints the liable parties.
Our St. Louis car accident attorneys frequently collaborate with medical professionals to understand the full extent of a client’s injuries. Such insights help determine the amount you ask for in compensation when you file an insurance claim or lawsuit. Furthermore, by documenting lost wages, medical bills, potential loss of future earnings, and your pain and suffering, we build a comprehensive claim that reflects the full scope of your losses from the car accident.
In many car accident cases, our tenacious advocacy encourages insurance providers to offer fair settlements without heading to court. However, if the insurance adjuster in your case will not provide a reasonable settlement, we are fully prepared to represent your interests before a judge and jury to pursue full and fair compensation.
Contact a Head-On Car Crash Lawyer at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC
Missouri law gives you a limited window to take legal action after a head-on collision, so don’t wait to act. If you miss the five-year statutory deadline for filing a lawsuit, your case will likely be dismissed without a hearing, leaving you without the financial compensation you need.
The compassionate team of St. Louis car accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC is ready to hear your story and shoulder your legal burden in a head-on collision claim. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.