Head-on collisions are some of the most devastating types of accidents, often causing life-changing injuries or tragic loss. In Fresno, where city streets and rural highways pose unique risks, these crashes remain a serious threat. If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision, Berg Injury Lawyers is here to fight for your rights and help you seek the compensation you need to recover from your losses.
How Head-On Collisions Happen in Fresno
Fresno’s roadways present various conditions that contribute to the frequency of head-on collisions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Rural Roads With Limited Barriers: Many head-on crashes in Fresno occur on two-lane roads without median dividers, where drivers attempting to pass can misjudge distances and cause deadly collisions.
- Highway Entry Ramp Errors: Wrong-way drivers entering the highway against traffic create highly dangerous situations, leading to severe crashes.
- City Intersections and Reckless Turns: Running red lights, failing to yield, or misjudging left-turn timing can result in devastating head-on impacts.
- Driving Under the Influence : Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, increasing the risk of deadly mistakes behind the wheel.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting navigation, or other distractions can cause drivers to veer into oncoming traffic.
- Speeding and Unsafe Passing: Excessive speed makes it difficult to correct mistakes in time, particularly on two-lane roads where unsafe passing maneuvers can quickly turn deadly.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Fog, rain, or other weather hazards common in the Fresno area can reduce visibility and lead to drivers unintentionally crossing into opposing traffic lanes.
The Devastating Impact on Victims and Families
The force of a head-on collision often results in catastrophic injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods. Some of the most severe injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and permanent disability.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Victims may suffer partial or full paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
- Broken Bones and Severe Orthopedic Injuries: Multiple fractures may necessitate surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding: Blunt force trauma can cause life-threatening complications.
- Psychological Trauma: Survivors often experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD due to the accident’s emotional toll.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, many head-on collisions result in fatalities, leaving grieving families to cope with emotional and financial loss.
Proving Liability in a Fresno Head-On Collision
To recover compensation after a head-on crash, proving fault is essential. Key factors in establishing liability include:
- Accident/Police Reports
- Witness Statements
- Video Footage
- Accident Reconstruction Experts
It’s important to remember that with California’s comparative negligence law, even if you share some fault, you may still recover compensation. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, making it important to get experienced legal representation to maximize your claim.
Compensation Available for Fresno Victims
Victims of head-on collisions face overwhelming financial burdens and may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensation for time missed from work and reduced earning potential due to disability
- Pain and Suffering: Addresses both physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Wrongful Death Damages: Compensation for families of fatal accident victims to cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship
What to Do After a Head-On Collision in Fresno
Taking the right steps after a head-on crash can protect your health and legal rights:
- Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention: Seek immediate medical care, even if you don’t feel pain. Your injuries may manifest later.
- Contact Law Enforcement: A police report will serve as an essential piece of evidence.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you can do so safely, take photos, collect witness information, and document road conditions.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident but avoid making detailed statements without legal guidance.
- Consult a Fresno Head-On Collision Lawyer: An attorney can guide you through the claims process and fight for fair compensation.
How Berg Injury Lawyers Can Help
Enduring the aftermath of a head-on collision is beyond overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. Berg Injury Lawyers has extensive experience representing Fresno accident victims and can:
- Investigate the crash and gather critical evidence
- Handle insurance negotiations to ensure fair compensation
- Represent you in court if necessary to secure the best outcome
You might be worried about hiring an attorney because of the potential cost, but at Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire one of our lawyers if you choose to speak to us about your accident. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision in Fresno, don’t wait to take legal action. Evidence can disappear quickly, and the sooner we start building your case, the stronger it will be. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
