Front-end car accidents, or head-on collisions, happen when the front ends of two vehicles collide. They are usually caused by at least one driver going the wrong way, such as crossing a center line, turning the wrong way down a one-way street, or intentionally driving into someone. These accidents can happen at any speed, but they are usually high-force impacts because both vehicles are moving when they collide.
When you are injured in a head-on collision or lose a loved one in a head-on car accident in Mankato, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the nature and extent of the injuries, and the degree of fault of both parties. Additionally, since these injuries are often the result of reckless behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated, there punitive damages may be available. Talk to a dedicated car accident attorney for help.
Since almost all front-end collisions begin with a driver going the wrong way, many people assume the wrong-way driver will always be responsible. However, it can be challenging to determine which driver was going the wrong way. If the driver is going the wrong way on a divided highway or a one-way street, it is easier to establish they went the wrong direction than if they cross over a dividing line on the highway or invade the oncoming lane on a gravel road.
The driver heading in the wrong direction may not be solely responsible for an accident. If the injured person can see the oncoming vehicle and has an opportunity to avoid the wreck, then they may contribute to the accident and share fault.
Assigning fault can be critical to determining whether someone is able to recover damages from the other party in a head-on collision. Per Minnesota’s modified comparative fault law, a person can recover from an accident, even if they contributed to the accident, as long as they were no more than 50 percent responsible. For front-end collisions, the party going the wrong direction is almost always more than 50 percent responsible. However, proving who was going in the wrong direction in a Mankato head-on car accident can be complicated. It may require experts like accident reconstruction specialists.
Head-on collisions are less frequent than other types of accidents, but they are one of the most dangerous. Many people sustain severe injuries, including:
Survivors of front-end car accidents in Mankato often have life-altering injuries. In those cases, they may be awarded damages beyond medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. They could receive money for loss of companionship, mental anguish, loss of earning capacity, and more.
Being in a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if the accident involves severe injuries and requires time away from work. You may not know all your potential remedies or even what potential remedies are available. Survivors mourning the loss of a loved one may have similar questions about their potential recovery.
You only have three years to bring a wrongful death lawsuit or six years to bring a personal injury claim based on negligence after a head-on car accident in Mankato. That seems like a long time until you realize how long recovery can take. Talking to a lawyer does not require you to bring a lawsuit. Our lawyers can give you the knowledge you need to make the right decisions for you and your family. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
