Head-on Collision Accident Lawyer in Knoxville

If you need a Knoxville head-on collision car accident lawyer, contact Ogle, Elrod and Baril at (865) 546-1111 to schedule a free consultation.

Of the different categories of automobile accidents, head-on collisions rank among the most dangerous and violent. In many cases, vehicle occupants suffer severe—if not fatal—injuries and significant damage to their vehicles.

Head-on collision accidents involve legal complexities that take experts to unravel. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, know how to navigate these complex cases. Let us help you recover financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a loved one died in the accident, we can speak with you about pursuing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a head-on collision due to someone else’s negligence, contact our law firm today at 865-546-1111. You can schedule a free, no-obligation legal consultation with a head-on collision accident lawyer in Knoxville.

How Could a Head-On Collision Occur When I Was Driving Safely in My Lane?

Unfortunately, safe drivers can suffer injuries in accidents through no fault of their own. In our years of experience in successfully helping accident victims recover compensation for their injuries and damages, we have found several factors contribute to head-on collisions:

  • Defective parts from auto manufacturer;
  • Distracted driving, including texting or talking on the phone while driving;
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
  • An inability to see or ignoring the no-passing yellow lines on the roadway;
  • Fatigue or sleepiness;
  • Poorly lit roadways or bright sunlight;
  • Recklessness;
  • Hazardous road conditions such as fog, rain, snow, or ice;
  • Speeding;
  • Suddenly changing lanes; and
  • Traveling the wrong way on a one-way road.

Even if your accident did not occur in one of these scenarios, contact us. If we can show another driver caused your head-on crash, we can hold them financially responsible for your losses.

How Can I Prove Another Driver Caused the Accident?

We have a variety of resources to determine which party to hold liable for causing an accident. For example, we may consult with an accident reconstruction specialist who examines accident reports to recreate the accident scene. They may review eyewitness reports, skid marks, photographs of the vehicles, and other information to determine probable causes for your head-on collision.

To add support to our clients’ insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits, our law firm gathers evidence through our own investigations into their accidents. Besides information from our accident reconstruction specialist, we gather other evidence, including:

  • Police reports;
  • Medical records;
  • Photographs from the accident scene;
  • Eyewitness testimony;
  • Surveillance camera videos; and
  • GPS records of vehicles involved in the crash.

Head-on collisions often involve large trucks, particularly in multiple vehicle crashes. In these cases, we request records from the trucking company such as the driver’s log, the truck’s maintenance and inspection records, and other supporting documents.

While you may assume the driver who crossed a median caused the accident, responsibility may also lie with a vehicle manufacturer, if they failed to recall faulty parts in a timely manner. One global automobile manufacturer recalled 2.6 million vehicles in 2014 due to a defective part, which caused drivers to lose control of their cars. In many instances, this caused head-on collisions. The company was liable for the deaths and injuries of hundreds of people.

How Will a Lawyer Hold the At-Fault Party Responsible for My Damages?

We can hold a driver or the vehicle’s manufacturer liable for an accident if we can prove negligence on their part. To prevail in an insurance claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or a wrongful death lawsuit, Tennessee requires us to prove the following four elements against a defendant:

  • The defendant had a duty to care for the safety of other motorists;
  • The defendant breached their the duty of care;
  • The defendant’s negligence caused an accident; and
  • The accident caused other motorists to suffer personal injuries or property damage.

We will collect the proof we need to show that negligence occurred in your case. Once we build a strong claim on your behalf, we will work with the faulty party’s insurance company to get you compensation.

We Have Experience Negotiating and Litigating.

We will handle all aspects of your insurance claim, including filing the claim and negotiating your settlement. If the insurance company fails to offer a fair payout, we discuss the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit. Injured accident victims should not have to deal with aggressive insurance representatives while recovering from their injuries. We take on this task for you.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover?

We cannot determine your compensation amount until we meet and discuss your accident and injuries. Typically, the amount of compensation accident victims can recover depends on the type of injuries they sustained. For instance, a driver who suffered a traumatic brain injury and has significant medical bills would receive a higher payout than one who sustained whiplash.

Head-on collisions can cause severe head and chest injuries due to the driver’s body hitting the steering wheel and dashboard and the airbag deploying. A driver might also suffer leg injuries if the knee comes into contact with the dashboard. All of these injuries can require long-term care to treat.

Besides medical expenses, you may also recover compensation for:

  • Ambulance transportation costs;
  • Hospitalization;
  • In-patient rehabilitation;
  • Home health care;
  • In-home medical supplies;
  • Loss of earning capacity, if your injures prevent you from working;
  • Physical therapy; and
  • Lost wages.

You may also ask for non-economic—or intangible damages—such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In certain cases, you may recover punitive damages. A judge or jury awards these damages to punish defendants for negligent or reckless actions that cause serious and fatal injuries to others. Tennessee law allows punitive damage awards of twice the total amount of compensatory damages or up to $500,000. These limits do not apply in cases where defendants committed certain felony offenses.

When It Gets Complicated, Call the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC.

If you are experiencing the devastating effects of a head-on collision, contact the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, today at 865-546-1111. In these complex cases, having a dedicated and experienced legal team on your side can help you recover the compensation and justice you deserve.