Even when you buckle your seatbelt, observe speed limits, and are vigilant toward other drivers, you are not protected against the catastrophic impact of an auto accident. Sadly, Californians die in car crashes at five times the national rate, making it one of the deadliest states to travel in. And while rear-end and side-swipe accidents are common, front-end accidents—also known as head-on crashes—are more severe.
Surviving a devastating crash is just the beginning: you may have years of medical care ahead of you, which can take a financial toll on you and your family. Fortunately, our skilled car crash attorneys can help. We fight to get people the compensation they need from the drivers who cause their injuries after front-end car accidents in Stockton. Contact us today.
Liability for Head-On Collisions
Drivers on four-lane highways might believe they are safe from head-on collisions when traveling in the same direction as other motorists. However, these accidents also occur when the front of a car hits the side of another vehicle. Common causes of front-end collisions include the following:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting while driving
- Attempting to pass a driver and failing to gauge the speed of an oncoming car
- Passing in a no-passing zone
- Driving the wrong way
- Speeding through stop signs or lights, clipping a driver with the right-of-way
A driver who commits these senseless acts and causes an accident could be subject to a negligent lawsuit. Although these charges are civil, a head-on vehicle crash could result in criminal charges when the victim in Stockton dies or the driver’s actions are egregious. A hardworking attorney will review medical and police reports, interview eyewitnesses, reconstruct the accident, and look for video evidence proving the at-fault driver’s negligence in court.
The Statute of Limitations
California’s Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases is usually two years from the incident, but exceptions may extend this deadline. On the other hand, the state defines minors as people younger than 18 who lack the legal capacity to make decisions such as signing valid contracts. Therefore, when a minor in Stockton sustains injuries in a front-end car accident, the time to sue does not begin until the minor turns 18.
When a motorist intentionally attempts to kill another motorist by crashing their car into the other one, the time limit is ten years from the date the convicted felon is discharged from parole. However, when the defendant committed a less serious felony by drunkenly crashing into someone else, the statute of limitations begins after the judge announces the driver’s criminal charges.
If an on-duty government employee crashes into another motorist, any action the injured party takes must be filed within six months after the accident, with special notices required. Before filing a lawsuit, it is crucial to contact a skilled attorney who will ensure a claim is filed quickly.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Because head-on accidents are often deadly, the family members of a decedent should consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault drivers. Generally, if the decedent could have filed a successful personal injury claim, the family can bring a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. Often, in these cases, the jury will award the decedent’s family end-of-life expenses, financial losses, emotional trauma, and loss of companionship.
A Knowledgeable Lawyer in Stockton Can Litigate Head-On Car Accidents
Head-on crashes are not the most common car accidents in California—but they are some of the deadliest. When you are involved in a front-end crash, your injuries are most likely devastating, and you might be worried about how you will pay for your mounting medical bills and lost wages. However, our legal team members can offer you peace of mind.
There are many components to bringing a personal injury lawsuit to court, and one mistake can derail it, so trust your future to a Stockton front-end car accident lawyer who will fight to protect you. Call today.
