Head-on accidents in Athens are often catastrophic—life-threatening and deadly injuries are common. If you or a loved one were hurt in this type of crash, there is hope. Our Athens head-on collision lawyers will handle every legal detail.
If you were not responsible for the collision, you shouldn’t have to pay. The other driver and their insurance company are probably accountable. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll help you build a strong injury claim to recover the money you deserve.
With over 20 years of experience, our team knows how to win cases. We aren’t afraid of complicated claims or going to court. To get a 100% free, no-strings-attached consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What Settlement Can You Expect from a Head-on Collision?
Head-on crashes are some of the most extreme accidents. Since injuries are often terrible in head-on collisions, financial settlements can be high. However, every case depends on the details.
The settlement you might anticipate depends on:
Your Damages
The law compensates you for an accident by looking at your damages. In Georgia, there are two primary types of damages:
- Economic damages like medical bills, lost income, and vehicle damage
- Non-economic damages like mental anguish, pain and suffering, and disfigurement
Economic losses affect your bank account. You can calculate your total costs by looking at bills, receipts, and invoices.
Non-economic losses are more complicated because they don’t have dollar amounts. For example, you can’t put a price tag on physical or emotional suffering. But the legal system can only repay you through money, so your lawyer will help value your non-economic damages.
An ideal settlement covers all of your damages. Your attorney will calculate each loss and determine what you deserve to recover.
Your Percentage of Fault (If Any)
Being partially responsible for an accident will affect your compensation. According to OCGA §51-12-33, you can request money if you were less than 50% at fault. But being somewhat at fault will reduce what you recover.
The insurance company or courts will reduce your settlement by your percentage of fault. For example, suppose you were 5% responsible for a crash and had $100,000 in damages. You cannot recover 5% from the accident (which is $5,000), but you can seek recovery for the other $95,000.
But be cautious: do not assume you were at fault without speaking to a lawyer. Even if you think you caused the accident, don’t admit blame or apologize. Talk to an attorney first—many injured clients are quick to blame themselves but find out later that they were not liable.
Your Legal Representation
Yes, having a lawyer really does make all the difference. This is especially true with head-on collision cases. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not fair to accident sufferers.
If you’re not careful, the other driver’s insurer will take advantage of you. Common insurance tactics include:
- Using something you’ve said against you
- Making a meager settlement offer seem enticing
- Asking for a written or recorded statement
- Downplaying how serious your injuries are
Insurance adjusters know what they’re doing. That’s why it’s so crucial that you have a trustworthy lawyer. An Athens head-on collision lawyer will speak with the adjuster for you and make sure any offer is enough.
Lack of legal representation means a disoriented case. You need direction and a professional who can fight for the money you deserve. Thankfully, that’s what each of our lawyers brings at John Foy & Associates.
Get the strong arm
Who Is At Fault for a Head-On Crash?
Most head-on accidents happen because a driver was traveling in the wrong direction. And most of the time, that driver is the responsible one. Of course, there are exceptions.
If a driver’s actions directly lead to the crash, that driver is at fault. Head-on collisions often happen because of:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Reckless behavior
- Speeding
- Operating a vehicle at night
- Unsafe turns or U-turns
You’ll need to uncover the reason for your accident. For example, maybe the other driver turned the wrong way onto a road because they were intoxicated. You’ll want to gather as much proof as possible to show what occurred.
You don’t have to discover and prove fault on your own. Your attorney will investigate to find out what happened. Then, they’ll help you build a strong injury claim for the compensation you deserve.
What Not to Say to the Insurance Company
What you don’t say after an accident is critical. If the insurance company contacts you:
- Do not admit any fault.
- Do not accept any money without consulting a lawyer.
- Do not make any statements about the accident.
- Do not say you’re “fine” or were not injured.
- Do not agree to give a statement or sign anything.
Also, don’t talk about the crash on social media. Any public statements—even if they seem innocent—can hurt your case.
Instead of worrying about what to say and what not to say, call a reliable attorney. A legal professional will handle all of this for you. Free from that stress, you can focus on healing from your injuries.
You Have Two Years to File—don’t Wait
Personal injury cases take time to build. At the same time, essential deadlines can come in a flash.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of your accident. That means you must file a lawsuit before the deadline. If you don’t, you’ll miss any chance to get compensation.
Don’t risk losing the money you’re entitled to receive. Start gathering information about your accident and call a lawyer today. Most attorneys (like our team at John Foy & Associates) will offer a free consultation to learn more.
Talk to a Head-On Collision Lawyer in Athens for Free
Injured or lost a loved one in a head-on collision? Get trusted and experienced legal help today. We bring 20-plus years of experience to the table, and you pay nothing upfront.
To get your free consultation now, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
