Few car accidents are more catastrophic than head-on collisions. Every year, head-on collisions, which are also known as frontal crashes, account for roughly 10 percent of all fatal auto accidents across the nation. When fatal collisions involve multiple vehicles, 29 percent are classified as head-on crashes.
When head-on collisions in California aren’t fatal, victims are still left to cope with painful physical injuries, sky-high costs, and life-changing emotional trauma.
As the victim of a head-on car accident in San Diego, you have rights. By filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, you can seek compensation for your crash-related damages. Working with an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer at Singleton Schreiber can help you win your case and maximize your recovery.
How Common Are Head-On Collisions in San Diego, CA?
Every year, hundreds of head-on collisions are reported in San Diego, California. According to state crash data, there were 906 head-on crashes in San Diego County in 2023. As a result of these collisions, 1,380 people were injured and 26 were killed.
More than 42 percent of all head-on crashes happened within San Diego’s city limits. City-based frontal crashes caused 547 injuries and 7 deaths.
While head-on collisions can happen anywhere in San Diego, statistics show that approximately 11 to 13 percent happen on state highways.
What Causes Head-On Collisions?
Head-on collisions occur when:
- The front of a vehicle strikes a fixed object, or
- The front ends of two different vehicles collide.
Most often, head-on crashes happen because a vehicle is driving on the wrong side of the road.
This can occur when a driver is:
- Distracted
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fatigued
- Experiencing road rage
- Passing improperly, often in violation of local San Diego traffic laws
When a motorist drives against traffic, it can be difficult - or impossible - for oncoming traffic to get out of the way, especially on jam-packed San Diego highways.
What Types of Injuries Do Head-On Collisions Cause?
While the front end of a vehicle is designed to absorb and disperse the force of a collision, these types of auto accidents can be catastrophic - especially at high speeds.
At Singleton Schreiber, we represent victims of head-on collisions who have suffered:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Nerve damage
- Bruising and contusions
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chest injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Amputation injuries
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Leg injuries
- Eye injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a family member
It’s important to call 911 as soon as you can after a head-on collision in San Diego. Police and other first responders - including EMTs - can be dispatched to the scene to ensure that the crash is investigated thoroughly and that any victims get the emergency medical care they need to survive their wounds.
Once your injuries are stable, contact our car accident attorneys in San Diego, CA, to discuss your situation and discover what legal options might be available to you. As a victim, you may have the right to seek compensation from the driver who caused your head-on collision, the manufacturer of defective equipment, or even a government agency.
Our award-winning California trial attorneys can help you exhaust your legal options and fight for the top-dollar financial recovery you deserve. Call our San Diego law office for a free consultation now.
What Evidence Will I Need to Win a Car Accident Lawsuit After a Frontal Crash in San Diego?
Most head-on collisions in San Diego happen because someone is negligent. As a victim, you can file a legal claim to hold a negligent party accountable for your crash-related damages - including medical bills, disability, lost wages, damage to your vehicle and other property, and even your pain and suffering.
Your claim will need to establish that the defendant breached a duty of care owed to you and, in turn, caused a head-on collision in which you were injured.
To be successful, your claim must be supported by persuasive evidence. Evidence can help to establish liability and demonstrate the damages you’ve experienced.
Helpful evidence might include:
- Dashcam footage or other video surveillance footage showing another vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the road
- Tire tracks and other forensic evidence that can be used to recreate the collision
- Expert testimony from forensics specialists, accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and rehabilitation specialists
- Depositions and interrogatories of eyewitnesses, parties to the crash, and other parties
- Photographs of damage to vehicles involved in the wreck
- The accident report, which might include preliminary assessments of fault and relevant details about the crash
- Your medical records
Don’t stress out about who’s responsible for your head-on crash, how to hold them accountable, or how to get the evidence needed to win your car accident claim. Focus on getting better, and trust our California car accident attorneys in San Diego to handle the rest for you.
Why Victims of Head-On Crashes in San Diego, CA, Trust Singleton Schreiber
While you have the right to seek compensation after a head-on collision in San Diego, it won’t necessarily be easy. The insurance company has a playbook of strategies designed to scare and intimidate you during an already stressful time in your life. They’ll downplay your injuries, dismiss your claims of suffering, and even try to blame you for the frontal crash.
The best thing you can do is hire an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer to fight for you.
Victims of head-on crashes in San Diego choose Singleton Schreiber because we’re local lawyers backed by national resources. Recognized as leaders in civil litigation by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and The San Diego Business Journal, we’ve won over $3 Billion for clients like you.
California imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations on most car accident claims, so it’ll be important to take prompt action. At Singleton Schreiber, we’re available to offer the help you need 24 hours a day.
We also represent our clients on contingency, so you’ll pay nothing until we win compensation for your head-on collision case.
Contact our law office in San Diego to learn more. Your first consultation is absolutely free.
About Car Accidents
- Car Accident Overview
- Damages Available in Car Accident Cases
- Getting a Car Accident Report in San Diego
- Insurance Minimums
- Liability in Car Accidents
- Steps to Take After a Car Accident
- Time Limits for Car Accident Claims in California
- What is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
Car Accident Injuries
- Airbag Injuries
- Bone Fractures
- Bruising and Contusions
- Chest Injuries
- Delayed Injuries
- Low-Impact Car Accident Injuries
- Nerve Damage
- Seatbelt Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Types of Car Accidents
- Auto Defect Accidents
- Drowsy Driving Accidents
- Drugged Driving Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Fatal Accidents
- Head-On Accidents
- Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Intersection Accidents
- Rear-End Accidents
- Rental Car Accidents
- Road Rage Accidents
- Sideswipe Accidents
- Speeding Accidents
- Tailgating Accidents
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents
- Work Zone Accidents