Danville Head-On Collision Lawyers
Head-on wrecks, which are especially common on the two-lane highways that criss-cross many parts of Vermilion County, have very high fatality rates. The force in these collisions is usually double that of the force in another kind of crash. The safety systems in cars and trucks simply weren’t designed to absorb that much force. If they were, we’d all be driving armored cars.
The hard-working Danville head-on collision lawyers at Patel Law hit the ground running in these cases. After we evaluate your case, we collect evidence that supports your claims and refutes insurance company defenses. We also connect victims with doctors and other accident providers. Generally, people who do their homework do well on tests. Since we build such a strong foundation, we usually obtain results that exceed our clients’ expectations.
Fault vs. Liability
The difference between fault and liability is a little like the difference between a halftime score and a final score.
An insurance adjuster or emergency responder typically uses the evidence at the scene to determine fault for an accident. The initial evidence almost always points to the wrong-way driver.
Later, a court uses evidence at the scene, evidence that becomes available later, and certain legal doctrines to determine liability. In terms of compensation for injuries, this determination is the only one that matters, just like the final score is the only one that matters.
Subsequent evidence in a car crash claim often includes information from a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder. Much like a commercial jet’s black box flight data recorder, an EDR measures and records items like:
- Vehicle speed,
- Engine RPM,
- Brake application, and
- Steering angle.
A skilled Danville head-on collision lawyer puts these bits of evidence together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. This evidence often alters the initial fault determination.
Legal doctrines, such as the last clear chance rule, often come into play as well. Assume Bill drifts across the centerline and hits Ted. If Ted could have changed lanes, slammed on his brakes, or otherwise avoided the wreck, he could be legally responsible for damages, even though he didn’t violate a traffic law.
Note that there is a significant difference between any possible chance and the last clear chance. So, this rule doesn’t always apply.
The bottom line is that an attorney should always evaluate your claim, regardless of the initial fault determination. Victims don’t know how much compensation they may be entitled to until they ask.
Compensation Available
Car crash victims often rack up a staggering amount of medical bills. Typically, group health insurance plans refuse to pay these expenses. Other out-of-pocket losses include missed work and property damage.
Compensation is available for all these economic losses. We firmly believe that victims should never have to pay these costs out of their own pockets.
The losses don’t stop at economic losses. These victims must also endure pain and suffering, lost enjoyment in life, emotional distress, and loss of consortium (companionship). Compensation is also available for these noneconomic losses. To determine a fair amount for them, most lawyers multiply the economic losses by two, three, or four, depending on the evidence in the case and a few other factors.
Contact a Diligent Vermilion County Lawyer
Injury victims are often entitled to substantial compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced head-on collision attorney in Danville, contact Patel Law, P.C. You have a limited amount of time to act.
