Meridian Car Accident Lawyers

Meridian Head-On Collision Accident Lawyer

Strong representation for those injured in Mississippi motor vehicle crashes

Head-on collisions can be catastrophic. They frequently result in life-changing or even fatal injuries. When a car crash in Meridian causes severe harm to a person or a family, legal representation can help you fight back against insurers who work to minimize payouts.

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we investigate every detail of the crash, from how the collision occurred to whether speeding, distracted driving, unsafe passing, or impaired driving played a role. Our experienced car accident attorneys understand the roads in and around Meridian – from busy stretches of I-20 and Highway 19 to rural two-lane highways. We prepare cases thoroughly and are ready to take them to trial when necessary. When a head-on collision changes your life, we can stand with you every step of the way. Reach out today.

Table of contents

What causes head-on crashes?

A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles driving in opposite directions collide front-to-front. This can happen in a number of ways, for example, a car crossing the centerline into oncoming traffic, wrongly entering a one-way street, or losing control of your vehicle. Unfortunately, the results can be devastating.

Common causes of head-on collisions include:

  • Distracted driving: It’s easy to get distracted. Your phone beeps, you reach for a snack in your purse, you need to adjust the navigation – all it takes is a second with your eyes off the road to end up crossing into oncoming traffic.
  • Drunk or impaired driving: Alcohol, drugs, and prescription medication can affect a driver’s judgment, causing a driver to make poor decisions and drift into neighboring lanes.
  • Drowsy driving: When a driver is tired, it can often have the same effect as driving under the influence. Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
  • Speeding, reckless or aggressive driving: Drivers who improperly pass, tailgate, weave between lanes, or speed are more likely to crash.
  • Wrong-way driving: Head-on collisions can occur when a driver mistakenly enters a highway from an exit ramp.
  • Poor visibility and weather conditions: Poor visibility due to rain, fog, or snow can make it easy to veer into opposing traffic lanes. Wet roads can also contribute to crashes.

Can a third party cause a head-on car accident?

Liability following a head-on crash in Meridian often falls on the drivers involved in the crash, but third parties can also be at fault. Examples of potential third parties include:

  • Another driver: If someone crossed the center line, drove the wrong way down a one-way street, or mistakenly drove up the exit ramp while you were driving down, resulting in a head-on collision, they would likely be the most at-fault party. If a driver was impaired, speeding, or distracted, this may confirm their liability.
  • Employers: Imagine a driver was on the job when they caused your head-on collision; their company could be vicariously liable and responsible for covering your damages.
  • Vehicle manufacturers: In some cases, defective cars with faulty steering or brakes can lead to car accidents. If this is the case, the manufacturer may be liable.
  • Local or state government agencies: If a road has a known hazard, isn’t well-marked or is missing signage, you might have a claim against the city or state.

In order to prove a negligence cause of action against another party in a head-on collision case, you need to prove several elements, including:

  • Duty of care: The defendant must have owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers owe others on the road a duty of care, which means they should drive reasonably.
  • Breach: The duty of care was breached. In a head-on collision, this might involve crossing the center line, possibly due to distraction, intoxication, or fatigue.
  • Causation: There also needs to be a link between the breach and your injuries. One example might be if you were involved in a head-on crash and you suffered a broken bone as a result.
  • Damages: To prove negligence, you must also have suffered actual losses, such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, as a result of the head-on collision.

Every car accident is unique. At Merkel & Cocke, we can work with you to determine all potentially liable parties in your case.

  • What injuries can be sustained in a head-on car accident?

    Injuries resulting from head-on crashes can be extremely serious. Damages can be extensive.

    Injuries

    Common injuries from head-on collisions in Meridian include:

    Damages

    Typically, victims may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages after a head-on collision. If a head-on collision results in a fatality, you may be able to recover wrongful death damages.

    Economic damages

    • Medical expenses
    • Rehabilitation costs
    • Prescription drug charges
    • Property damage
    • Lost income
    • Future earning capacity

    Non-economic damages

    • Pain and suffering
    • Emotional distress
    • Loss of enjoyment of life
    • Loss of consortium

    Wrongful death

    • Funeral and burial expenses
    • Loss of financial support
    • Loss of companionship

What is the average settlement for a head-on collision in Meridian, MS?

Nobody can predict an exact settlement amount for a case before the facts have been thoroughly investigated. Since head-on collisions can cause catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage, the value of a lawsuit can be significant. The total recovery amount, however, depends entirely on the individual facts and circumstances of each case. For example, the following questions will likely be addressed:

  • How serious are your injuries?
  • What are your total medical expenses?
  • What are the insurance policy limits?
  • What are the percentages of fault?
  • Did the case settle or go to trial?

Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system under Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-15. That means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $500,000 in damages but were found 20% at fault, you could still recover $400,000. Therefore, two head-on collisions on the same Meridian roadway can result in dramatically different outcomes.

If you were injured in a head-on collision in Meridian, contact our Meridian personal injury attorneys to discuss your case and learn what your claim might be worth.

How to get compensation for a head-on collision in Meridian

To recover compensation for a head-on collision in Meridian, there are two routes: filing a third-party auto insurance claim or filing a lawsuit.

Third-party auto insurance claims

The first step after a head-on collision in Meridian is to file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver. Their insurer will likely attempt to minimize the payout, which is why an experienced Meridian car accident lawyer is so helpful. Often, both parties (or a third party, if applicable) will argue about liability. A thorough investigation is needed to examine the crash, reports, statements, and medical records. Legal representation can help you negotiate low settlement offers and handle policy limit issues and allegations of shared fault.

Lawsuits

Typically, most cases settle. However, having a trial-ready lawyer is a good way to put pressure on the insurance company to make a fair settlement. At Merkel & Cocke, our attorneys are ready to take your case to trial if necessary and advocate for your interests throughout the litigation process.

Call a Meridian head-on collision attorney to discuss your rights

At Merkel & Cocke, we take the time to listen carefully to our clients. We understand the severe trauma that can follow head-on collisions, and we’re here to provide compassionate representation for you and your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to reach out today.

We’re located in Meridian at 2121 5th Street, Suite 205. We have additional offices in Clarksdale, Jackson, Greenville, and Oxford. To get in touch, fill out our contact form. We’re here to help.