If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a head-on collision in Michigan, the car accident attorneys at Miller & Tischler, P.C. are here for you. We are committed to defending your right to just compensation if you were harmed due to the negligence of another driver. We have the experience and track record of successful outcomes demonstrating that we can obtain the settlement you deserve.
Of all the car accidents we deal with, head-on collisions are by far the most dangerous. Such collisions result in more deaths than any other type of crash. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the fatality rate for head-on collisions is over 50 percent. When victims do survive head-on collisions, they are often dealing with catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, and enormous medical expenses. In either case, such accidents can create a tremendous burden for the families of those harmed, as well as on the victims themselves.
If you are living in the aftermath of a head-on collision, you are no doubt overwhelmed and confused about how to proceed. Contacting Miller & Tischler will immediately provide you with some measure of control over the situation. When you call us, one of our knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys will put you at ease. We’ll take over all communications with insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys so that you can rest and recover.
Well aware that medical bills and other expenses are piling up at the same time that you are unable to work, we will charge you no attorney fee until we win you damages.
Why is a head-on collision so dangerous?
Head-on collisions are, as you would expect, terribly dangerous to drivers and passengers. When another vehicle is aiming right at your car, especially at a high speed, there’s no time to react to avoid the crash. Therefore, the lives of you and your passengers depends on the existing safety measures of:
- The metal barrier of your car
- The restraint of seatbelts
- The cushion of airbags
If you have ever seen a car after it’s been involved in a head-on collision, you are well-aware that these elements of protection are minor compared to the force of impact of a speeding car. In almost all cases, that impact is doubled because both vehicles are traveling at high speed. Don’t forget, if each car is traveling at 45 mph, the impact speed is 90 mph. While the news most often reports on head-on collisions on the highway, a great number of these crashes occur on rural roads.
Reasons for a Head-on Collision
There is always the possibility that a head-on collision has resulted from a mechanical malfunction or a medical event of one of the drivers. Several head-on collisions were the result of gross negligence or recklessness. In fact, most head-on collisions involve one of the drivers driving on the wrong side of the road or traveling the wrong way on a highway entrance/exit ramp. Too often, the egregious misjudgment behind the act is that the offending driver:
- Has fallen asleep
- Is lost
- Is impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Is recklessly passing unsafely (e.g. around a curve)
- Is confused or unaware due to a medical or psychiatric problem that should have prevented him or her from driving in the first place
Whatever the reason a head-on collision occurs, the resulting injuries are sure to be severe. As long as you can show that the other driver was negligent in causing your injuries, you are entitled to compensation.
Comparative Negligence in Michigan
Comparative negligence allows for the possibility that more than one person bears legal responsibility for the crash. It is possible, for example, that even though the other driver hit your vehicle head-on, you were driving while intoxicated or with your headlights off. Comparative negligence laws vary from state to state. In Michigan, comparative negligence laws differ for economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include actual expenses, such as lost income and medical expenses.
Non-economic damages include less tangible losses, such as pain and suffering.
The court will determine whether there is some fault on your end and state it as a percentage.
For economic damages, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault (even if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault). On the other hand, if your percentage of fault is found to be more than 50 percent, Michigan law will bar you from receiving any non-economic damages. Don’t worry, though. Our head-on collision attorneys have the sharp negotiation and litigation skills to be persuasive so that you receive just compensation.
Damages We Will Fight to Win for You and Your Family
Once you become our client, we will be laser-focused on obtaining the damages you deserve which may include:
- Medical costs
- Work loss
- Pain and suffering damages
If you have lost a close relative to wrongful death, we will work tirelessly to see to it that you receive a settlement for final medical costs, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of financial and emotional support.
The Legal Services Miller & Tischler Provides
Our goal is always to go above and beyond your expectations. We will:
- Draft and file all necessary documents
- Investigate the site of the collision
- Interview witnesses
- Thoroughly review police reports and medical data
- Consult with experts in pertinent fields who may be able to testify on your behalf
More than anything else, we will dedicate ourselves to winning you maximum damages while protecting your peace and privacy.
Contact Our Capable Michigan Car Accident Attorneys and Start Protecting Your Rights
The sooner you get in touch with Miller & Tischler, the better. For one thing, there is a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Michigan. For another, there are several advantages to having strong legal representation early on in the process when: police reports are easy to locate; medical records are readily available; witness memories are still clear, and material evidence can still be gathered. Most important, getting in touch with us will give you the sense of relief and empowerment you need to move forward.