One person died and another was severely injured during a head-on collision in Portsmouth on Friday, August 25th. The crash took place on Interstate 264 in the area of Greenwood Drive. Virginia State Police dispatch said officers responded to the call at about 12:43 a.m.
How often do head-on collisions happen?
Reports show that the driver of a Honda Civic, 27-year-old Clarence Cranford, first drove the wrong way on eastbound I-64 in Chesapeake. Cranford then headed westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-264, where he collided head-on with a Nissan Altima.
Responding officials pronounced Cranford dead at the scene.
The driver of the Altima, a 34-year-old man from Virginia Beach, was transported by paramedics to Portsmouth Naval Hospital in life-threatening condition.
This accident remains under police investigation at this time.
If you were involved in a head-on collision, a Virginia car accident lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you deal with the insurance company, advise you on the best way to record your injuries and damages and gather relevant evidence that will facilitate a successful injury claim. To find out more about what we can do for you, give us a call and schedule your free consultation today.
What Is a Head-on Collision?
Head-on collisions occur when the front of one vehicle makes contact with the front of another traveling in the opposite direction. Since both vehicles have forward momentum, the combined force of impact often results in catastrophic or fatal injuries to the occupants of both vehicles.
While most modern vehicles are designed to include crumple zones, drivers and passengers could still strike the steering column, steering wheel, or dashboard, or be hit by loose objects flying through the air. Any of these impacts could be fatal or leave vehicle occupants with lifelong injuries.
In comparison to other types of motor vehicle crashes, head-on accidents are somewhat rare. They account for only 2% of all car accidents nationwide but makeup roughly 10% of all vehicular fatalities.
Potential Damages for a Head-on Collision
Virginia personal injury law allows head-on collision victims to seek financial compensation for the injuries and other damages they sustained due to another person’s negligence. If you experienced a non-fatal injury during a head-on collision, you could be eligible for damages such as:
- Lost income due to time away from work for recovery
- Lost future income caused by long-term disability
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses
- Physical pain caused by your injuries
- Mental anguish arising from the accident
- The value of any personal property that was damaged or lost
An experienced Virginia head-on accident attorney can give you a more detailed idea of the approximate value of your head-on accident claim.
In the most tragic scenarios, someone is killed during a head-on collision. Should this be the case, certain surviving family members would be eligible to file a wrongful death suit.
ProvingFault for a Head-on Collision
To recover financial compensation after a head-on accident, you will have to prove that the other driver acted negligently and that this negligence was the direct cause of your injuries. In other words, they failed to uphold the duty of care they owed to other drivers.
There a many different types of evidence an attorney can use to show that the other driver is liable for your damages, including:
- The police crash report
- Your medical records
- Pictures and videos of the accident scene
- Eyewitness accounts
- Expert witness testimony
- Your statements regarding the accident
- A forensic accident investigation report
Statute of Limitations
Virginia gives you two years from the cause of action to file a personal injury lawsuit. Constructing a strong case for compensation takes time to accomplish, so don’t hesitate to consult with a Virginia car accident attorney after a head-on collision. The sooner you seek legal representation, the better your odds are of receiving a fair settlement.
Contact a Head-On Collision Attorney
Our Virginia car accident lawyers know first-hand how severe the injuries from a head-on crash can be. They can include paralysis, brain damage, and broken bones, as well as many others. In turn, these injuries result in mounting medical bills, missed work and work opportunities, adaptive equipment, long-term residential care, or long-term therapy. In some cases, head-on collision victims do not survive their injuries.
If you were involved in a head-on collision, the Virginia personal injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable. Call (833) 997-1774 today to schedule your free consultation.