If you were injured in a frontal accident, a head-on collision lawyer in Olympia at Puget Law Group can help you understand how fault is assessed, what evidence supports your claim, and what compensation you can pursue. Our firm has 13 attorneys with 150 years of combined experience.
We help people injured in head-on collisions pursue claims against those responsible. For a free consultation about your injuries and legal options, contact our Olympia car accident lawyers.
Why Head-On Crashes Can Cause Serious Injuries
In a head-on collision, the occupants of both vehicles can experience substantial force. Injuries can include fractures, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and damage to internal organs. Seek medical evaluation after a crash, even if you can leave the scene on your own, because symptoms are not always immediately apparent.
The effects of a frontal-impact crash often extend beyond the initial treatment. Follow-up appointments, rehabilitation, help with daily activities, and time away from work can all contribute to your losses. Tracking these needs helps show how the crash has affected your life.
At Puget Law Group, our Olympia personal injury lawyers review your medical records and, when needed, work with your healthcare providers to understand your injuries. This helps us account for both your current treatment and documented future care needs.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collision lawyer serving Olympia, call (253) 627-4696
How Our Olympia Head-On Collision Lawyers Investigate Fault
At Puget Law Group, our Olympia head-on collision lawyers examine how the vehicles entered each other’s path and what caused the impact. We review vehicle positions, damage, road markings, witness statements, and available video to determine whether a driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
Our investigation looks beyond which vehicle crossed the center line. We examine whether an unsafe pass, distracted driving, impairment, or another driver’s actions contributed to the collision. We also consider road conditions and visibility as we compare the drivers’ accounts with the physical evidence.
When those accounts conflict, we can consult an accident reconstruction professional to analyze the collision. We use the findings to identify the responsible parties and explain how the evidence supports your claim during insurance negotiations or at trial.
Evidence That Can Support Your Head-On Collision Claim
Photographs and witness information can preserve details that later disappear. If you can safely gather evidence, keep the following:
- Photographs of the vehicles, debris, road layout, and traffic signs.
- Names and contact information for witnesses.
- The crash report number and the name of the responding agency.
- Medical records, bills, and receipts for injury-related expenses.
- Records of missed work and changes in your earnings.
Tell your healthcare providers about your symptoms and follow their treatment recommendations. Notes about pain, activity limits, and the assistance you need at home can help document effects not obvious from an invoice. A police crash report can also provide useful information, although it does not conclusively establish liability.
Puget Law Group can request evidence that is difficult to obtain on your own. Camera footage may be overwritten, and vehicles may be repaired or disposed of.
Our head-on collision attorneys in Olympia can send preservation requests and consult an accident reconstruction professional when the cause of the crash is disputed.
Olympia Head-On Collision Lawyer Near Me (253) 627-4696
Compensation Available After a Head-On Collision
Your claim should reflect the financial and personal losses your injuries caused. Depending on the evidence, we can seek compensation for:
- Reasonable medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.
- Future treatment and care needs.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Necessary assistance with daily activities.
- Pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Future losses require supporting evidence. If you cannot return to the same work or need ongoing care, we can use medical opinions and employment records to explain those costs. Describing changes in your daily routine also shows how your injuries affect you beyond the financial cost.
At Puget Law Group, we evaluate settlement offers against your documented losses and likely future needs. Signing a settlement release generally prevents you from seeking further payment for the claims it covers, so we review its terms with you before you decide whether to accept.
How Shared Fault Affects Your Compensation
Under RCW 4.22.005, your compensation is reduced in proportion to your share of fault, but partial responsibility does not automatically prevent recovery. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your compensation is reduced by 20%.
You can challenge an insurer’s fault assessment. We review the evidence and explain whether it supports the allegation that you contributed to the crash.
Washington Deadlines for Head-On Collision Lawsuits
Washington generally gives you three years from the collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. Exceptions can change that deadline. Negotiating with an insurer does not, by itself, extend your time to sue.
Claims against a government entity have additional requirements. Claims against Washington State or a local government generally require you to present a claim and wait 60 calendar days before filing suit. We check the applicable procedure and calculate your deadline.
If litigation is necessary, you may file an Olympia collision lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court, which hears civil cases at its Olympia campus. Puget Law Group determines the appropriate court and handles the filing requirements for your case.
Insurance Coverage for a Head-On Crash
The at-fault driver’s liability coverage may not fully cover serious injuries. Your own policy may provide additional benefits through personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Availability depends on the coverage you purchased, policy terms, and the circumstances of the collision.
An insurer may request a recorded statement or medical authorization. Before you respond, we can explain what your policy requires and review requests from the other driver’s insurer. Any statement should be accurate and avoid speculation about fault or your recovery.
At Puget Law Group, we review potentially applicable policies and handle insurance communications for the claims we take on. We explain coverage questions and keep you informed about settlement discussions.
Speak With an Olympia Head-On Collision Attorney
Puget Law Group handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We explain the fee agreement and how we handle case expenses before you hire us.
Contact us for a free consultation with an Olympia head-on collision attorney. We can review the available facts, explain your options, and discuss how we can help you pursue your claim.
Click to contact our Olympia Car Accident Lawyers today (253) 627-4696