Detroit Head-On Collision Attorneys

Head-On Collision Injury Claims In Michigan

Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of car accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens. Head-on crashes happen when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide directly, usually at high speeds. The force of impact in such accidents leads to devastating consequences, including long-term physical disabilities or the tragic loss of life.

In Detroit, head-on collisions are more common than many realize, often caused by driver negligence, adverse weather conditions, or mechanical failures. Michigan’s laws regarding car accidents play a significant role in determining liability, compensation, and the steps victims must take to protect their rights.

At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we understand the stress and uncertainty that follows a head-on collision. Our team is committed to helping victims secure the compensation they need to recover. With 180+ years of combined experience and a focus on personal injury law, we’ve successfully helped over 25,000 Michigan families. Our goal is simple – to get every client more than any other lawyer would. We provide free consultations, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

How Do Head-On Collisions Happen?

Head-on collisions typically occur due to negligence, recklessness, or unavoidable circumstances. Common causes include:

Distracted Driving – Texting, using a GPS, or any activity that diverts attention from the road can lead to drivers crossing the centerline.
Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol and drugs impair driver judgment, often causing drivers to swerve into oncoming traffic.
Fatigue – Drowsy drivers may fall asleep or lose focus, resulting in a loss of control.
Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction time, making it difficult to avoid collisions.
Adverse Weather – Rain, snow, and ice create slippery conditions, causing vehicles to veer out of their lanes and into oncoming traffic.
Improper Passing – Risky attempts to pass another vehicle on two-lane roads can result in collisions.
Mechanical Failures – Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can lead to loss of control.

Understanding how these crashes occur helps establish liability, an essential step in pursuing compensation.

Who Is Liable For Head-On Collisions In Detroit?

Determining who is liable in a head-on collision requires a thorough investigation. Michigan operates under a comparative fault system. This means multiple parties could share responsibility. Potentially liable parties include:

The At-Fault Driver – Negligence often places liability squarely on the other driver.
Vehicle Manufacturers – If a mechanical defect caused the collision, the car manufacturer or a parts supplier could be liable.
Third Parties – In some cases, poor road design, lack of proper signage, or hazardous road conditions may implicate government entities or contractors.

Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws ensure that victims receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, pursuing additional damages, such as pain and suffering, often requires filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or other responsible parties.

Common Injuries From Head-On Collisions

The injuries resulting from head-on collisions are often severe due to the sheer force of impact. Victims may experience:

Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Internal organ damage
Severe lacerations
Emotional trauma or PTSD
Permanent disfigurement

Michigan law allows victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

What Compensation Can Victims Of Head-On Collisions Recover?

In Michigan, victims of head-on collisions can recover compensation under their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for:

Medical Expenses – Coverage includes hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Lost Wages – Money for income lost due to inability to work.
Replacement Services – Reimbursement for household services like childcare or cleaning.

Victims with serious injuries can pursue claims against the at-fault driver for:

Pain and Suffering – Non-economic damages for physical and emotional distress.
Excess Medical Bills – Costs exceeding PIP coverage limits.
Property Damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle.

Michigan’s threshold injury requirement dictates that victims must sustain a “serious impairment of body function” or disfigurement to sue for pain and suffering.

Fatal Head-On Collisions And Wrongful Death Lawsuits In Michigan

Head-on collisions often result in devastating consequences, including fatalities. According to the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting Unit, thousands of fatal car accidents happen annually in the state, with head-on collisions accounting for a substantial portion due to the extreme force of impact. In these tragic cases, families are left grieving their loved ones while also dealing with the financial burdens of funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we understand the overwhelming pain families endure after losing someone in a head-on collision. While no amount of money can bring a loved one back, Michigan law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages and hold the responsible party accountable.

Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuits – Who Can File?

Under the Michigan Wrongful Death Act (MCL 600.2922), a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another. This includes fatalities resulting from head-on collisions caused by negligence, reckless driving, or other preventable actions.

The law designates a personal representative of the deceased’s estate to file the wrongful death lawsuit. This representative is typically named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court if no will exists. Compensation is distributed among the deceased’s family members, including:

Surviving Spouse
Children
Parents
Grandparents
Siblings
Other Dependents – Those who relied on the deceased for financial or emotional support may also have a claim.

Michigan law requires the personal representative to notify all potential beneficiaries of the wrongful death claim to ensure fair distribution of any compensation.

Potential Compensation In Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Families pursuing a wrongful death claim can recover compensation for several types of damages, including:

Medical Expenses – Costs incurred for the deceased’s treatment before their passing.
Funeral And Burial Costs – Expenses associated with laying the loved one to rest.
Loss Of Financial Support – Monetary compensation for the income the deceased would have provided.
Loss Of Companionship – Damages for the emotional pain of losing a loved one.
Pain And Suffering – Compensation for the deceased’s suffering before their death.

Michigan’s comparative fault rule also applies to wrongful death lawsuits. If the deceased is found partially at fault, the compensation may be reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case to minimize any reduction in damages and maximize recovery for the family.

FAQs About Head-On Collisions In Detroit, Michigan

Can I Sue If I Was Partially At Fault For The Collision?

Yes, under Michigan’s comparative fault laws, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000. Our team ensures that fault is fairly assessed to maximize your recovery.

How Does Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Impact My Claim?

Michigan’s no-fault system guarantees coverage for medical expenses and lost wages through your own insurance, regardless of fault. However, suing for additional damages requires meeting the “serious impairment of body function” threshold. We can evaluate whether your injuries meet this requirement and pursue all available compensation.

What If The Other Driver Was Uninsured?

If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation. This coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the other driver cannot pay for your damages. We will explore every insurance policy available to ensure you receive what you deserve.

How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After A Head-On Collision?

Michigan’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the collision. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering damages. Contacting an attorney early allows us to build a strong case within the required timeframe.

What Types Of Evidence Strengthen My Case?

Key evidence includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and any surveillance footage available. Additionally, expert testimony, such as accident reconstruction, can be invaluable. We gather and analyze all necessary evidence to support your claim.

Powerful Legal Representation For Head-On Collision Victims in Detroit

If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision in Detroit, we’re here to help. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you’re facing. With over 180 years of combined experience and a commitment to maximizing compensation, we’ve built a reputation as attorneys that insurance companies fear. We offer free consultations, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Contact our Detroit head-on collision attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. From our office in Southfield, Michigan, we proudly serve clients in Detroit and throughout the state of Michigan. Let us help you understand where you stand with your personal injury claim, free of charge.