Who is at Fault in a Head-On Collision?

Few car accidents are as frightening and devastating as head-on collisions. These types of crashes often happen without warning, leaving victims with serious injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and mounting medical bills. Beyond the immediate shock and confusion, one of the biggest questions people have after a head-on collision is:

Who is responsible for the accident?

Determining fault in a head-on collision can be complex, and the answer is not always as straightforward as it might seem. Whether you're dealing with uncooperative drivers, confusing accident scenes, or insurance companies eager to place the blame elsewhere, it’s crucial to understand how fault is established and what steps you should take to protect your rights.

At Hartounian, A Professional Law Corporation, our legal team helps accident victims in Glendale and the surrounding areas get the answers, support, and compensation they deserve. Below, we break down how fault is determined in head-on collisions and why having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference.

Understanding Fault in Head-On Collisions

In any car accident, fault is determined by figuring out which party acted negligently or failed to follow the rules of the road. Head-on collisions are no exception. These types of crashes typically occur when a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, which is often the result of some form of driver error or reckless behavior.

Some of the most common causes of head-on collisions include:

Wrong-way driving, such as entering a one-way street from the wrong direction.
Crossing over the centerline, either due to distraction, impairment, or poor road conditions.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Distracted driving behaviors like texting, adjusting the radio, or eating behind the wheel.
Drowsy driving, which can cause a driver to drift into opposing lanes.
Speeding or making dangerous passing maneuvers on two-lane roads.

When a driver engages in these behaviors and causes a head-on collision, they are typically found to be at fault. However, every accident is different, and assigning fault requires a careful review of the evidence.

How Is Fault Proven?

To successfully determine and prove fault in a head-on collision, a thorough investigation is key. Your legal team will gather critical evidence to show exactly what happened and why the other driver is responsible. Some of the most common forms of evidence include:

Police reports that document the scene of the accident and often contain an officer’s assessment of who was at fault.
Witness statements from individuals who saw the accident occur and can provide crucial details.
Accident reconstruction reports prepared by experts who analyze vehicle damage, skid marks, and impact points.
Traffic camera footage, if available, to show the moments leading up to the crash.
Medical records that not only document your injuries but can also provide insight into the severity and nature of the impact.

It’s important to remember that insurance companies also conduct their own investigations, and their goal is often to minimize the amount they pay out. They may try to shift some or all of the blame onto you, which is why having skilled legal representation is so important.

Is Fault Ever Shared?

Yes, it is possible for fault to be shared in a head-on collision. California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that multiple parties can share responsibility for an accident.

For example, if one driver crossed the centerline but the other driver was speeding, both parties may be assigned a percentage of fault. If you are found to be partially responsible for the crash, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but were determined to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.

This is why you should never admit fault at the scene of an accident or make statements like “I’m sorry,” as these remarks can later be used against you during the claims process.

What to Do After a Head-On Collision

If you’ve been involved in a head-on collision, taking the right steps immediately after the accident can help protect both your health and your legal claim. Here's what you should do:

Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious.
Call the police and make sure an official report is filed.
Take photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Gather contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.
Avoid discussing who was at fault with anyone at the scene.
Contact a knowledgeable Glendale car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Choose Hartounian, A Professional Law Corporation?

When it comes to proving fault in a head-on collision, experience and dedication make a difference. At Hartounian, A Professional Law Corporation, we work tirelessly to uncover the facts, build a strong case, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Our team has extensive experience handling head-on collision cases, and we know how to stand up to insurance companies that try to undervalue or deny valid claims. We will guide you through every step of the legal process while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Contact Our Head on Collision Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision, don’t face the aftermath alone. Let our team at Hartounian, A Professional Law Corporation help you pursue justice and recover the compensation you need.

Reach us on our online contact form or call (818) 463-1917 to request a free initial consultation with a Glendale head on collision accident attorney. We handle cases statewide.