Head-on collisions are among the most devastating types of car crashes on Georgia roads. These crashes occur when two vehicles going in opposite directions collide front-to-front, often at high speeds. The force of impact in a head-on crash is immense and frequently leads to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Victims and their families are left grappling not only with severe physical trauma but also with emotional distress, mounting medical bills, lost income, and the daunting process of pursuing justice.
Georgia Lawyers for Head-On Collision Injuries
If you have been injured in a car accident, then your injuries can range from whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and death of loved ones. These potentially catastrophic injuries can change the way you live your life forever. Insurance companies will likely make a settlement offer. However, they will not offer you everything you need to be fully compensated. You do not have to settle for anything less than what you deserve.
McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
Overview of Head-On Collisions
- Types of Georgia Head-On Collisions
- Severe Injuries from Georgia Head-On Collisions
- Potential Liable Parties in a Georgia Head-On Collision
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
Types of Georgia Head-On Collisions
Two-Lane Rural Road Collisions – These are common in areas without a physical divider between lanes. Oncoming cars pass each other with just a painted line separating them. If a driver is distracted, drowsy, or impaired, they can easily drift into the wrong lane and hit another vehicle head-on. This is one of the most common types of fatal crashes in rural parts of Georgia.
Wrong-Way Driver Crashes on Highways – Wrong-way crashes usually happen when someone drives the wrong direction on a highway ramp or divided road. These are often caused by drunk or confused drivers. Because highways involve higher speeds, the impact is violent and often deadly. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-40 requires drivers to stay on the right side of the road, and violating that law can be strong evidence of fault in a civil case.
Passing Lane Head-On Collisions – When a driver crosses the center line to pass another vehicle and misjudges the distance or speed of oncoming traffic, the result can be a head-on collision. These accidents often happen on rural highways with only one lane in each direction. If a driver passes in a no-passing zone, they may be found negligent under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-46.
Construction Zone Head-On Crashes – In some construction zones, temporary lanes and unclear signs can confuse drivers. When traffic is rerouted and barriers are missing or misplaced, a head-on collision can happen in seconds. If a construction company or government agency failed to provide safe traffic control, they could be held responsible under Georgia’s negligence laws.
Head-On Collisions at Intersections – At intersections, a head-on crash may happen when one driver makes a wrong turn or runs a red light, potentially violating O.C.G.A. § 40-6-20 or § 40-6-71. These crashes are often due to inattention or speeding. Surveillance footage and eyewitnesses are often helpful in proving what happened.
Severe Injuries from Georgia Head-On Collisions
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – A sudden stop or hard impact can cause the brain to slam into the inside of the skull. This leads to concussions, brain bleeds, or long-term brain damage. Victims may suffer memory loss, confusion, and permanent changes in behavior or personality.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis – When the spine is compressed or damaged in a crash, the result can be partial or total paralysis. These injuries require lifelong care and may prevent the person from walking, working, or living independently.
Broken Bones and Crush Injuries – It is common for victims to suffer multiple fractures in a head-on collision. Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are often broken. In more severe cases, the body is pinned or crushed between parts of the vehicle, requiring emergency surgery and long-term rehab.
Internal Organ Damage – The impact from a head-on crash can injure vital organs like the liver, lungs, or kidneys. These injuries are dangerous because they may not show immediate symptoms, but can be fatal without quick treatment.
Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma – The face can strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag with tremendous force. This can result in broken jaws, lost teeth, eye injuries, or deep facial cuts. Some victims need reconstructive surgery or long-term dental treatment.
Psychological Trauma and PTSD – In addition to physical injuries, many victims develop serious mental health issues after a head-on crash. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common, especially when the crash involved a fatality or severe injury. These emotional injuries are just as real as physical ones and can also be part of a personal injury claim under Georgia law.
Potential Liable Parties in a Georgia Head-On Collision
Negligent Drivers
If a driver caused the crash by speeding, texting, driving under the influence, or falling asleep at the wheel, they may be found negligent. Georgia law, under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2, defines ordinary negligence as the failure to use reasonable care under the circumstances. The injured party has the right to seek compensation under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6 if someone else’s negligence caused their injuries. In most head-on collisions, driver error is the primary cause.
Trucking Companies and Commercial Drivers
If a commercial vehicle or semi-truck is involved, the company that owns the truck or employs the driver may be held responsible. Under Georgia law, employers can be held liable for their employees’ actions if the crash happened while the driver was working. This is known as vicarious liability. If the company failed to maintain the vehicle or hired an unqualified driver, they could also be liable under negligent hiring or maintenance theories.
In cases involving trucks that cross lanes, lose control, or ignore safety rules, federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may also come into play. Violating these rules can support a claim of negligence per se in Georgia, which means the violation itself may be enough to prove fault.
Government Entities or Road Contractors
Sometimes, the problem isn’t the driver but the road. If a government agency or contractor designed or maintained the road in a way that made a head-on collision more likely, they could be held responsible. This includes missing signs, confusing lane markings, or poorly placed construction barriers. Under O.C.G.A. § 36-33-1, cities and counties usually have some immunity, but there are exceptions when gross negligence or failure to correct known hazards can be proven.
Vehicle Manufacturers
If the crash was caused by a steering failure, brake malfunction, or another mechanical defect, the car manufacturer or parts supplier may be liable under Georgia’s product liability laws. These cases involve proving that a defect existed when the vehicle left the factory and that the defect directly caused the accident. These claims are usually brought under Georgia’s product liability statute, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do immediately after a head-on collision?
They should call 911, seek medical attention, take photographs of the scene, and avoid making any admissions of fault.
Is a lawyer necessary for a head-on crash case?
No. Legal representation is highly recommended, especially in cases involving serious injuries or fatalities.
What is the potential value of a head-on collision case in Georgia?
The value varies depending on the severity of the injuries, determination of fault, medical expenses, and lost income. Every case is unique.
What happens if the other driver died in the crash?
A claim can still be filed against the deceased driver’s insurance policy or their estate.
What is the deadline for filing a lawsuit in Georgia?
According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, individuals have two years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit.
Can someone sue if the airbags failed during the crash?
Yes. If a defect caused the airbag failure, a product liability claim may be pursued under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11.
What if the injured party wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
They may still recover damages, although the compensation might be reduced due to comparative negligence.
Will insurance cover medical expenses immediately?
Not necessarily. Insurance companies often delay or deny payments without legal intervention or pressure.
How do attorneys determine fault in a head-on collision?
They rely on police reports, eyewitness accounts, crash scene photographs, and expert analysis to establish liability.
Can victims receive compensation for emotional trauma?
Yes. Under Georgia law, compensation may include damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Additional Resources
Georgia Department of Driver Services: Driving Emergencies – This official source from the Georgia Department of Driver Services outlines how drivers should respond to emergencies such as mechanical failures or imminent collisions. It covers techniques for steering to avoid obstacles, braking methods, and actions to take in case of brake or tire failure. The content is intended to help drivers understand how to reduce crash risks in emergency situations.
Fox 5 Atlanta: Wrong-Way Crash on GA 400 Kills 24-Year-Old Woman, Injures Other Driver – This news article reports on a fatal wrong-way collision that occurred on GA 400 in Atlanta. It provides basic facts released by police about the incident, including the location, vehicles involved, and current status of the investigation. The report highlights the consequences of a head-on crash caused by wrong-way driving.
National Library of Medicine: Motor Vehicle Collisions – This medical reference article explains how motor vehicle collisions occur and the typical injury patterns that result. It discusses the mechanism of injury, the physics of energy transfer during crashes, and the clinical implications of different types of collisions.
Hire an Attorney for Head-On Collision Injuries in Fulton County, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
