DC Head-On Car Accident Lawyer
Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles moving in opposite directions hit one another. While rare, these types of collisions occur throughout the Washington, D.C., area and can lead to serious injuries and even death. There are many causes for these types of crashes, including reckless driving, such as speeding or driving while drunk. DC head-on car accident lawyer Roger Gelb can help if you or a loved one has been injured. At Gelb & Gelb, we have handled thousands of injury cases and maintain an intimate knowledge of the methods necessary to pursue maximum compensation for injured individuals and their families.
We aim to help accident victims and their families secure prompt and fair compensation for their injuries and suffering. We have secured numerous case outcomes for millions of dollars. Gelb & Gelb is recognized as one of the leading injury firms in the area. Our clients deal directly with Attorney Gelb throughout their cases. We represent people in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.
Understanding Head-On Collisions in DC
A head-on car collision occurs when two vehicles collide, with the fronts of each vehicle colliding with one another. The most common fact pattern involving a head-on collision is when one vehicle crosses the centerline in two-way, opposite-direction traffic. One of the vehicles, the at-fault party, crosses the centerline and hits the injured party or the claimant head-on.
A front-end collision can cause devastating injuries. These can include traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, spinal and neck damage, and more. The person responsible for the crash can be liable for damages with assistance from a DC head-on car accident lawyer.
If you were injured in a front-end collision, a DC head-on car accident lawyer could help your case. Roger Gelb could help you seek compensation for all of your damages.
Types of Injuries From Head-On Accidents
A head-on car crash often causes more significant facial trauma than a rear-end accident. When a driver is unmoving, and another vehicle strikes them from behind, they may experience neck and back pain. In a head-on collision, the force is often severe, propelling occupants forward and the vehicle back.
This impact can cause the driver to hit the steering wheel and the front-seat passenger to lurch forward, potentially striking the windshield. Airbag deployment can also lead to significant injuries, including burns.
Filing a Head-On Claim
Protecting and enforcing your rights following a head-on collision is important. Not only will a successful legal claim help to ensure that you recover damages to cover medical costs, property damage, and missed wages from work due to injuries, but compensation can also help relieve the emotional distress accompanying a crash. For personal injury claims following an auto collision, the first step is usually for the victim to show negligence or recklessness on the other driver’s part.
Proving negligence requires establishing evidence of a duty of care, breach, causation, and damages. Drivers must exercise a duty of care when operating their vehicles. This includes avoiding foreseeable risks of harm to others on the road, including other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. When a driver exhibits negligent behavior, such as texting behind the wheel or failing to follow traffic rules, their conduct may breach the duty of care.
Investigating a Front-End Crash

Our DC head-on car accident lawyers lead the investigation of your accident. We must prove that the breach of duty caused each of the harms you allege. Causation is necessary for a personal injury claim because the at-fault driver cannot be responsible unless their conduct directly leads to the victim’s harm. The force associated with a head-on crash may cause cars to shift into different positions than they were in upon impact. It can help to examine skid marks on the road or rely on accident reconstruction experts to help assess who was at fault.
Calculating Damages
Finally, as the last step in a personal injury claim following a vehicle crash, the victim sets forth their quantified costs associated with the accident. Maintaining all receipts, medical bills, and documented costs can help injured individuals recover the full amount they are owed. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible for all accident-related harm, especially for injuries that may not be immediately apparent, such as neck and spine pain. Our DC head-on car accident lawyers can help you calculate any available damages.
Unfortunately, the injuries that follow head-on collisions may be severe, including brain trauma, broken bones, and disfigurement. Costs for future medical bills may be recoverable, as residual pain may require physical therapy. Pain and suffering damages may also be appropriate following a head-on collision.
Wrongful Death Claims Arising from Vehicle Accidents
If a head-on collision leads to a wrongful death, a claim may be brought by close family members or those dependent on the decedent. The damages typically recovered in these cases include funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and out-of-pocket medical expenses. In situations where the victim does not suffer an immediate death, a survival action may be available. Medical testimony is often necessary to meet the legal requirement of showing that, within a certain degree of certainty, the victim suffered conscious pain and suffering. A DC head-on car accident lawyer familiar with the legal requirements and statutes of limitations associated with these claims can handle a wrongful death or survival action.
How do Insurance Companies Assign Fault?
Like in any other case, every motorist has an obligation to control their vehicle to avoid colliding. If one of the vehicles crosses the centerline, it is undoubtedly negligent. The motorists also have a responsibility to stay within their assigned lane.
There may be a dispute on liability in a case like this, and both blame each other, but what happens more often than not when it is a head-on collision because one of the vehicles crosses the centerline? There are typically witnesses that are very helpful. Also, there is more than one vehicle involved that would be a potential plaintiff or claimant vehicle.
If one of the vehicles is struck head-on, it may also be rear-ended by a vehicle behind it. The two cars act as witnesses for each other as to who was at fault in the accident. Our DC head-on car accident lawyers will determine if one or both drivers share liability and press forward with a claim when appropriate.
Following-Up With Doctors Following A Head-On Collision
Following up and getting proper medical care following a collision is important. Not only do they need to follow up, but they need to follow up promptly. If there is too long of a delay in treatment, it can affect the value of the claim simply because of a jury or judge, or whoever hears the case, and there was a gap between when the accident happened and when treatments started, then that may be factored into the value that’s awarded.
Additionally, if it has been too long before treatment starts after your head-on car collision, the doctor or the medical provider may have difficulty stating within a reasonable degree of medical certainty as a standard that the accident caused the injury.
Speak With a DC Head-On Car Accident Lawyer Today
A DC head-on car accident lawyer can help you take steps after a head-on car crash. After seeking medical treatment, you should contact a knowledgeable car collision attorney immediately. A car accident attorney could help you seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Call Gelb & Gelb, P.C., to learn about the nuances of a DC head-on car collision case.
This page has been reviewed by the legal team at Gelb & Gelb, P.C.