Head-On Collision Accidents in Georgia | Catastrophic Injury Guide

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions

Most head-on crashes result from:

1. Wrong-Way Driving

   • Driver enters highway exit ramp

   • Confusion at intersections or one-way streets

   • Impaired driving (alcohol/drugs)

   • Elderly drivers with cognitive impairment

2. Unsafe Passing

   • Passing on two-lane road

   • Misjudging oncoming traffic speed/distance

   • Blind curves or hills

   • Rural Georgia highways

3. Distracted Driving

   • Drifting into oncoming lane

   • Looking at phone, not road

   • Extended inattention

4. Drowsy Driving

   • Falling asleep at wheel

   • Long-haul truck drivers (I-75, I-16)

   • Late night/early morning hours

5. Impaired Driving

   • Drunk drivers crossing center line

   • Drug impairment affecting judgment

   • Higher liability and punitive damages

6. Weather Conditions

   • Hydroplaning in rain

   • Fog reducing visibility (common Savannah area)

   • Ice/snow (rare but serious in North Georgia)

Typical Injuries from Head-On Collisions

These are among the most severe accident injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• Concussions to severe brain damage

• Cognitive impairment

• Memory loss and personality changes

• Lifetime care often needed

• Settlements: $500,000 - $5,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)

• Incomplete spinal cord injuries

• Permanent disability

• Lifetime medical care and equipment

• Settlements: $1,000,000 - $10,000,000+

Chest and Internal Injuries

• Broken ribs and sternum

• Punctured lungs

• Internal organ damage

• Internal bleeding

• Cardiac injuries from steering wheel impact

Broken Bones and Fractures

• Femur (thigh bone) fractures

• Pelvis fractures

• Multiple broken bones

• Compound fractures

• Surgery and hardware required

Facial and Dental Injuries

• Facial fractures

• Eye injuries and vision loss

• Broken jaw

• Dental damage

• Permanent scarring

Wrongful Death

• High fatality rate in head-on crashes

• Family can pursue wrongful death claim

• 2-year statute of limitations from death date

Liability in Head-On Collisions

Usually clear who's at fault:

Driver Who Crossed Center Line

• Clearly negligent

• Often cited by police

• May face criminal charges

• Strong liability case

Exceptions/Shared Fault:

• Road design defects (government liability)

• Poor road maintenance (government liability)

• Unclear lane markings

• Both drivers partially in wrong lane

Enhanced Liability:

• DUI: Punitive damages available

• Commercial driver: Employer liable (respondeat superior)

• Reckless driving: Enhanced damages

• Criminal charges: Strengthens civil case

Georgia's comparative negligence rarely applies – one driver clearly crossed center line in most cases.

Evidence Needed

Critical evidence to collect:

1. Police Report

   • Officer's fault determination

   • Citations issued (DUI, reckless driving)

   • Diagram showing vehicle positions

   • Criminal charges filed

2. Accident Scene

   • Photos showing which side of road each vehicle on

   • Skid marks crossing center line

   • Point of impact location

   • Road conditions and markings

3. Vehicle Damage

   • Front-end damage to both vehicles

   • Damage pattern confirms head-on impact

   • Undercarriage damage

   • Deployed airbags

4. Witness Statements

   • Other drivers who saw wrong-way driver

   • Passengers in either vehicle

   • Nearby residents or workers

5. Electronic Data

   • Vehicle black box (EDR)

   • Speed at impact

   • Braking before collision

   • Dashcam or traffic camera footage

6. Toxicology Reports

   • Blood alcohol content (BAC)

   • Drug screening

   • Prescription medication levels

7. Medical Records

   • Emergency transport records

   • Hospital admission records

   • Surgery reports

   • Rehabilitation records

   • Life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Average Compensation

Head-on collisions typically result in highest settlements:

Severe Injuries (Non-Permanent): $250,000 - $750,000

• Multiple fractures requiring surgery

• Extended hospitalization

• Months of rehabilitation

• Full or near-full recovery

Catastrophic Injuries: $1,000,000 - $5,000,000+

• Traumatic brain injury with cognitive impairment

• Spinal cord injury with paralysis

• Permanent disability

• Lifetime medical care needed

• Loss of earning capacity

Wrongful Death: $500,000 - $10,000,000+

• Loss of companionship and support

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Lost financial contribution

• Pain and suffering of deceased before death

• Punitive damages if DUI involved

Factors increasing value:

• Clear liability (wrong-way driver)

• Young victim (lifetime impact)

• High earner (lost income)

• DUI involved (punitive damages)

• Commercial vehicle (higher insurance limits)