If you or a loved one has been in a head-on collision in Huntington Beach, you understand how serious these crashes can be. Head-on collisions cause severe injuries and significant financial hardship. At DJA Injury Attorneys, we help victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Our founder, Jeff Schwalbach, brings 10 years of personal injury experience. He previously worked in insurance defense. This background gives him insight into how insurers evaluate claims and build defense strategies. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case at no cost. Our Huntington Beach head on collision lawyer works on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Choose DJA Injury Attorneys for Your Head-On Collision Case
When you’ve suffered injuries in a head-on collision, you need a Huntington Beach attorney who understands the legal issues involved. DJA Injury Attorneys offers several advantages:
- Experience and Credentials: Jeff Schwalbach has handled personal injury cases for over a decade. He earned recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2019 to 2024. He holds a J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law. He is licensed to practice in California State Courts and U.S. District Courts of California. His AVVO profile reflects his commitment to client service and legal excellence.
- Insurance Defense Background: Jeff previously worked on the insurance defense side. This background allows him to anticipate insurance company arguments. He understands how adjusters evaluate claims. He knows what evidence insurers use to deny or minimize settlements.
- Proven Track Record: DJA Injury Attorneys has secured substantial settlements for motor vehicle accident victims. In one case, we obtained a $1 million settlement in a minor-impact rear-end collision. Insurers initially offered only $55,000. In another case, we secured a $750,000 settlement with a major rideshare company. They had offered just $3,000. These results show our commitment to aggressive litigation and refusing lowball offers.
- Client-Focused Approach: You receive personalized attention directly from Jeff Schwalbach. You don’t work with a junior associate or paralegal. We maintain a small practice. This ensures every client receives the care their case deserves. Our Google Reviews reflect this commitment. We have a 5.0-star rating based on 12 client reviews.
- 24/7 Availability and Free Consultations: Accidents happen at any time. We’re available around the clock to answer your questions. Every initial consultation is free and carries no obligation.
- Contingency Fee Basis: You don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This aligns our interests with yours.
Understanding Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions strike each other front-to-front. These crashes create tremendous force. Both vehicles’ speeds combine at the point of impact. Even at relatively low speeds, head-on collisions cause serious injuries.
Head-on collisions are common on two-lane roads, highways, and intersections. In Huntington Beach, these accidents frequently occur on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). They also happen at local intersections. Visibility issues from coastal fog or nighttime conditions increase the risk. Victims often face life-altering injuries. They require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Huntington Beach
Understanding what causes head-on collisions helps establish liability in your case. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, eating, or adjusting controls that divert attention from the road. Distracted driving accidents account for a significant portion of serious collisions.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs judgment, reaction time, and vehicle control. Drunk driving accidents are particularly dangerous on highways.
- Wrong-way driving: Drivers entering freeways in the wrong direction, often due to impairment or confusion. This is a leading cause of head-on collisions on major roadways.
- Mechanical failures: Brake failure, steering problems, or other vehicle defects that cause loss of control. These defects may constitute product liability claims.
- Visibility issues: Coastal fog, sun glare, nighttime darkness, or weather conditions that reduce visibility. Huntington Beach’s coastal location creates unique visibility challenges.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity. Speed is a factor in many fatal head-on collisions.
In many head-on collision cases, one driver bears clear responsibility. Our investigation gathers evidence that establishes fault. We demonstrate the other driver’s negligence.
Injuries from Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions produce serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents. The direct impact creates trauma that affects multiple body systems. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions, severe brain trauma, cognitive impairment, and memory loss. These injuries often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
- Spinal cord injuries: Paralysis, partial paralysis, herniated discs, and nerve damage. Spinal injuries can result in permanent disability.
- Chest and internal injuries: Rib fractures, lung injuries, internal bleeding, and organ damage. These injuries may require emergency surgery.
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries: Broken bones, compound fractures, and joint injuries. Recovery from severe fractures can take months or years.
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage: Neck and back injuries, muscle strains, and ligament tears. These injuries often cause chronic pain.
- Emotional and psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. The psychological impact of a serious accident can be as significant as physical injuries.
The physics of a direct impact differs from other accident types. The force concentrates at the point of contact. Victims often require surgery, extended hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. Some injuries result in permanent disability or chronic pain that affects quality of life for years.
Proving Liability in Head-On Collision Cases
Establishing fault in a head-on collision case requires gathering and presenting evidence. This evidence demonstrates the other driver’s negligence. Key evidence includes:
- Police reports and accident documentation: The police report contains the officer’s determination of fault. It includes witness statements and details about road conditions and vehicle damage.
- Witness statements: Eyewitnesses provide crucial testimony about how the accident occurred. They describe which driver was at fault and the conditions at impact.
- Accident reconstruction: Expert accident reconstructionists analyze vehicle damage, road markings, and skid marks. They determine vehicle positions, speeds, and the sequence of events.
- Dashcam and traffic camera footage: Video evidence provides objective documentation of the accident. It often clearly shows which driver caused the collision.
- Medical records: Your medical bills and records establish the injuries you sustained. They connect your injuries to the accident.
- Expert testimony: Medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists provide professional opinions that support your case.
- Insurance company communications: Statements made by the other driver to their insurance company can establish liability.
California’s comparative negligence rules allow you to recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility. You can recover as long as you are less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Because of this rule, establishing the other driver’s primary responsibility becomes important.
Insurance companies employ experienced adjusters and attorneys. They build defense strategies designed to minimize or deny liability. DJA Injury Attorneys‘s insurance defense background means we understand these strategies. We know how to counter them effectively and conduct thorough investigations. We retain necessary experts and prepare every case for trial to maximize your recovery.
Compensation Available for Head-On Collision Victims
If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision caused by another driver’s negligence, California law allows you to recover compensation. These damages include:
- Medical expenses: Past and future medical treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity: Income you lost while recovering from your injuries. Also, compensation if your injuries reduce your ability to earn income in the future.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and the impact of your injuries on your quality of life.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional suffering caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: Additional compensation if your injuries result in permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed.
The value of your case depends on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, the strength of liability evidence, and the insurance policy limits available. DJA Injury Attorneys evaluates each case individually. We use our experience to estimate fair settlement value.
We’ve secured settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars in motor vehicle accident cases. These often exceed initial insurance offers. In one case involving a rear-end collision with medical expenses under $100,000, insurers offered only $55,000. Through aggressive litigation and preparation for trial, we obtained the $1 million policy limit. In another case, a college student with minimal physical injuries but significant emotional trauma received a $1.35 million settlement. Insurers had undervalued the emotional component of her case.
Steps to Take After a Head-On Collision
If you’ve been in a head-on collision, taking the right steps immediately after the accident protects your health. It preserves evidence and strengthens your legal case:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries don’t appear immediately. Medical documentation creates a record connecting your injuries to the accident.
- Call the police and obtain the report number: A police report provides official documentation of the accident. It often includes the officer’s determination of fault.
- Document the scene: Take photos and video of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and the accident scene. Get contact information from witnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault: Don’t admit fault or discuss the accident details with the other driver or their insurance company. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Contact DJA Injury Attorneys for a free consultation: Call (949) 229-7228 or fill out our online form. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and preserving evidence.
- Preserve evidence: Keep your vehicle, medical records, photographs, and any communications related to the accident. Don’t accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney.
- Don’t accept early settlement offers: Insurance companies often make low initial offers, hoping you’ll accept quickly. These offers rarely reflect the true value of your case. Let DJA Injury Attorneys evaluate your case and negotiate on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a head-on collision claim in California?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of your injury. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit. However, don’t wait to contact an attorney. Evidence deteriorates. Witnesses’ memories fade. Acting quickly strengthens your case. We recommend consulting with DJA Injury Attorneys as soon as possible after your accident.
What if I were partially at fault for the head-on collision?
California follows comparative negligence rules. These allow you to recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can recover 80% only. This rule makes establishing the other driver’s primary responsibility crucial to maximizing your recovery.
How much is my head-on collision case worth?
Settlement value depends on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, the strength of liability evidence, and the insurance policy limits available. DJA Injury Attorneys evaluates each case individually. We review your medical records, consult with experts, and analyze comparable cases to estimate fair value. We’re happy to discuss your case’s potential value during a free consultation.
Do I need an attorney for a head-on collision case?
While you can handle a claim yourself, insurance companies have experienced adjusters and attorneys working to minimize your recovery. Having your own attorney levels the playing field. Injury victims who hire attorneys recover more compensation than those who handle claims alone. DJA Injury Attorneys handles all negotiations and litigation. This allows you to focus on recovery.
How long does a head-on collision case take?
Timeline varies depending on case complexity and whether settlement negotiations succeed. Some cases settle within months. Others require litigation and may take a year or more. DJA Injury Attorneys works efficiently to resolve your case. We never rush to accept inadequate settlement offers. Additionally, we prepare every case for trial. And, we are willing to litigate to maximize your recovery.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. DJA Injury Attorneys prepares every case as if it will go to trial. This preparation strengthens our negotiating position. It demonstrates to insurance companies that we’re serious about litigation. If settlement negotiations fail, we’re ready to present your case to a jury. Our willingness to litigate often results in higher settlements. Insurers know we won’t accept lowball offers.
Contact DJA Injury Attorneys for Your Free Consultation
Don’t let an insurance company minimize the value of your head-on collision case. DJA Injury Attorneys fights for maximum compensation for our clients. Call (949) 229-7228 today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis—no recovery means no fee. Let our firm put our experience and knowledge of insurance defense strategies to work for you.
Learn more about Jeff Schwalbach and our case results to see how we’ve helped other injury victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Related Car Accident Types in Huntington Beach
Head-on collisions represent one category of serious motor vehicle accidents. Other accident types that cause significant injuries include rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, hit-and-run incidents, and fatal accidents. Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers also require specialized legal representation. Additionally, DJA Injury Attorneys handles all types of car accidents in Huntington Beach and rideshare accidents.
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