Did you suffer injuries after being hit head-on by another vehicle? This type of collision is very dangerous and often deadly, but you don’t have to handle the aftermath by yourself. Instead, reach out to a head-on collision lawyer in Gastonia for help.
At DeMayo Law Offices, we’re Your North Carolina Law Firm™. With a focus on People Over Profits™, we believe in advocating for our clients and pursuing favorable outcomes on their behalf. After all, a right without a remedy is just a suggestion™.
With more than 250 years of combined experience, we’ve recovered over $1 billion in compensation. Founded in 1992, we’ve helped 125,000 people and counting, and we’re here to help you as your Gastonia car accident lawyer.
Causes of Head-On Collisions in Gastonia
Head-on collisions typically occur when one vehicle strays from its lane and drives into oncoming traffic. While the circumstances of each crash are unique, many stem from similar types of driver behavior or roadway conditions.
These are common causes of head-on crashes in the area:
- Driving while distracted
- Operating a vehicle while impaired
- Being behind the wheel while fatigued
- Speeding or driving aggressively
- Encountering poor weather or road conditions
- Failing to obey traffic signals
In rural areas outside Gastonia—such as along U.S. Route 321 or N.C. Highway 274—poorly lit roads and the absence of a physical barrier between opposing lanes can increase the risk of head-on crashes.
In urban settings, wrong-way accidents on one-way streets or highway off-ramps are also a concern. No matter where the collision took place, your Gastonia personal injury lawyer can look into the details of your crash and pursue justice on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collision lawyer serving Gastonia, call (877) 333-1000
Liability and Fault in North Carolina Head-On Crashes
North Carolina is one of the few states that adheres to the doctrine of pure contributory negligence. This has a significant impact on how fault is assigned in motor vehicle accidents.
Under this rule, if an injured party is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they will likely be barred from recovering any compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. This legal standard makes it especially important to:
- Identify the at-fault party in a head-on collision
- Clearly demonstrate that the injured person did not contribute to the crash in any way
In many head-on collision cases, the fault lies with the driver who crossed the centerline or traveled in the wrong direction. However, insurance companies may attempt to shift blame or claim that the injured driver somehow contributed to the accident.
In response, establishing fault may require your Gastonia head-on collision lawyers to collect the following as evidence:
- Eyewitness statements
- Police reports
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Roadway and vehicle damage analysis
- Accident reconstruction testimonies
In certain cases, third parties may also be liable. For example, if a vehicle defect—such as a faulty steering mechanism or tire blowouts—caused the driver to lose control, the vehicle manufacturer could share responsibility.
Similarly, if poor road design or lack of signage played a role, a government entity may bear some degree of liability. Because North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule offers no margin for error, thorough investigation and compelling evidence are a must in head-on collision claims.
Gastonia Head-On Collision Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in North Carolina
In non-fatal head-on collision cases, victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52. If a lawsuit is not filed within this time, the injured party is generally barred from pursuing damages in court.
The three-year limit applies to claims for bodily injury, property damage, lost wages, and other losses. There are limited exceptions, such as when the injured person is a minor or mentally incapacitated at the time of the accident.
In turn, the statute of limitations may be extended. Three years is a long time, but evidence can degrade quickly. Physical evidence from the crash scene may be cleaned up, vehicles may be repaired, and witnesses’ memories can fade, so the sooner you take legal action, the better.
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Call Our Gastonia Head-On Collision Law Firm As Soon As Possible for Legal Advice and Representation
If you or a loved one was involved in a crash, the aftermath can feel confusing, painful, and overwhelming. These types of crashes often cause major injuries and lifelong consequences, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Instead, let a head-on collision lawyer help you.
As your head-on collision lawyers, we’re here to advocate for your rights as the victim of the incident and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. At DeMayo Law Offices, we have extensive experience.
We’re ready and willing to advocate for you. You deserve to be heard, and we want to seek justice on your behalf. Reach out to our Gastonia head-on collision law firm today. That way, we can help you take the first step toward healing and holding the at-fault driver accountable.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
