- March 15, 2025
- Tucker Law
- Car Accident Lawsuits
All car accidents are dangerous. However, head-on collisions are especially damaging to the human body. As a result, they are also more likely to cause death and serious injury. While these crashes can often lead to larger payouts, there is no average head-on collision settlement value.
Because every head-on collision is different, there’s no average or typical settlement amount. The only way to get a reliable estimate is by consulting with a car accident lawyer.
Do You Get More Compensation for Head-On Collisions?
Generally speaking, the amount of compensation you can recover after a car accident is tied more closely to your injuries and other expenses than it is to the type of collision you were involved in. However, head-on collisions are considered to be the deadliest type of traffic accident for a number of reasons, including the following:
- The combined force of the colliding vehicles can cause devastating injuries.
- Crumple zones on the front of cars generally aren’t as protective as those on the sides and rear.
- The extreme deceleration can cause major internal injuries.
Head-on collisions are more likely than other kinds of crashes to lead to serious (and expensive) injuries. You don’t always get more compensation for head-on collisions, but the sheer destruction they cause often translates to higher settlements.
Factors Influencing Head-On Collision Compensation
Trying to find an average settlement for a head-on collision is futile. However, you might start to better understand your case if you examine the many factors that determine the compensation you receive.
New York’s No-Fault Insurance Laws
As a no-fault state, New York makes it a bit more challenging than many other states to file a lawsuit. The following are just some of the rules that apply:
- You must first use your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
- You may sue an at-fault driver for economic damages if your losses exceed your PIP coverage.
- If you have a serious injury, you may sue for both economic and non-economic damages.
In New York, a “serious injury” is defined as one that causes at least one of the following forms of harm:
- Dismemberment
- Major disfigurement
- Loss of a pregnancy
- Death
- Fracture
- Loss of a bodily organ or function
- Permanent limitation of an organ or function
- Significant (though not permanent) limitation of an organ or function
- Injuries that prevent you from doing almost all daily activities for 90 out of 180 days after the accident.
Unless you’re a personal injury lawyer, it can be extremely difficult to look at the list above and determine whether you may legally sue for economic damages, non-economic damages, or both. A car accident lawyer can discuss your case with you and help you understand your options.
If you’ve been hurt in a head-on collision, we can help you figure out your next steps. Call Tucker Lawyers at (516) 399-2364 to book your free consultation.
Medical Bills and Rehabilitation Costs
Medical bills can be significant even for minor injuries. However, in a head-on collision, you may be facing especially lofty medical costs. If you are able to file a successful lawsuit for serious injury, you should also be able to recover compensation for ongoing rehabilitation and future medical care.
Lost Income and Anticipated Future Lost Income
After any serious car accident, you’re likely to be left unable to work for a significant time period. Your attorney can help you calculate how much compensation you’re owed for missing work. If your injuries are so severe that they have caused some level of permanent disability, you also might be able to receive compensation for your loss of future earning capacity.
Whether You Were Partially At Fault
New York uses a “comparative negligence” model. This means that you can try to recover damages as long as you were less than 100% at fault for the accident. However, if you are awarded compensation, the court will reduce it by your percentage of fault.
Insurance Policy Limits
Depending on how much PIP coverage you have, you may be able to pay for most of your medical care yourself. In most cases, though, you will need to sue the other driver to cover your other damages. But what if your damages exceed that driver’s policy limit, too? In this case, you may be able to file a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
Have You Been Injured in a Head-On Collision?
Representation You Can Count On
It’s easy to feel alone after a serious car accident. You’re likely unable to work and facing piling medical bills. It may feel impossible to do anything but rest and focus on healing. However, if you can gather the strength to call us, and we take your case, our team will handle the logistics.
If a negligent driver caused a head-on collision, they should be held accountable — and you should be able to recover the financial support you need to heal. Call Tucker Lawyers at (516) 399-2364 to set up your free consultation.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]