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    head on collision

    A head-on crash is one of the most violent events that can happen on a South Carolina road. The closing speed of two cars moving toward each other multiplies the force that reaches the human body, often leaving drivers and passengers with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and, in too many cases, fatal injuries. Head-on collisions change lives in seconds, and the weeks that follow can be filled with pain, medical bills, lost wages, and pressure from insurance companies.

    After being hit head-on, your focus should be on recovering from your injuries, not dealing with shady insurance adjusters who want you to settle quickly and for the lowest possible amount. That’s why you need an experienced trial lawyer on your side. Joye Law Firm’s legal team is ready to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call at (888) 324-3100 or use this online contact form for a free case review today.

    Our Client Stories of Justice and Results at Joye Law Firm

    Real people, just like you, have trusted Joye Law Firm and found relief:

    • $535,000 for a Lexington man who sustained multiple injuries as the result of a head-on car collision.
    • $455,000 settlement for a passenger who sustained a concussion and shoulder injury in a boating collision. The incident occurred on Thoroughfare Creek, where the at-fault driver veered onto the wrong side of the creek, resulting in a head-on collision after rounding the bend from the Intracoastal Waterway/Waccamaw River.
    • $600,000 for a woman who sustained several fracture injuries when her vehicle was struck head-on by a car that crossed into her lane.
    • $3 million settlement for a man who suffered a TBI along with other injuries after being hit head-on by a drunk driver with an additional $1 million settlement in dram shop action against a negligent bar.

    While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate how the steady guidance, consistent communication, and dedicated effort of a Joye Law Firm attorney can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

    How Can a Car Accident Attorney at Joye Law Firm Help with Your Case?

    Our South Carolina car accident lawyers help you control the legal process from the first day by taking the following steps:Frontal,Collision,Of,A,Car,With,A,Truck

    • Scene Preservation: We move quickly to secure police accident reports, 911 recordings, dashcam or surveillance footage, and photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, and the accident scene—before weather or traffic erases vital evidence.
    • Evidence of Driver Negligence: Our team investigates thoroughly by subpoenaing phone records in cases where we suspect a distracted driver was texting. We also inspect the at-fault vehicle’s “black box” to confirm speed, braking, and steering data around the time of the crash.
    • Medical Proof: We gather EMS run sheets, hospital charts, and imaging records that tie each neck injury, concussion, or fracture to the crash. We also work with medical experts and medical illustrators to create reports that depict the severity and impact of your injuries.
    • Insurance Review: Our attorneys identify every possible source of compensation, including the at-fault driver’s liability policy, your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and any umbrella policies that may apply. We stop adjusters from contacting you directly to protect you from pressure tactics or lowball offers so you can focus on recovery.
    • Damage Valuation: Our attorneys meet weekly to evaluate the value of every case. We calculate medical expenses, lost wages, future care, and non-economic harm such as post-traumatic stress disorder and loss of enjoyment of life. We apply South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule so fault is assigned fairly, and defend you against any unfairly assigned blame that could reduce your compensation.
    • Deadline Control: We file suit well within the state’s three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This preserves your right to full compensation and allows us to gather evidence that could be unavailable without a properly filed claim.
    • Litigation and Trial Readiness: From day one, we prepare your case as if it’s going to trial. This includes gathering video depositions, drafting motions, and assembling compelling trial exhibits. Even if your case is resolved in mediation before trial, this readiness alone often drives higher settlement offers.

    When you’re injured in a crash, you need more than legal advice, you need a legal team that fights for your future. Contact Joye Law Firm today for a free consultation. You’ll benefit from our No Fee Guarantee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. And unlike many firms, we never walk away with more than our client, even if that means voluntarily reducing our fee to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

    Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?

    Usually, the answer is no. In almost every serious car crash, especially a head-on collision, the first offer is too low. Insurers use computer formulas based on average car accident settlement data, not on your unique medical outlook. Accepting early can leave you paying future hospital bills out of pocket. Always talk with an experienced car accident attorney before signing a release.

    Here’s why accepting the first offer is risky:

    • You may still need surgery or long-term therapy for serious car accident injuries.
    • You may not have reached maximum medical improvement, the point at which doctors can predict lasting disability and future medical needs.
    • The offer rarely includes money for future lost wages if you must change careers.
    • Once you sign, you cannot reopen the claim, even if your problems worsen.

    Our lawyers secure itemized estimates from surgeons, physical therapists, and vocational experts so the demand package covers the full picture.

    How Long Will It Take to Settle the Case?

    Every head-on collision is unique, and the timeline is affected not only by your medical prognosis and treatment, but also the legal intricacies of your claim. However, most cases pass through the same stages:

    Stage Typical Timeframe What Happens
    Medical Treatment 1–6 months You receive treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement or doctors can state long-term outlook.
    Claim Investigation Parallel with treatment Lawyers gather records, interview witnesses, and consult experts.
    Demand & Negotiation 30–90 days after full documentation A demand package goes to the insurer; counteroffers follow.
    Suit & Discovery 6–12 months if no agreement Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and attend mediations.
    Trial 18–30 months from filing Case goes to trial before a jury if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached. Some cases could also go on to an appeal if the outcome was not favorable.

    South Carolina courts encourage mediation, and insurers prefer to avoid the uncertainty of a jury. The timeline shortens when liability is clear, and lengthens when fault is contested or when severe injuries require delayed prognosis.

    Learn more about the personal injury case process

    What Happens if My Head-On Accident Injuries Require Long-Term Medical Care?

    Severe head-on collisions can leave victims with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe fractures, or internal organ damage that never fully heals. A fair car accident settlement must fund:

    • Future Surgeries and Therapy: Orthopedic hardware may fail and need replacement, and brain injury patients often need years of occupational therapy.
    • Home and Vehicle Modifications: Wheelchair ramps, widened doors, and hand-control systems keep independence within reach.
    • Assistive Technology: Voice-activated devices, pressure-relief mattresses, and mobility aids.
    • Life-Care Plans: Certified rehabilitation specialists calculate lifetime medical, equipment, and attendant-care costs.
    • Lost Earning Capacity: If you cannot return to your old job—or any job—an economic expert projects future wage loss, adjusting for promotions, inflation, and benefits.

    Insurance companies fight future-cost claims because they are expensive, but the law allows recovery when evidence is clear. Our South Carolina car accident lawyers partner with medical and financial experts to ensure the estimates are solid and difficult to dispute.

    What Causes Head-On Collisions in South Carolina?

    These dangerous motor vehicle accidents happen when one driver ends up in the wrong lane or loses control. Common causes of head-on crashes include:

    In some cases, truck accidents and single car accidents can also result in a head-on impact, especially on rural roads or during bad weather.

    What Should I Do After a Head-On Collision?

    If you’re involved in a head-on automobile accident:

    1. Call 911 and report the crash.
    2. Get medical help, even if you feel okay.
    3. Take pictures and video of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
    4. Get contact info from the other driver and any witnesses.
    5. Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company without a lawyer.
    6. Contact an auto accident lawyer to review your options.

    Seeking medical attention right away is important, Hidden injuries like internal bleeding or concussions can worsen over time and it’s crucial that those injuries are treated to prevent further harm. Prompt treatment can also strengthen your claim as it helps to create a causal relationship between your injuries and the crash.

    Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault?

    Yes, under South Carolina law, you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault. This is called modified comparative negligence.

    For example, if you were 20% at fault and the total damages were $100,000, you could still receive $80,000. This makes it even more important to have a skilled SC car accident lawyer evaluate your case.

    Schedule a Consultation with Joye Law Firm Today

    A head-on collision can leave you facing months of medical treatment, growing expenses, and calls from aggressive adjusters. Worse yet, it can rob you of someone dear to you. While noting can change what happened, Joye Law Firm’s head-on collision lawyers can step in now to protect your car accident claim and push for the resources you need to rebuild your life.

    Since 1968, Joye Law Firm has been a trusted name in South Carolina personal injury law. Our attorneys are not only skilled litigators but also leaders in the legal community. Notably, Attorney Sydney Lynn, who leads our Columbia office, is serving as the 2024–2025 President of the South Carolina Association for Justice (SCAJ) and Mark Joye is the Immediate Past Prident of the Charleston Bar Association, reflecting our commitment to advancing justice not just in the courtroom, but across the state.

    We are equally proud of our deep community roots. Through our Joye in the Community initiatives, we support college scholarships, local nonprofits, public safety campaigns, and events that give back to the people we serve.

    Our results speak for themselves, but so do our clients. With thousands of

    Our personal injury lawyers know the accident scene, the courts, and the tactics insurance companies use to limit payments. We have secured over half a billion dollars for injury victims from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.

    Call us at (888) 324-3100, or schedule a consultation and let Joye Law Firm start working on your future today.

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