A head-on collision is a dangerous type of traffic crash between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. Often, these incidents occur at stop lights or intersections where one driver attempts to make a left turn in front of another oncoming vehicle. When the light turns from green to yellow and both cars are entering the intersection, it can be difficult to determine who has right of way.
Unfortunately, these accidents are common and can cause serious physical harm to anyone involved. If you sustained injuries in a head-on collision in Kenosha, it is recommended that you reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer. Liability can be difficult to establish in these types of cases, but having a persuasive legal advocate on your side could make all the difference in civil court.
Who has Right of Way in Head-On Intersection Crashes?
In Wisconsin, a driver making a left turn has a duty to yield to the vehicle that is going straight. When there is no traffic light, this rule is fairly clear-cut in determining right of way.
If there is a traffic light, right of way can be more difficult to determine when trying to complete a left turn against cars going straight in the opposite direction. It is important to note that a car may legally proceed on a yellow light if they are too close to the intersection to stop safely. However, if the light has turned red, the driver has a duty to brake before entering the intersection.
Despite this, many motorists disobey traffic lights and right of way rules. The safest way for a motorist to make a left is to wait until all oncoming traffic clears before proceeding, even if the light turns red for the vehicles going the opposite direction. To practice safe, defensive driving, one should wait before turning if an approaching car is not slowing down or does not appear to be stopping before entering the intersection. If a vehicle has entered an intersection, a left-turning motorist has a duty to let them clear through before completing their turn.
Establishing Liability in Direct Impact Collision Cases
A skillful attorney could use several tools to establish liability in Kenosha head-on collision cases. To build a strong claim for a person’s recovery, a hardworking lawyer may gather any of the following pieces of evidence:
- The injured party’s testimony
- Photographs of the physical damage to both vehicles
- Passenger or other witness statements
Although independent witness testimony can be useful in establishing the facts of a traffic wreck, it can be difficult to find people who are willing to step up and get involved in a case. Because of their reluctance, working with independent witnesses of Kenosha head-on accidents may require the skills of an experienced legal team and their investigators. A defendant in a car accident claim may also describe the direct impact collision differently in order to minimize their liability, so it is important to retain a well-practiced attorney who could help gather compelling evidence in the victim’s favor.
Contact a Kenosha Attorney with Experience in Head-On Collision Cases
At the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd., we have fought on behalf of numerous victims of head-on collisions in Kenosha. Over the past thirty years of handling these types of cases, our experienced attorneys have developed the skills to effectively represent those injured in direct impact car crashes. Contact our firm today for a free consultation on your specific circumstances.