San Diego Head-On Collision Lawyer

Head-on collisions are the deadliest type of car accident. Two vehicles traveling toward each other—even at moderate speeds—create impact forces that crush metal, deploy every airbag, and leave occupants with catastrophic injuries. Survivors often face months of surgeries, permanent disabilities, and lives that look nothing like they did before the crash.

At The Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC, our founding attorney has spent over 45 years representing accident victims in California. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in serious collisions throughout San Diego County, and we understand what families face after a devastating frontal impact crash. Medical bills arrive before you leave the hospital. Insurance adjusters call while you are still in pain. We handle those pressures so you can focus on healing.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured and need a San Diego, CA car accident lawyer, our firm offers free consultations and charges no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Why Choose The Law Office Of Elliott Kanter For Head-On Collisions In San Diego, CA?

Over Four Decades of California Trial Experience

Elliott Kanter has practiced personal injury law in California since 1980. He is admitted to the California State Bar, the United States Supreme Court, and federal courts across the country. Head-on collisions often involve serious questions about what caused the crash—was the other driver impaired, distracted, or fleeing something? Did a mechanical failure or road condition contribute? Elliott Kanter knows how to investigate these cases thoroughly and build claims that insurance companies cannot easily dismiss.

Millions Recovered for Seriously Injured Clients

Our firm has secured millions of dollars for clients with catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. Head-on crashes frequently result in the most severe injuries we see—traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. We pursue compensation that reflects the true cost of these life-altering harms.

Your Case Gets Personal Attention

At some firms, you sign with a partner and never hear from them again. Not here. Elliott Kanter handles every case personally from the initial consultation through resolution. You speak directly with the attorney making decisions on your behalf. Questions get answered. Strategies get explained. You are never left wondering what is happening with your case.

No Fees Unless We Win

Head-on collision victims face enormous financial pressure. Hospital bills, lost income, ongoing care needs—it adds up fast. We work on contingency, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

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“Elliott Kanter is an honest caring lawyer who truly has your best interest at the top of his agenda. If there was a man you wanted in you corner it is Elliott Kanter.” — Richard Thomas

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types Of Head-On Collision Cases We Handle In San Diego

Head-on crashes happen on highways, rural roads, and city streets throughout San Diego County. The causes vary, but the injuries are almost always severe. We handle cases involving:

• Auto accidents. Wrong-way drivers, distracted motorists crossing the center line, and drivers who lose control cause head-on collisions that result in life-threatening injuries.
• Truck accidents. When an 18-wheeler crosses into oncoming traffic, the results are catastrophic. The weight difference between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle means the smaller vehicle absorbs almost all the impact force.
• Motorcycle accidents. Riders facing an oncoming vehicle have virtually no protection. Head-on motorcycle crashes often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatalities.
• Wrongful death claims. Head-on collisions have the highest fatality rate of any crash type. When a loved one is killed, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for their losses.
• DUI-related collisions. Impaired drivers frequently cause head-on crashes by drifting into oncoming lanes. These cases may involve both civil claims and criminal proceedings.
• Wrong-way driver accidents. Confused, intoxicated, or elderly drivers sometimes enter highways going the wrong direction. These crashes happen at high speeds and often involve multiple vehicles.

California Laws Governing Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions typically occur when one driver crosses into oncoming traffic. California law establishes clear rules about lane usage, and violating those rules creates strong evidence of negligence.

California Vehicle Code Section 21650 requires drivers to travel on the right half of the roadway except when passing, turning left, or when the right side is obstructed. A driver who crosses the center line and causes a head-on collision has violated this fundamental rule.

Vehicle Code Section 21460 governs double yellow lines. Drivers are prohibited from crossing double yellow lines to pass other vehicles. Violations often result in citations that support injury claims.

California follows a pure comparative negligence system under Civil Code Section 1714. Even if you bear some responsibility for the crash, you can still recover damages—reduced by your percentage of fault. However, in most head-on collisions, the driver who crossed into the wrong lane bears full responsibility. A San Diego head-on crash attorney can help establish liability and counter any attempts by insurers to shift blame.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the accident under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year deadline under Section 335.1. Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to compensation.

What Damages Are Recoverable After A San Diego Head-On Collision?

Head-on crashes cause some of the most severe injuries seen in personal injury cases. California law allows victims to pursue compensation across several categories.

Economic Damages

These cover your measurable financial losses: emergency medical care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future medical treatment. Lost wages from time away from work and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation also qualify. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, traffic fatalities and serious injuries remain a significant problem statewide, with head-on collisions among the most deadly crash types.

Non-Economic Damages

Not every loss has a receipt attached. California allows compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Head-on collision survivors often face permanent disabilities that affect every aspect of daily living. Brain injuries from these crashes can cause cognitive impairments, personality changes, and lifelong care needs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations.

Punitive Damages

When the at-fault driver’s conduct was especially egregious—driving while intoxicated, fleeing police, or engaging in road rage—California courts may award punitive damages under Civil Code Section 3294. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Calculating the full value of a head-on collision claim requires projecting future medical costs, evaluating permanent impairments, and understanding how juries in San Diego County assess these cases. Working with a California frontal impact lawyer ensures your claim accounts for both current and future losses.

Contact The Law Office Of Elliott Kanter APC

Head-on collisions cause devastating injuries that change lives permanently. If you or a loved one was hurt in a frontal impact crash in San Diego, CA, you need an attorney who will fight for the compensation your situation demands—not settle for whatever the insurance company offers first.

Our firm provides free consultations, and there are no attorney fees unless we win. Elliott Kanter will review your case personally, explain your options, and answer your questions directly. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.