Trusted Head-On Collision Lawyer in NYC

A head-on collision in New York City can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries and wrongful death; and it often leaves car accident victims facing immediate questions about who was at fault, what evidence matters, and how to deal with insurance companies.

Raphaelson & Levine helps drivers, passengers, and families investigate how the collision happened, preserve critical proof before it disappears, and pursue compensation from the parties responsible.

These cases often involve wrong-way driving on one-way streets, distracted drivers crossing the center line, impaired or fatigued motorists drifting into oncoming lanes, or dangerous road conditions that forced a vehicle into opposing traffic. Gathering early evidence from EDR data, dashcam footage, and cell phone records can make the difference between proving fault and losing the claim, acting quickly helps protect the case.

If you were hurt in a head-on collision, our car accident lawyers can help you understand whether you may have a claim, what evidence matters most, and what steps to take now to protect your case.

Do I Have a Head-On Collision Claim?

After a head-on car accident, it's normal to be unsure whether your situation is one a lawyer can actually help with. These five signs suggest it may be worth a call.

• An insurance company has contacted you, or insurance adjusters may reach out soon to ask for a recorded statement.

• You needed emergency treatment, surgery, or ongoing care for serious injuries sustained in the collision.

• You've missed work or can't return to your job because of resulting injuries from the crash.

• A negligent driver crossed the center line, entered a one-way street the wrong way, or caused the head-on impact through impairment or distraction.

• You're unsure what evidence matters, what deadlines apply, or what to say to the insurance company.

A short call to (212) 268-3222 can help you understand whether you have a case worth pursuing — no cost, no pressure.

Quick Answers About Head-On Collision Claims in NYC

We help head-on collision victims document what happened, avoid common insurance mistakes, and understand what their car accident case may involve.

Here's what matters most right now if you were hurt in a head-on collision in New York City, and what many people get wrong about these claims.

What should I do first after a head-on collision?

Get medical attention, even if you feel okay. Some car accident injuries from frontal impacts, including brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not produce immediate symptoms. Call the police to document the scene and obtain a police report. Do not admit fault or discuss details with the other driver's insurance company. Photograph everything: vehicle damage, the road layout, traffic signals, and your injuries. Then call a head-on car accident attorney at Raphaelson & Levine before giving a recorded statement to any insurer.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence standard under CPLR § 1411. Your compensation is reduced by your share of fault, but you are never completely barred from recovery — even if you were more than 50% responsible. Our car accident attorneys work to minimize the fault attributed to you using physical evidence and accident reconstruction.

How do you prove the other driver caused the head-on collision?

We start with the police accident report and then build the car accident case using event data recorder (EDR/"black box") information, dashcam and traffic camera footage, cell phone records, toxicology results, and witness statements. Accident reconstruction engineers analyze impact angles, debris patterns, and vehicle damage to confirm which driver crossed the center line or entered the wrong lane. Violations of VTL § 1120 (driving on the right) or VTL § 1126 (improper passing) can establish negligence per se.

Why Head-On Collision Victims Choose Raphaelson & Levine

Hundreds of accident victims across New York have trusted Raphaelson & Levine with some of the most complex motor vehicle accidents in the five boroughs — including high speed head-on car collisions with life threatening injuries.

We earn trust in head-on collision cases through verified outcomes, real client feedback, accident reconstruction resources, and a direct approach to building car accident claims against negligent drivers.

Results. Resources. Reputation. Respect.

Results: **Results:** Raphaelson & Levine has recovered over $1 billion in compensation for personal injury victims across New York City since 1992. Our track record includes recoveries for victims who suffered injuries ranging from severe fractures to traumatic brain injuries in car accidents, truck crashes, pedestrian accidents, and other catastrophic cases.

Resources: Every head-on collision case is assigned an accident reconstruction engineer who analyzes EDR data, impact geometry, and debris fields. We also retain biomechanical experts to connect the forces of impact to your specific injuries. This is critical in head-on cases where insurers often dispute the severity of soft tissue and brain injuries.

Reputation: With hundreds of local client reviews, a 99% client satisfaction rate, and over three decades of experience in New York City's courts, our law firm has earned a reputation as "the voice of the injured" and annual rankings among the Best Lawyers in America® including Tier 1 recognition in Best Law Firms® for Personal Injury Litigation in New York City.

Respect: We return calls within 24 hours, explain every step of the legal process in plain language, and prepare every car accident case as if it's going to trial. Our dedication to client service and thorough investigation has earned our clients settlements up to 35-times larger than their initial offer.

"Simply the best! My family and I cannot say how much we appreciate all that Raphaelson and Levine have done for us." — James S., Personal Injury Client (Google Review)

"I would like to express how grateful I am to Mr.Levine and staff. They were so helpful with my mom's accident." — Diane V., Personal Injury Client (Google Review)

Results vary depending on the facts and circumstances of each case.

A short call to (212) 268-3222 can help you understand whether your case follows a path our team has seen before.

Evidence in head-on collision cases has a limited shelf life. The clock starts running the moment the crash happens.

Event data recorders can be overwritten if the vehicle is repaired or scrapped. Dashcam footage from nearby vehicles may be recorded over within days. Traffic camera data maintained by NYC DOT is not stored indefinitely. Cell phone records that could prove distracted driving are retained by carriers for a limited period. Witness memories become less reliable with each passing week.

If this is a medical emergency, call 911 first.

Questions about preserving evidence after a head-on collision in New York? Call (212) 268-3222.

What Happens After You Call

We walk you through what happened, evaluate whether you have a head-on collision claim, and explain what steps come next. On your first call, not after weeks of waiting.

Step 1: We get the facts. We'll ask what happened: which direction each vehicle was traveling, where the collision occurred, what injuries you sustained, and what medical treatment you've received. For head-on car accident cases, we'll also ask about road conditions, whether any commercial vehicles were involved, and whether police issued any citations. This conversation usually takes 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: We evaluate your claim. Using the facts from your call and any records we can access immediately, we assess four things:

• Responsibility: Which driver crossed the center line, entered the wrong lane, or otherwise caused the frontal collision. Whether additional parties involved — vehicle manufacturers, road maintenance contractors, government entities — may share liability.

• Proof: What evidence exists and what needs to be preserved fast — EDR data, dashcam footage, cell phone records, traffic camera recordings, and toxicology results.

• Damages: Your medical treatment to date, expected future care, time missed from work, and the long-term impact on your daily life — including medical bills and lost wages.

• Deadlines: Which filing timelines apply. Claims against government entities — including the City of New York or the MTA — require special notice procedures with compressed deadlines.

Step 3: If you retain us, we begin immediately. Within days of engagement, our team takes these first actions:

• Start collecting evidence: EDR downloads, dashcam and traffic camera footage requests, cell phone records subpoenas

• Identify the at fault party and all insurance coverage: the negligent driver, their employer (if applicable), vehicle manufacturers, and government entities

• Gather medical records, diagnostic imaging, surgical reports, and wage documentation

• Handle all insurer communications so you don't have to speak with adjusters

• Build a demand package supported by accident reconstruction analysis and prepare for litigation if needed

Our experienced attorney team regularly appears in New York County Supreme Court and Kings County Supreme Court for auto accident cases.

For claims involving government entities like the NYC Department of Transportation or the MTA, we ensure the formal Notice of Claim is filed with the NYC Comptroller's Office within the required timeline.

How Much Is My Head-On Collision Claim Worth?

The average payout for a head-on collision falls between $75,000 and $650,000, though cases can range from as low as $10,000 for minor injuries to well over $1 million for catastrophic outcomes. However, every head-on collision case is different.

These key factors typically determine the value of your head-on collision settlement:

• Medical treatment and ongoing care. Some injuries are not immediately apparent after a head-on crash, seeking medical attention right away also helps protect both your health and your car accident claim. Emergency surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future medical needs may require multiple surgeries and long-term physical therapy for spinal and brain injuries.

• Time missed from work. Lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and inability to return to your prior role. Victims with traumatic brain injuries may face permanent work restrictions.

• Severity and long-term impact. Permanent impairment, chronic pain, cognitive deficits, and lifestyle limitations. Head-on collisions produce a disproportionate share of catastrophic and fatal outcomes — even a properly worn seat belt may not prevent severe injuries at high speed.

• Liability disputes. Whether fault is shared, contested, or involves multiple parties. In head-on cases, insurers sometimes argue the injured driver drifted across the center line — accident reconstruction evidence is critical to rebutting this.

• Insurance coverage. Policy limits, multiple coverage sources, and underinsured/uninsured motorist situations. Commercial vehicle head-on cases may involve significantly higher policy limits for all vehicles involved.

• Documentation quality. Strength of EDR data, dashcam footage, traffic camera recordings, cell phone records, and medical documentation linking your injuries to the frontal impact.

The most reliable way to understand how these factors apply to your situation is a case evaluation with an experienced accident attorney at our law offices who handles head-on collision claims.

Common Head-On Collision Scenarios in New York City

We've handled many head-on collision scenarios across all five boroughs, and we know what evidence to preserve before it disappears.

These are the situations our car accident lawyers encounter most often in New York City. Each one involves different evidence and different liable parties.

• Wrong-way driving on a one-way street: Traffic camera footage and police reports documenting direction of travel. Violation of VTL § 1120 establishes negligence per se.

• Distracted driver crossing the center line: Cell phone records showing active use at the time of impact. Carrier data and app usage logs are time-sensitive.

• Impaired driver drifting into oncoming traffic: Toxicology results, police dashcam footage, and field sobriety test records. Criminal proceedings may run in parallel.

• Fatigued commercial driver lane departure: Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing hours of service. FMCSA violations are strong evidence of carrier negligence.

• Improper passing in a no-passing zone: Road geometry, sight distance analysis, and witness statements. Violation of VTL § 1126 is evidence of negligence per se.

• Construction zone crossovers: Missing barriers, absent lane delineation, and inadequate signage. The construction contractor and potentially NYC DOT may share liability.

New York Laws That Could Impact Your Head-On Collision Claim

A few key legal rules shape how head-on collision cases work in New York. A car accident lawyer at our firm can explain how each one applies to the specific facts of your situation.

• Fault rules: New York applies pure comparative negligence (CPLR § 1411). Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault but never eliminated — even above 50%.

• Filing timing: Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years (CPLR § 214). Wrongful death claims generally within two years (EPTL § 5-4.1). Government entity claims within one year and 90 days (GML § 50-i), with a Notice of Claim required within 90 days (GML § 50-e).

• Insurer tactics in head-on cases: Adjusters frequently argue the injured driver contributed by failing to swerve or was traveling in the wrong lane. EDR data and accident reconstruction evidence counter these defenses.

• Traffic law violations as negligence per se: Driving on the wrong side of the road violates VTL § 1120. Improper passing violates VTL § 1126. Either violation establishes the at-fault driver's negligence as a matter of law.

• Settlement vs. trial: Most auto accidents involving head-on collisions resolve through negotiated settlement. Cases with disputed liability or catastrophic injuries are more likely to require litigation and trial preparation.

How Head-On Collision Claims Work in New York City

These are the questions head-on collision victims and their families ask most often when they call our law office.

Meet the Attorneys Who Handle Head-On Collision Cases

Led by partners Howard Raphaelson & Andrew Levine, each attorney at our firm is dedicated to personal injury matters and legal representation for motor vehicle accident victims across New York City.

Howard Raphaelson · Founding Partner
Bar Admissions: U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York · U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York

Howard Raphaelson has led catastrophic injury and motor vehicle cases for over three decades, including multi-vehicle collisions, serious injuries, and wrongful death claims resulting from head-on crashes. He oversees case strategy for the firm's most complex litigation matters.
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Andrew Levine · Partner
Bar Admissions: New York · New Jersey · U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York · U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
Andrew Levine leads the firm's vehicle accident practice, including head-on collision, rear-end, and intersection collision cases. He directs the accident reconstruction and insurance coverage analysis that drives the firm's motor vehicle case results.
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We Handle Head-On Collision Cases Across All Five Boroughs

Raphaelson & Levine represents head-on collision victims in every borough and on Long Island, with experience in the courts where these cases are decided.

• Manhattan: Head-on collision cases in Manhattan are filed in New York County Supreme Court (Civil). Congested intersections and one-way street networks create frequent wrong-way driving scenarios. (Office located at 14 Penn Plaza Suite 1718, New York, NY 10122)

• Brooklyn: Cases filed in Kings County Supreme Court (Civil). Brooklyn consistently accounts for one of the highest shares of crash-related injuries citywide.

• Queens: Our accident attorneys handle head-on collision cases filed in Queens County courts. Queens' mix of multi-lane boulevards and residential streets produces a high volume of frontal collision incidents. (Office located at 136-68 Roosevelt Ave Suite 709, Flushing, NY 11354)

• The Bronx: Our car accident lawyers handle head-on collision cases filed in Bronx County courts. Major arterial roads through the Bronx see significant commercial vehicle traffic.

• Staten Island: Our injury attorneys handle head-on collision cases filed in Richmond County courts.

• Long Island: We represent head-on collision victims in Nassau County and Suffolk County, where higher-speed roads and highways increase the severity of frontal collisions. (Office located at 135 Crossways Park Dr Suite 404, Woodbury, NY 11797)

Find Out If You Have a Head-On Collision Claim

If you were injured in a head-on collision in New York City, a quick, confidential call can help you understand your options, protect your next steps, and decide what to do — without pressure.

We'll give you clear next steps based on how we evaluate serious injuries and head-on collision cases every day.

In your free consultation, we'll explain what to do next, what to avoid saying or signing, and what evidence to save now. We'll tell you whether your injuries likely meet New York's serious injury threshold and what fair compensation may be available. You'll leave with a clear plan, even if you decide not to move forward.

No upfront fees if we take your case.

A head-on collision accident can have devastating consequences and the evidence that proves your case is disappearing:

• EDR data can be lost permanently if the at-fault vehicle is repaired, scrapped, or returned to a fleet before your attorney requests a download

• Dashcam and traffic camera footage is routinely overwritten. Most systems retain recordings for days, not weeks

• The other driver's insurance company is already building its case. Their adjuster is gathering statements and evidence designed to minimize what they pay

Deadlines apply. Most car accident claims must be filed within three years (CPLR § 214), and claims against government entities require a Notice of Claim within 90 days (GML § 50-e). Pursuing maximum compensation requires a complete record and documentation of all serious injuries from the start.

The insurance company is already building its case; contact us today to start building yours.

Call (212) 268-3222 or submit a free case review today to discuss your claim with a New York head-on collision attorney at Raphaelson & Levine.