Des Moines Head-On Collision Lawyers

A head-on collision is one of the most violent crashes that can happen on the road. When two vehicles moving toward each other hit, the force of both speeds combines, and the people inside often suffer serious, life-changing injuries.

If this type of car accident hurt you or someone you love, you are likely facing pain, mounting medical bills, and a lot of hard questions about what happens next. An experienced head-on collision lawyer at MSMC Injury Lawyers can help you answer those questions.

We know Iowa road law, and we work tirelessly to hold the at-fault driver accountable so you can focus on getting better. You don’t have to sort this out alone, and you can talk with our team for free.

What Makes Head-On Collisions So Dangerous

Head-on collisions are rare compared to other crashes, but they cause a much larger share of fatal and catastrophic injuries. The reason is physics.

In a rear-end or side-impact crash, one vehicle is usually moving faster than the other. In a head-on wreck, both vehicles are often moving toward each other, so the impact reflects their combined speed.

A crash between two cars, each traveling 45 miles per hour, can have roughly the force of a single 90-mile-per-hour impact. That force lands on the front-seat occupants first, and even when seatbelts and airbags work, it can cause severe harm to the head, chest, and spine.

These crashes tend to happen in predictable places. Many occur on undivided two-lane roads outside the Des Moines metro, where there is no separation between opposing traffic. Others happen when a driver enters a highway going the wrong way or drifts across the center line.

Wrong-way entries onto I-35, I-80, and the I-235 spur are especially dangerous because of the speeds involved.

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Des Moines

Almost every head-on collision traces back to one driver leaving their lane. A few causes come up again and again:

• Wrong-Way Driving: A driver enters a ramp, one-way street, or divided highway going the wrong direction and drives straight into oncoming traffic.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and blur lane position, and impaired drivers are among the most likely to cross a center line.
• Drowsy Driving: A driver who nods off drifts across the road with no time to correct, a common factor in late-night crashes on rural highways.
• Distraction: A driver distracted by a phone, a GPS, or something in the car can wander into the opposite lane without ever seeing it happen.
• Unsafe Passing: On two-lane roads, a driver who tries to pass without a clear view of oncoming traffic can cause a head-on crash.
• Losing Control: Speeding through a curve, hydroplaning, or sliding on ice can send a vehicle across the center line.

Location plays a role too. Two-lane rural roads across Polk County carry a higher risk because opposing traffic is only a painted line away. Inside the metro, wrong-way crashes on I-35, I-80, and the I-235 spur and center-line crossings on busy corridors like Fleur Drive and Grand Avenue are common places for these wrecks.

Common Injuries in a Head-On Collision

Because of the forces involved, head-on collisions often cause the most serious injuries a person can survive.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: A sudden stop can slam the brain against the skull, and these serious brain injuries may cause lasting cognitive problems.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, or partial or complete paralysis.
• Chest and Internal Injuries: The impact against a seatbelt, steering wheel, or airbag can break ribs and injure the heart, lungs, or other organs.
• Broken Bones: Arms, legs, hips, and facial bones often fracture in the crush of a front-end crash.
• Whiplash and Soft-Tissue Injuries: The violent back-and-forth motion can injure the neck and back, and these injuries are painful and slow to heal.

Head-on collisions are also among the most likely crashes to be fatal. When a family loses someone this way, they may have a wrongful death claim against the driver who caused the crash.

How Iowa Law Determines Fault in a Head-On Collision

In most head-on collisions, the central question is easy to state and harder to prove: which driver left their lane? Iowa law gives a clear starting point. Drivers must keep to their own half of the road and yield half of the road to oncoming traffic.

When a driver crosses the center line, travels on the wrong side, or makes an unsafe pass, that violation is evidence of negligence. Proving it usually comes down to the crash scene: skid marks, debris, vehicle damage, the police report, and witness accounts.

Iowa also follows a rule called modified comparative fault. Under it, you can recover money as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the crash. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

If you share a smaller portion of the blame, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. In a head-on case, insurers sometimes try to shift blame onto the injured driver to cut what they owe, which is one reason preserving evidence early matters so much.

Steps to Take After a Head-On Collision in Des Moines

What you do in the hours and days after a head-on crash can protect both your health and your claim.

If you are able, take these steps:

• Call 911 and get medical help. A head-on crash can cause internal injuries that don’t show symptoms right away, so let paramedics check you even if you feel okay.
• Get treated and follow up. Des Moines has strong trauma care at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Keep every appointment and follow your doctor’s instructions.
• Document the scene. If it is safe, take photos of the vehicles, the road, and your injuries, and collect the names and numbers of any witnesses.
• Exchange information. Trade insurance and contact details with the other driver, but keep the conversation brief and don’t admit fault.
• Be careful when speaking with the insurance company. The at-fault driver’s insurer may call within days asking for a recorded statement. You are not required to provide one, and it is wise to speak with a lawyer first.
• Keep your records. Save medical bills, the crash report, repair estimates, and notes on how your injuries affect daily life.

The sooner you have someone protecting your interests, the better. You can reach out to our team for a free consultation, and there is no cost to ask questions.

Iowa’s Deadline to File a Head-On Collision Claim

In Iowa, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a head-on collision took a loved one’s life, a wrongful death claim also generally must be filed within two years.

Two years can pass quickly when you are recovering from serious injuries, and waiting makes a case harder to prove as evidence disappears, vehicles get repaired, and witnesses forget what they saw. Talking to a lawyer early protects your right to file and gives your case a stronger foundation.

Legal Options for Passengers Injured in a Head-On Collision

Passengers are rarely at fault for a head-on collision, which often makes their claims more straightforward. If you were riding in one of the vehicles, you may be entitled to compensation from the driver who caused the crash.

In some cases, you may have a claim against more than one driver, including the driver of the car you were in, if both shared fault. If the at-fault driver did not carry enough insurance to cover your injuries, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help fill the gap. These situations can get complicated quickly, and an experienced lawyer can determine which policies apply to your claim.

How MSMC Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Head-On Crash

After a head-on collision, you should be focused on healing, not fighting an insurance company. That’s our job. Our Des Moines car accident attorneys investigate how the crash happened, preserve evidence showing who crossed the line, handle the insurers, and can take your case to trial if a fair settlement is not offered.

When you are choosing a lawyer, look for one who knows Iowa law and the Des Moines area, has real experience with serious injury claims, and will keep you informed at every step. MSMC Injury Lawyers has more than 56 years of combined experience, and we work on a contingency fee, which means you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you. Your first consultation is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is Fault Determined in a Head-On Collision in Iowa?

Fault comes down to which driver left their lane. Iowa law requires drivers to stay on their own side of the road, so crossing the center line, driving the wrong way, or making an unsafe pass constitutes negligence. Investigators rely on the crash scene, vehicle damage, the police report, and witnesses to piece together what happened.

What Should I Do First After a Head-On Collision in Des Moines? 

Call 911 and get medical attention right away, even if you feel fine, because serious injuries are not always obvious at first. If you are able, document the scene and collect witness information. Then be cautious about talking to the insurance company before you speak with a lawyer.

How Long Do I Have to File a Head-On Collision Claim in Iowa? 

You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Iowa (Iowa Code section 614.1(2)). Wrongful death claims also generally must be filed within two years. Acting early helps preserve evidence and protects your right to recover.

What If I Was Partly at Fault for the Head-On Crash? 

You can still recover money as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. Iowa uses modified comparative fault (Iowa Code section 668.3), which reduces your compensation by your share of the blame and bars recovery only if you are 51 percent or more at fault. This is one reason insurers try to pin blame on injured drivers.

Can a Passenger Injured in a Head-On Collision File a Claim? 

Yes. Passengers are almost never at fault and may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver, and sometimes from more than one driver if both shared fault. If the responsible driver lacks enough insurance, a passenger’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also apply.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Head-On Collision? 

Depending on your case, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future care, property damage, and pain and suffering. The value of any claim depends on the specific facts, including the severity of your injuries and how the crash affects your life.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Head-On Collision? 

Head-on crashes often cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and chest or internal injuries. Because the impact reflects the combined speed of both vehicles, these injuries tend to be more serious than in other crashes, and some are not obvious right away.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Head-On Collision Lawyer? 

At MSMC Injury Lawyers, we charge no upfront fees. We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you, and your first consultation is free. That lets you get answers about your options without any financial risk.

Talk to a Des Moines Head-On Collision Lawyer Today

A head-on collision can change your life in seconds, and the weeks that follow can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to face the insurance companies or the legal process on your own. The car accident lawyers at MSMC Injury Lawyers is here to explain your options, protect your rights, and fight for the money you deserve.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a head-on crash in the Des Moines area, contact MSMC Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you, and we are ready to help you take the next step.