Toledo Head-On Collision Lawyer
When a serious crash turns life upside down, experience matters. Gervelis Law Firm has built a reputation across northwest Ohio for helping victims of head-on collisions recover physically, emotionally, and financially. With deep roots in Toledo and a history of winning results in Lucas County courts, our attorneys know how to handle the toughest accident cases. Visit our Toledo office today at 5401 Secor Rd, Suite A, Toledo, OH 43623.
Legally Reviewed by:
Mark S. Gervelis, Esq.
Last Updated:
- November 14, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- How Ohio Determines Fault and Liability in Head-On Crashes
- Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
- What Are Common Injuries from a Head-On Collision?
- Steps to Take After a Head-On Collision in Toledo
- What Compensation Can I Recover in a Head-On Collision?
- Our Successful Head-On Collision Settlements
- Gervelis Law Firm Is Ready to Fight for You
- Head-On Collision FAQs
Head-on collisions often happen in a split second, but their consequences can last a lifetime. These crashes tend to be among the most severe on Toledo’s roads, leading to devastating injuries, property loss, and emotional trauma. Every crash is different—weather, visibility, driver behavior, and road design all play a role. In Lucas County, where highways like I-75, Route 24, and the Anthony Wayne Trail stay busy year-round, even a brief moment of distraction can lead to tragedy.
When lives are changed this suddenly, having an experienced Toledo car accident lawyer from Gervelis Law Firm can make all the difference.
How Ohio Determines Fault and Liability in Head-On Crashes
In Ohio, fault determines everything after a car crash. Ohio law requires drivers to stay within their lane, maintain control, and obey the speed limit. When a driver crosses the center line, travels in the wrong direction, or violates safety statutes, they can be held liable.
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Each driver’s degree of fault affects their ability to recover compensation. If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages.
Evidence such as tire marks, dashcam footage, and police reports makes or breaks these cases. In Toledo, winter weather and rural road conditions in Lucas County, as well as neighboring Wood and Ottawa counties, can complicate investigations. That’s why hiring a local firm familiar with northwest Ohio crash patterns can protect your claim from the start.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions often trace back to deadly but straightforward mistakes:
- A driver crosses the center line or median.
- A wrong-way driver enters the highway ramp in error.
- Speeding or reckless behavior reduces reaction time.
- Impaired or distracted driving clouds judgment.
- Bad weather leads to loss of control.
Toledo sees a mix of urban and rural driving. High-speed zones on I-475 or U.S. 20, paired with winter conditions, can increase risk when a driver is careless. Understanding these risks helps drivers stay alert—but when someone’s carelessness causes harm, Gervelis Law Firm steps in to hold them accountable.
What Are Common Injuries from a Head-On Collision?
When two vehicles collide head-on, the force is multiplied. Even at moderate speeds, the impact can cause catastrophic harm.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A TBI can result from the head striking the dashboard or from violent shaking inside the skull. Victims often face lifelong effects—memory loss, impaired concentration, and mood changes.
Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries
Whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal fractures are common. Some people experience partial or total paralysis, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
Broken Bones and Internal Injuries
Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are often fractured. Internal bleeding or organ damage can occur even when no visible wound appears.
After any head-on crash, getting checked by medical professionals right away matters. Toledo has several trauma centers and hospitals equipped for serious injuries, including ProMedica Toledo Hospital and Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center. Seeking immediate care not only protects your health but also documents your condition for your case.
Steps to Take After a Head-On Collision in Toledo
The moments after a crash are chaotic, but knowing what to do immediately after is crucial in securing your safety and building a claim for any damages incurred.
- Get to safety and call 911. Move yourself to a safe location. Report the accident, and request medical assistance if needed.
- Exchange information and document the scene. Take photos, exchange insurance information, gather witness names and contact info, and note nearby landmarks.
- Preserve evidence quickly. Winter weather can erase skid marks or cover debris in minutes, and dashcam footage or surveillance video may be lost if not promptly retrieved.
- Seek medical care immediately. Even if symptoms seem mild, internal injuries can worsen over time.
- Notify your insurance company. Do not admit fault. Keep statements brief until you speak with a lawyer.
Our attorneys at Gervelis Law Firm can begin an immediate investigation—collecting evidence, speaking to witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Head-On Collision?
After a head-on collision, victims often wonder what types of compensation they can recover. In fact, compensation covers a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and any past or future care costs.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Income lost while in recovery, plus diminished ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for activities or relationships affected by the crash.
Ohio’s liability laws directly impact compensation. Under Ohio’s modified comparative negligence, a court will reduce your award by your percentage of fault, with no recovery available if you are found more than 50% at fault.
In Toledo, Gervelis Law Firm helps clients handle vehicle repairs with trusted local body shops and negotiates with Ohio-licensed insurers to resolve claims efficiently. Our experience ensures clients don’t face the insurance process alone.
Our Successful Head-On Collision Settlements
Over the years, Gervelis Law Firm has recovered millions for injured Ohioans. Here are a few examples of successful head-on crash case results:
- $725,000 recovered by Attorney Stephanie Mehle for four Toledo residents hit head-on by a tow truck that crossed the center line.
- $155,000 recovered for a client struck by a vehicle that collided head-on after crossing lanes.
- $105,000 secured for a client injured when another driver veered left of center.
Each case reflects dedicated investigation, experienced litigation, and local advocacy. We work tirelessly to earn our clients’ trust by keeping them informed, handling every case with integrity, and sticking to our guiding principle—clients’ needs always come first.
Gervelis Law Firm Is Ready to Fight for You
For over 40 years, Gervelis Law Firm has represented individuals injured in Ohio with dedication and compassion. From high-volume routes like the Ohio Turnpike to rural stretches in Lucas and Wood counties, our attorneys bring extensive courtroom and negotiation experience as well as a deep understanding of local traffic dynamics.
With offices across Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, Gervelis Law Firm proudly serves Lucas County and the surrounding communities. Local representation means faster access to evidence, a deeper understanding of Toledo-area police and medical systems, and a direct connection to the community.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a head-on crash in Lucas County or nearby, reach out today. Contact Gervelis Law Firm or call 866-792-2728 for a free consultation.
Head-On Collision FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a Toledo head-on collision lawyer?
In Ohio, Gervelis Law Firm handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means clients pay no upfront costs. Legal fees are only collected if the firm wins or settles the case successfully.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or left the scene?
If the responsible driver is uninsured or fled, you may still recover compensation through your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Under Ohio Revised Code §4549.02, leaving the scene of a crash is illegal, and the firm can help coordinate investigations with local authorities.
Can I sue if a head-on collision caused a loved one’s death?
Yes. Families may file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional loss. Gervelis Law Firm has experience handling fatal crash cases throughout Lucas County and beyond.
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