This often-deadly type of car crash is all-too common
Causing approximately 10% of driving fatalities, head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents. Even though modern cars are equipped with airbags and seat belts, these collisions still result in severe injuries each year. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of head-on collisions.
Head-On collisions and distracted driving
Often, a head-on collision takes place when a driver is traveling on the wrong side of the road or in an otherwise restricted area. These restrictions are often labeled or designated as such by road signs. However, distracted drivers may miss signs, traffic signals, and other cues that are intended to signal the need to stop, yield, or travel in a different direction. The introduction of cell phones and smartphones has led to an increase in distracted driving cases in which vehicles cross over the center line on the road, miss Wrong Way signs, and travel through stop signs and red lights. In response, Florida has begun to address the increase in distracted driving by making texting while driving a secondary traffic violation.
Other causes of head-on collisions
while distracted driving accounts for many head-on collisions, there are other driving behaviors that may also cause vehicles to collide head-on. Other factors include:
- turning a corner too quickly
- fatigued driving/falling asleep
- swerving to avoid an animal, object, or person on the road
- exercising bad judgment when passing another vehicle on a two-lane road
- DUI driving
- weather-related hazards
Head-on collision injuries
Severe injuries and death are more common in head-on collision accidents that occur at normal or excessive road or highway speeds. Examples of injuries include:
- broken bones
- back injury
- spinal cord injury
- paralysis
- burns or lacerations
- brain injury
- death
Compensation for injuries
If an individual is injured in a head-on collision as a result of another driver's negligence, the driver may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. If the accident causes death, or if the injured party is incapacitated, family members may file a claim on the person's behalf. The injured party and/or his or her family may seek compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and in some cases, pain and suffering and punitive damages. The accident victim may receive compensation through pre-trial settlement, if the negligent driver's insurance company offers an acceptable amount prior to going to trial, or by prevailing against the negligent driver at trial before a Florida judge.
Proving negligence
Most people who are involved in severe car accidents hire an attorney. The attorney is able to ensure the individual has received proper medical examinations to thoroughly document his or her injury and the expected prognosis. An experienced accident lawyer can also interview witnesses and consult experts who are able to examine and reconstruct the accident scene to determine fault. These experts and witnesses may be called on to give sworn statements or to testify in court if the case is not resolved by settlement and proceeds to trial.
Comparative negligence
Florida is a comparative negligence state. Therefore, even though a plaintiff may be awarded damages, his or her compensation amount may be reduced if the court determines the plaintiff contributed to the cause of the accident. In this case, the award amount would be reduced by a percentage that corresponds to the percentage of fault the plaintiff bore in the accident. Therefore, an insurance company may claim a plaintiff is not entitled to compensation because he or she was at fault; however, a knowledgeable Florida head-on collision attorney can evaluate the argument and, if necessary, reject the offer.
Contacting a Plantation auto accident lawyer near me
Individuals who have suffered injury or the loss of a loved one as a result of a head-on collision should immediately seek the counsel of a car accident attorney in Plantation. A local personal injury lawyer who is experienced in head-on collision cases will have a firm grasp on Florida's injury laws. The attorney will represent the injured party in all negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, in court before a judge. When an accident victim hires a qualified lawyer, he or she is able to trust an experienced legal professional to do the extensive legwork that is characteristic of accident cases. Furthermore, having an attorney present allows the victim to tell his or her story and fight for compensation in a manner that is as compelling as it is professional.
Give The Ellsley Law Firm a call today and find out why Rick Ellsley is the right attorney to help you file a claim.