There are very few things in life that more frightening than seeing a vehicle driving directly at you. One minute you are driving peacefully down the road, and within the blink of an eye, a car is traveling immediately in your direction, and there is no escape. Head on collisions cause the most serious accidents. If you have been the victim of a head on collision crash, we can help you to obtain the compensation that you deserve for your injuries, pain and suffering and to may your medical bills.
If you have been injured in a head on collision, contact our office for a free consultation at 561-588-2781.
What makes head on collisions so dangerous?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported a 58% fatality rate for the driver and passengers of head on collisions, also known as frontal impact crashes. Head on collisions are so dangerous because the vehicles are usually travelling at a very high rate of speed. The velocity of the vehicles is what contributes the driver and passengers experiencing significant injuries.
What are the causes of head on collisions?
Driver error through negligence is the number one reason for head on collisions. There are many types of negligence, recklessness and carelessness caused by the at-fault driver. These reasons for the collisions include:
- Drunk driver: A drunk driver or someone who is impaired by either alcohol or drugs is an absolute menace to society. Unfortunately, drunk drivers are the cause of many head on collisions. Fortunately, the law holds drunk drivers extra responsible, by allowing the victim to seek punitive damages against the driver. Punitive damages are designed to punish the driver for their reckless and irresponsible behavior.
- Driving the wrong way: Through inattention or drunk driving, sometimes a driver will enter onto an exit ramp of a highway causing a head-on collision with oncoming traffic.
- Drowsy Driving: Drowsy driving is very common late at night, especially with truck drivers. Truck drivers must meet strict delivery schedules and they frequently drive for too many hours on the road.
- Speeding: Speeding can be in combination with driving the wrong way, drowsy driving, or drunk driving. The faster the speed the more likely severe injuries will occur from the accident.
- Distracted Driving: A distracted driver is paying attention to their phone, to their navigation system or to the radio. A distracted driver has chosen to prioritize their need to be on the phone over your safety. Distracted drivers need to be held accountable for their actions.
- Illegal passing: A driver who passes to get ahead of another car runs the risk of colliding head on with oncoming traffic. These roads are common in rural parts of Florida.
What happens to my body in a head on collision?
Victims of head-on collisions experience severe injuries due to the speed and momentum of both vehicles. The collision causes your body to move forward, striking the dashboard, steering wheel, or airbag. The force from the collision causes drivers and passengers to suffer:
- Neck Injuries
- Collar bone injuries
- Back Injuries
- Broken bones
- Death
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Organ Damage
- Burns
- Scrapes and Cuts
- Collapsed Lung
The airbag injury can cause you to have cuts to the face, broken bones, whiplash injuries, and even blindness.
What should I do after a head-on collision?
You should get medical treatment immediately by going to the closest hospital. The doctors will examine you and administer diagnostic tests to find out the extent of your injuries. Our head-on collision lawyers will obtain all of your medical records for you.
How do I hold the driver responsible for the accident?
We will begin by finding out the bodily injury insurance policy limits for the driver who hit you. In Florida, car accident victims can sue both the driver of the vehicle and the owner of the vehicle. If the owner and the driver are different people, we will obtain both liability insurance policies to maximize the amount of money you will receive to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What does the law entitle me to for being the victim of a head on collision?
You are entitled to both economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are monetary awards for your past and future medical bills and past and future lost wages. Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is the loss of your ability to enjoy your life as a result of the accident.
If you have been injured in a head on collision, contact our office for a free consultation at 561-588-2781.
