Important Information About Head-On Collisions in Florida

In 2017, the state of Florida had over 16.6 million licensed drivers on the roads. There were also an estimated 395,785 accidents, according to information from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).

With so many accidents occurring in the state, it may only be a matter of time before you find yourself in this situation. A common type of accident on Florida’s highways is a head-on collision. With the prevalence of these accidents increasing, it’s now more important than ever before for you to know what to do if you are facing this situation.

The Head-On Collision Explained

A head-on accident is one of the most dangerous that can occur. It’s typically caused by an error by the driver of one or several vehicles. Usually, the judgement error occurs because of the vehicle’s placement. For a crash to be called “head-on” the front of the vehicles must be where the impact occurs.

This type of front-to-front collision usually occurs at an intersection or on a highway when vehicles are traveling opposite directions but are close together.

While no to front end collisions are going to be exactly the same, they have similar elements.

Common Injuries During Head-On Collisions

Some of the most common injuries experienced during a head on collision include:

Burns
Broken bones
Brain, spinal cord, or head injuries
Bruising and cuts
Whiplash
Death

Common Causes of Head on Collisions

There are several driver-related causes of head-on collisions. These include:

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Turning too quickly
Swimming wide while going around a blind turn
Drivers falling asleep behind the wheel
Turning into on-coming traffic
Not properly gauging when it’s safe to pass
Not adhering to signs on the road

There are also some environment related causes of head-on collisions. These include:

Obstacles in the road
Poor visibility because of bad weather
Tire blowouts
Construction or altered traffic patterns
Loss of control of a vehicle on a wet road

While there are some accidents that can be caused by a single element, there are others that are caused by several elements and multiple drivers. In the majority of situations, determining fault is a tricky process. This is where the services of car accident lawyers in Florida come in. A quality and experienced attorney can help you figure out if your case is worth pursuing or if it’s not and how to go about starting the process.

Determining Fault for Head on Collisions

Knowing the elements that can cause a head-on accident helps with two things. It allows you to avoid thee situations and can help you figure out who is at fault.

Florida is one of the many states with a no-fault law. This means your insurance is responsible for covering minor collisions if you have a policy. You’re also required to carry PIP (personal injury protection) insurance to cover costs up to $10,000. To get more compensation, it’s necessary to file a claim against the other driver.

Getting Help After a Head on Collision

If you have been involved in a head on collision in the state of Florida, it’s best to seek assistance from a proven attorney in the area. At Fetterman & Associates, you have a team of experienced professionals to help with your case. Contact the team at 561-845-2510 to learn more or to schedule a consultation.