Fast Facts About Head-on Collisions
- Head-on collisions account for over 10% of all driving fatalities, despite accounting for only 2% of all crashes.
- In 2020, frontal impacts accounted for 58% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths, while side impacts accounted for 23%.
- The most common injuries after a head-on collision are catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, head or neck injuries, internal bleeding, spinal injuries, paralysis, and broken bones.
- Head-on collisions make up 13% of all rural fatal crashes and less than 7% of all urban fatal crashes.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can be caused by many different conditions, such as:
- Distracted driving (e.g. texting, eating)
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Road rage
- Poor road or weather conditions
- Reduced visibility
- Missing or ignoring road signs
- Overcorrection
- Improper turns
Regardless of the cause, head-on collisions can leave both drivers with disastrous injuries.
What To Do After a Head-On Collision
Being involved in a head-on collision is a frightening experience. Immediately after, you may feel overwhelmed and in pain. Following these steps can help ensure your safety and a successful outcome for your case:
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- Seek medical attention — Your first priority should always be your safety, as head-on collisions tend to result in severe injuries. Seek medical help immediately.
- Report the accident to the authorities — The police need to be informed of the accident. Be sure to request a copy of the police report for use as evidence.
- Document everything you can — Take photos and videos of the scene and ask for the contact information of the other drivers and potential witnesses.
- Speak with a lawyer — Never give statements to or sign agreements with insurance companies without legal counsel. This can impact your chances of recovering the maximum compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable in a Head-On Collision?
Insurance companies always operate with the goal of minimizing their responsibility. That’s why determining liability is an integral part of resolving a personal injury case. Florida operates on a pure comparative negligence basis, which means that the damages you can recover are proportional to the other driver’s fault. If the other driver was 60% at fault for the accident and you were 40% at fault, you can recover up to 60% in damages.
In a head-on collision, it needs to be established who was driving in the wrong lane and why. The driver that is liable is usually the driver that was driving in the wrong direction. If they had followed appropriate traffic laws, the accident may not have happened. To determine liability, insurance adjusters and lawyers can review the police report, interview witnesses, and pull in other information from the scene of the accident.
How Long Do You Have To File a Car Accident Claim?
In Florida, all personal injury cases that involve a motor vehicle accident must be filed within four years of the accident. If you miss this deadline, your case is likely to be dismissed. To ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible and you receive compensation for your injuries quickly, you can get the assistance of West Palm Beach head-on car accident lawyers.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Head-On Collision?
As a victim of a car crash, you have the right to sue the responsible party for additional expenses outside of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. There are three main types of damages you can seek in a personal injury lawsuit.
- Economic damages — Losses that have a fixed financial cost. The main types are medical expenses in a car accident (emergency room visits, surgical procedures, hospital stays, doctor checkups, therapy, medication, disability, disfigurement, in-home health services, transportation to appointments, etc.) and lost income due to missed time at work and/or a diminished earning capacity. If the accident resulted in death, funeral expenses will also fall under this category.
- Non-economic damages — Losses that are intangible with no fixed financial cost, yet are still harmful to the victim. These damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish or emotional distress, and loss of consortium (i.e. relationships, companionship, and support) in the event of death.
- Punitive damages — Additional damages awarded in rare accident cases where the responsible party displayed a reckless disregard for the consequences of their actions. It must be proven that the driver knew or should have known that their actions could directly lead to serious bodily harm or death. These damages are typically seen in drunk driving and hit-and-run cases.
Get the Assistance of Experienced West Palm Beach Head On Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Fetterman Law we’re dedicated to protecting the rights of West Palm Beach injury victims. If you or a loved one have been injured in a head-on car accident, we want to help you pursue rightful compensation. Our team of experienced lawyers can skillfully navigate the legal process and determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and recover damages — all while you focus on your recovery. Call us at (561) 983-4771 or contact us online for a free consultation about your case today.
