Head-On Collisions: Causes, Injuries, And Seeking Compensation
A head-on collision, also known as a frontal-impact collision, is a type of motor vehicle accident that involves the front end of one vehicle colliding with the front end of another vehicle. According to statistics, head-on collisions account for; 2% of all motor vehicle accidents but more than 10% of driving fatalities. In most cases, head-on collisions result in severe injuries. If a head-on collision occurs at high speeds, seat belts and airbags might not be enough to protect vehicle occupants. Additionally, even if vehicles are traveling at slow speeds, the injuries can be catastrophic.
Common Causes of Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions can occur due to many things, but often, they occur due to negligence, just as is the case with most motor vehicle accidents. The most common negligent actions that lead to frontal-impact accidents include, among many others:
- Impaired/Intoxicated driving
- Driving the wrong way
- Driving while fatigued
- Distracted driving
- Inexperienced driving
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Failure to obey signals and traffic signs
It is important to note that actions such as eating while driving and smoking while driving are also considered distracted driving.
Common Injuries Suffered in Head-on Collisions
Just like any other motor vehicle accident, a head-on collision can result in any part of your body suffering an injury. Below are some of the most common injuries suffered in head-on collisions:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Organ damage
- Internal injuries
Often, injuries suffered in head-on collisions tend to be severe and require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
Suppose a passenger vehicle gets involved in a head-on collision with a truck. In such a case, the impact is much greater for the passenger vehicle than it is for the truck. Generally, this means that when a head-on collision involves a passenger vehicle and a truck, the passenger vehicle driver will most likely suffer more severe injuries or even die. It wouldn’t be surprising for a truck driver to walk away unharmed or with only minor injuries in such a scenario.
Seeking Compensation After a Head-on Collision
Victims of head-on collisions usually face huge medical expenses, lost income because of needing to take time off work to recover, and many other losses. Usually, the losses that follow after a head-on collision negatively affect an individual’s or a family’s financial security. Fortunately, if you suffer an injury in a head-on collision because of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation for any losses associated with your injuries. Under Florida law, the driver who caused your frontal-impact collision is liable for your injuries. Even if you are partly to blame for your accident, you can still obtain compensation. However, according to Florida’s comparative fault rule, if you are partially responsible for your injuries, the amount of compensation you obtain will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Some of the damages you might be eligible to recover after a Florida head-on collision, include among many others;
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you or your loved one sustained injuries in a head-on collision, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here to help you hold the driver who’s at fault liable and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Ocala, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, and West Palm Beach areas.