Motor vehicle collisions can happen in numerous ways and vary in terms of the resulting damage and injuries. Among the various types of accidents, head-on collisions are some of the worst that can happen. In a head-on collision, the fronts of two vehicles collide. This causes the forward momentum of both vehicles to combine, thus doubling the force of the impact. These types of collisions frequently result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, largely because airbags and seatbelts cannot offer enough protection to passengers due to the sheer impact of the collision. Unfortunately, head-on accidents are also more common than you might think. In 2021, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (“FLHSMV”) reported there were 401,533 motor vehicle accidents in Florida, ultimately resulting in 3,732 fatalities and 252,974 reported injuries. Many of those accidents were a result of head-on collisions. The physical and emotional toll these types of accidents cause is unending. The commonality of these accidents lead many people to learn more about collisions and auto accident laws in FL.
Understanding head-on collisions might help you to avoid being involved in one. If you end up being involved in a head-on crash, you will want to find competent legal representation quickly from a reputable car accident attorney in Florida. Head-on accidents have a high risk of severe injuries and fatalities, and an experienced lawyer at Robinson & Casey can work to help you recover all of the compensation you should receive based on the facts and circumstances of what happened. Here is some information about head-on accidents you should know from the car and motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm.
Where Do Head-On Collisions Occur Most Often?
Head-on accidents can happen in any place when two cars are sharing the road. However, they happen the most often in the following types of locations:
- Highways and roads with heavy traffic;
- Rural highways with two lanes;
- Multiple-lane intersections;
- Parking lots and garages;
- Construction zones; and
- Exit and entrance ramps on highways and interstates
Common Causes of Head-on Crashes
Head-on collisions are typically the result of negligence – whether it be driver, company, government, or a third party’s negligence. Some of the types of negligent driving behavior that can cause a head-on crash include the following:
- Drowsy driving;
- Distracted driving;
- Swerving to avoid debris or an animal;
- Disobeying traffic control devices;
- Ignoring signs;
- Speeding;
- Entering the highway the wrong way;
- Incomplete passing;
- Aggressive driving;
- Vehicle defects and/or improper vehicle design;
- Pulling out to pass in a no-passing zone;
- Passing while going uphill;
- Failing to use turn signals;
- Drunk or drugged driving; and
- Reckless driving
In some cases, driver negligence might not be the cause of a head-on accident. For example, low visibility or a tire blowout might result in a head-on collision that is not the fault of either driver. Other environmental factors that may contribute to a head-on collision include altered traffic patterns, construction, obstacles in the road, and potholes or other unexpected road bumps.
Types of Injuries Caused by Head-on Collisions
The opposing forces released in head-on collisions can cause severe injuries and fatalities. The severity of the injuries suffered by the occupants of each involved vehicle is determined by multiple factors, including whether they were wearing seat belts, whether the airbags properly deployed, whether children were seated correctly in car seats, the speed at which each vehicle was traveling, and the location in the vehicle in which each person was seated.
The following injuries are commonly seen in the aftermath of head-on accidents:
- Seatbelt chest injuries;
- Airbag injuries;
- Head and neck injuries;
- Whiplash;
- Multiple fractures;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Organ damage;
- Internal bleeding;
- Bruises;
- Scars;
- Disfigurement;
- Severe lacerations;
- Burns;
- Broken teeth; and
- Death
Auto Accident Laws in FL: How Is Fault Determined Following a Head-on Accident?
The police and insurance companies determine fault in head-on collisions by assessing the behavior of the drivers, including whether either of the motorists engaged in reckless, illegal, or unsafe driving behavior in the moments leading up to the accident. The process used to make this determination varies based on the facts. Other factors that might be considered include the time of day, month, weather and road conditions, lighting, and roadway type.
Some clear factors might be present that help to determine fault. For example, if a person was driving recklessly, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or talking or texting on their cell phone just before colliding head-on with another vehicle, their fault might be obvious.
Punitive Damages and Head-on Collisions
Punitive damages are monetary amounts that might be ordered in certain negligence lawsuits by juries when the conduct of the at-fault driver was particularly outrageous, willful, or wanton. These damages are ordered to deter the driver and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future and to punish the driver for his or her egregious conduct. In head-on crashes, punitive damages might be more likely to be available than in other types of collisions. For example, if someone was drunk driving and caused a head-on crash, punitive damages might be ordered in addition to the compensatory damages the plaintiff might recover for their economic and non-economic losses.
Proving Liability
The most important concern those who have been in an accident and are trying to understand auto accident laws in FL is understanding liability. Before you can recover compensation in a lawsuit against the driver or any other party who caused your head-on accident, you will have to prove that they were liable. This normally involves proving the other motorist, entity, or third party, engaged in negligent, careless, reckless, or intentional conduct that caused the crash. Specifically, you must offer enough evidence that the negligent conduct directly contributed to the collision. If you meet your burden of proof, you might be entitled to recover compensation for all of your losses.
Proving your case will require you to present evidence to show each of the elements of negligence by a preponderance of the evidence. An experienced Florida car accident lawyer can investigate what happened, gather and preserve critical evidence, work with experts, and negotiate with the insurance company for you.
Auto Accident Laws in FL: Get Help from Robinson & Casey
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, getting legal help as soon as possible might make a difference in the outcome of your accident claim. The experienced team of personal injury attorneys at Robinson & Casey has helped thousands of accident victims and might be able to handle communications with your insurance company so you can concentrate on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation so that you can learn more about your rights and understand auto accident laws in FL at 561-375-5204.
