It was recorded in 2005, head-on collisions accounted for 10.1% of traffic fatalities, yet made up only 2% of total crashes. In 2010, there were 7,016 injuries from head-on collisions in Florida alone. Though head-on collisions tend to be less frequent, they are deadly when they do occur. Have you have been injured in a head-on collision in Broward County, Palm Beach County, or Miami-Dade County? Contact our Fort Lauderdale head on collision lawyer Lisa S. Levine P.A. today.
Was the head-on accident caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another driver? You have a right to pursue personal injury and physical damages from them. An experienced Fort Lauderdale head on collision lawyer will know the strategies to put in place. We will pursue the compensation you deserve. We don’t collect payment until you do and your first consultation is free. Call (954) 256-1820 today to schedule yours.
Causes of Fort Lauderdale Head-On Collisions
Although mechanical failure and inclement weather can be factors, the most common causes of head-on collisions are driver error and driver failure to stay in lane. As such, head-on collisions occur most frequently on rural two-way highways where no median is present. A few examples of these causes of head on collisions are:
- Failure to abide by traffic signals and stop signs
- Driver passing at inopportune moment
- Driver swerving into oncoming lane to avoid hazard in own lane
- Failure to yield at left turn
- Drunk driving or DUI drugs
- Driver takes turn too fast and therefore veers into oncoming lane
- Driver enters a one-way road going the wrong direction
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Distracted driving
All of these situations cause deadly circumstances for all parties involved. Have you or a loved one suffered injury due to a head on crash caused by a negligent driver? Contact a Broward County personal injury attorney sooner than later could benefit the amount of recoverable damages in your case.
Injury Victim
Common Injuries in Weston Head On Collisions
Head on collisions are some of the most devastating for drivers and their cars due to the high amount of forces involved. Hitting a car with your head-to-head while both of you are traveling at high speeds is the same as hitting a reinforced cement wall with your car at an even higher rate of speed. The effect on your body is brutal – essentially, your body is going from traveling at a high rate of speed to no speed in an instant.
The effect is worsened if you are not wearing a seatbelt – you could be thrown into or out of the windshield. Depending on whether you were wearing a seatbelt and your car’s safety features, like airbags, worked properly, you could be subject to the following severe injuries:
- Fractures or broken bones
- Sprains and Strains
- Muscle tears
- Back injury
- Neck injury
- Head injury
- Concussion
- Internal bleeding
- Punctured lung
- Hernia
- Whiplash
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- Paraplegia or Quadriplegia
All of these injuries have serious repercussions of both the health and financial types. Florida is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning you can recover damages for the percentage of the accident you are not at fault — provided you are not found to be more than 50% at fault. Therefore, you should pursue restitution to help you with the financial portion of the burden even if you believe you have fault.
A qualified Fort Lauderdale motor vehicle accident attorney will be able to examine your case closely and guide it towards maximum compensation with careful strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Head On Collisions
If I Am a Passenger in a Head On Collision in Broward County, What Are My Legal Rights?
If you were a passenger who was injured in a head on collision, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages you suffered — no matter which driver was responsible for the accident. The liable party’s insurance coverage will be liable for your losses, regardless of whether you were a passenger in their insured car or in the other driver’s vehicle.
What Is Comparative Negligence and How Does It Affect Florida Head On Collision Accident Claims?
If you’ve been injured in a head on collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right under Florida law to seek compensation for the damages resulting from your injuries. However, sometimes it’s possible for both parties to have some responsibility for an accident.
In these situations, judges and juries apply “comparative negligence” when awarding damages, and decide what percentage of fault each party had in the accident. Any compensation you might be entitled to will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are found to have in the accident.
Read more about comparative negligence in Florida.
What Should I Do After a Head On Collision in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
First always stop at the scene. If can, move your vehicle out of traffic, turn on your flashers, and call the police.
Next, if you are able to, document the scene, get the other driver’s contact information, and call your insurance company.
Read more about what to do after a car accident.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover After a Head On Collision?
When it comes to determining compensation in a head on collision, there are many factors that are involved, including the severity of your injuries; the amount of your medical bills; whether or not there are permanent injuries; and whether you are partially at fault for the accident.
Compensation You Can Receive from a Broward County Head On Collision
When it comes to a circumstance as severe as a head-on collision, there are several factors to consider when pursuing compensation from the at-fault party. Due to his or her reckless and/or negligent actions, you are facing medical treatment, repairs to or replacement of your vehicle, and more emotional stress than you would be facing had the accident not happened. An experienced Broward County auto accident injury attorney will be able to help you determine if your head-on collision case qualifies for the following damages:
- Loss of wages
- Loss of mode of transportation
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Caretaker expenses
- Loss of Consortium
- Repair of replacement of vehicle involved in accident
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Lisa Levine and her personal injury team at Lisa S. Levine P.A. are passionate about helping victims of car accidents get the compensation they need. With over 35 years of experience working cases like yours, Lisa has the skill and compassion it takes to fight for maximum compensation in your case.
Finding a Qualified Fort Lauderdale Head On Collision Lawyer – Get Help Now!
Being involved in a head-on collision is a traumatic, stressful experience in itself. When you consider the financial burden of the medical, physical, and other damages involved, it can become too much to bear. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a head-on collision caused by the negligent actions of another driver in Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Tamarac, Coral Springs, or the surrounding areas contact the compassionate, experienced personal injury legal team at Lisa S. Levine P.A..
We will fight for maximum damages in your case, even if it means taking a big insurance company to court. We work on a contingency basis – meaning we don’t collect payment until you do – so call (954) 256-1820 today to schedule your free and honest case consultation.
