Head-on collisions occur when drivers traveling in opposite directions hit each other directly, often at high rates of speed. As a result, head-on collisions remain some of the most devastating types of accidents, accounting for 10 percent of all fatalities in 2017, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).
Victims involved in a head-on collision typically suffer severe injuries, devastating property damage, and physical and psychological issues that last for considerable amounts of time. If you suffered any injuries or losses resulting from a head-on collision in Florida, consider how a Sarasota head-on collisions lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, could help receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (844) 730-0233 to speak with a team member.
Reasons Head-On Collision Accidents Occur
While every car accident has its facts and circumstances, many head-on collisions have similar causes. If you were a victim in a head-on collision, determining why the accident occurred can help decide liability and responsibility. Once a victim has determined the cause for the accident, they will know who they could hold liable to compensate them for their injuries and losses.
Driving While Distracted
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as anything that sidetracks a driver’s attention from the roadway. Of course, most people associate distracted driving with texting and driving. While this type of behavior is unfortunately all too common on the streets, there are many other examples of distracted driving:
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the interior temperature
- Fiddling with the radio
- Checking your GPS
- Grabbing something in the passenger seat
If a driver becomes distracted by events either inside or outside the vehicle, they can quickly swerve into the other lane of traffic. It only takes a few seconds for a driver’s distraction to result in a head-on collision.
Failure to Follow Roadway Signs
For everyone on the roadways to remain safe, every driver must follow roadway signs and signals. If a driver speeds, makes an illegal U-turn, or passes without legal permission to do so, a head-on collision could result. When a police officer files their official report, it will detail whether the other driver received a ticket for a driving infraction. If the police report shows that the other driver negligently operated their vehicle by committing a motor vehicle violation, it could help the victim prove liability for the accident.
Driving While Intoxicated
Florida Statutes § 316.193 states that no Florida driver can get behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.08 percent. It also provides the penalties for those drivers that decide to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If your police report indicates that the other driver received a ticket for driving under the influence (DUI), you might have the right to pursue a claim against them for your injuries and losses. While DUI charges are criminal, a victim still has the right to file a civil claim to receive compensation for their injuries, property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Driving While Fatigued
Many head-on collisions result from drivers who fail to pull over and rest, continuing instead to drive while fatigued. Studies have shown that people who drive while tired or drowsy lack reflexes, coordination, and response times compared to other drivers. As a result, a driver operating a motor vehicle while fatigued can momentarily drift off to sleep, causing them to veer into an oncoming traffic lane.
An independent investigation of your car accident will have the ability to determine if the driver that caused the car accident drove while sleepy or fatigued. If you believe your accident resulted from a driver’s negligence, consider visiting with a Sarasota head-on collisions lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, to help you review the fact and circumstances of your case. Call us today to get started.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collisions lawyer serving Sarasota, call (844) 730-0233
Types of Compensation Available for Victims of Head-On Collisions
You have the legal right to pursue justice against the negligent party who directly caused all your injuries and losses following a head-on collision. Some of the types of compensation you might have the ability to receive because of your accident include the following:
- Medical bills: You could recover for ambulance transport, emergency room bills, hospitalizations, surgeries, diagnostic testing, medicines, physical therapy, psychological therapy, medical treatments, medical devices, and in-home care.
- Property damage: You could receive compensation for the repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or any contents that suffered damage.
- Lost income: This category not only includes lost wages or salary, but also bonuses, expected promotions, employee benefits, pension contributions, retirement benefits, and lost transportation allowances.
- Loss of future wages: If you remain unable to return to work in any meaningful capacity because of your head-on collision, you could recover for your reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: A calculation that attempts to compensate a victim monetarily for the physical pain and emotional trauma they endured because of the injuries suffered from their car accident.
Keep in mind that Florida Statutes § 627.737 bars you from filing a personal injury lawsuit if your personal injury protection (PIP) policy covers the costs of your injuries up to $10,000. If your damages exceed that amount, or you suffer permanent injury or disability, you still have the right to sue within the four-year statute of limitations established by Florida Statutes § 95.11.
Sarasota Head-On Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Learn How a Sarasota Head-On Collision Lawyer Can Help You Today
Head-on collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. If you suffered injuries, or if someone you love died because of a head-on collision, you might have the legal right to pursue compensation for injuries and losses. A Sarasota head-on collisions lawyer could help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (844) 730-0233 for a free case review.
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