Common Causes Head-On Collisions and Their Potentially Devastating Consequences

Different types of vehicle accidents can elicit various responses. A minor fender bender can leave you feeling annoyed while even the thought of a head-on collision can fill you with terror. Pretty much everyone has seen the aftermath of a head-on collision. 

Some fire departments even have a vehicle stored away that was involved in this type of accident, and they periodically pull the vehicle out to show student drivers the dangers and causes of head-on accidents. Educating drivers isn’t limited to teens just getting their licenses, this is something adults can also benefit from.

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles crash into each other head-on; think of one vehicle slamming into the front of another—this is a head-on collision. Since both vehicles are striking each other in the front, the force from the crash is often doubled compared to other types of car accidents. This increase in force is what often results in catastrophic injuries and even fatalities.

If you’re wondering if wearing a seatbelt provides some protection, the answer is yes. Your seatbelt will stop you from being thrown through the windshield, but your body is still being forcibly jerked back and forth. There’s also crumpled metal coming towards you as a result of the crash, along with glass from the windshield and side windows.

Some head-on collisions are caused by poor road conditions like ice and snow, but this isn’t an issue in states like Florida. The Sunshine State also doesn’t have a lot of curvy or mountainous roads that can also lead to a head-on collision. Florida’s roads tend to be rather flat and straight, so what causes these types of wrecks?

Speeding is a common cause, especially if a driver loses control of their vehicle, as their high rate of speed can send them careening into oncoming traffic. Falling asleep at the wheel is another reason head-on collisions occur. If you make an overly wide turn, you risk hitting another vehicle head-on. 

Unfortunately, driving under the influence is a leading cause of head-on collisions. Even though the penalties for a DUI are severe and range from hefty fines to potential jail time, drivers still get behind the wheel intoxicated. Your penalty for a DUI in Florida can result in fines up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in jail. 

If the thought of being in a head-on collision isn’t enough to prevent you from driving while intoxicated, the fines and penalties may be enough to keep you from getting behind the wheel.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in a Head-On Collision

The list of injuries possible in any type of car accident is usually extensive and this applies to head-on collisions. Along with lacerations from broken glass and soft tissue injuries like bruises from your seatbelt, other ones can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones and fractures
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries that can result in paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Burns

As mentioned earlier, fatalities can also occur in a head-on collision. Sometimes, even wearing a seatbelt isn’t enough to prevent a fatality.

Recovering Compensation After a Head-On Collision

If you’re involved in a head-on collision, you may only be focusing on your injuries. If passengers are in your vehicle, you’re also probably worried about them. However, eventually, you’ll start thinking about your damages and the expenses. 

Even if you’re fortunate enough to only sustain minor injuries, your vehicle damage is probably still extensive. Most vehicles aren’t repairable after a head-on collision. This means you’re looking at vehicle replacement costs.

So, who’s responsible for covering your damages? Florida is a no-fault insurance state and this means you file a claim with your insurance company. All drivers with vehicles registered in Florida carry both liability and PIP (personal injury protection) insurance. To meet legal requirements, you must have at least $10,000 in PIP and the same in property liability insurance.

Even though Florida’s no-fault insurance rule is designed to make it easier for accident victims to receive compensation. There’s still a problem. With a $10,000 minimum requirement cap, your insurance isn’t going to go very far toward compensating you for your injuries. 

If you carry more than the state-required minimum, you may have at least enough to replace your vehicle. However, the cap on your PIP coverage probably isn’t going to come close to taking care of your medical expenses.

So, what do you do when your insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages? Can you file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company? The short answer is yes, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. 

You will need to prove the other involved driver is either negligent or reckless. You need to show that the driver’s actions weren’t reasonable and their behavior is the direct cause of the accident.

An example is driving under the influence; the driver is negligent for getting behind the wheel and these actions are the cause of your accident. After proving negligence, you can file a claim for the damages not covered by your auto insurance.

Steps to Take After a Head-On Collision

If you’re involved in a head-on collision, you want to call emergency personnel and report the accident. Let the operator know if there are any injuries so they know if you need both a police and medical response.

Chances are your injuries are going to be rather severe, so go ahead and accept the ride in the ambulance to the hospital. Let the authorities take care of investigating the accident and its cause. You also want to contact your insurance company and report the accident, so this way, your insurance provider knows you’re getting ready to submit an accident claim. Your next call should be to a personal injury attorney.

Remember the caps on your insurance? Chances are, your insurance isn’t going to be enough to cover all of your expenses. Your attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for any damages not covered by your insurance.

Don’t Navigate a Head-On Collision Claim Alone

After a head-on collision, you already have enough on your plate, especially when it comes to protecting your health. Trying to navigate the legal complexities of an accident claim on your own can be overwhelming. 

Instead, speak to a personal injury attorney who can take charge of the legal details. By delegating this responsibility, you can dedicate your energy to your recovery and well-being, ensuring that both your health and your legal interests are well taken care of.