Head-On Collisions On Florida Roads

The most recent available data from the National Safety Council estimates that while head-on road collisions make up a small percentage of the overall two-vehicle accidents on U.S. roads (only around 4 percent), they account for as high as 30 percent of the deaths in those crashes. There are many different reasons as to why this is the case, but it serves to starkly illustrate just how dangerous these collisions can be. If you have been involved in one, you may be able to recover money damages for the harm you have suffered.

Why’s & How’s

Head-on collisions occur for many of the same reasons as any other auto accident – distracted or fatigued driving, bad weather, poorly maintained vehicles, and others – but they are still disproportionately likely to cause injury or death. The main reason why is because unlike in most other road accidents, a head-on crash basically happens at double speed, with both vehicles coming together as they meet at a fixed point.

The physics of the situation mean that if, say, one car is moving at 80 miles per hour and the other at 65 mph, and they strike each other head-on, they come together at a speed much higher than either of those values. Combine this with the fact that most modern vehicles do not have much of a ‘crumple zone’ in the front, it unfortunately means that head-on collisions cause high numbers of injuries and fatalities.

Should I Sue?

If you have been involved in a head-on collision, and you suspect that the negligence of the other driver was its cause, you may be able to file suit against them to try and recover your expenses. Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means that in minor accidents, a person should seek reimbursement through making a claim with their personal injury protection insurer – but if an injury is found to be “significant and permanent,” the injured person may file suit against the defendant as well.

If the person you believe caused your injuries due to negligence is a commercial driver, be aware that you may be able to file suit against both them and their employer if certain facts apply in your case. Under a legal theory called vicarious liability, an employer can sometimes be liable for the torts (essentially, civil crimes) committed by their employees. The right attorney can help you determine just who may be at fault in your situation.

Contact A Maitland Auto Accident Attorney

Being involved in any auto accident has the potential to throw a serious wrench into a person’s routine, but a head-on collision is particularly dangerous and destructive. If you have been injured in this type of crash, a Maitland auto accident attorney from the Hornsby Law Group will fight for you. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.