Head-on Collisions - AVOID These Top 7 Dangerous Causes

Injuries Caused By Head On Collisions

Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents, often resulting in serious injuries or even death. Common injuries that can be sustained from head-on collisions include whiplash, back and spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), internal organ damage, broken bones, and facial scarring.

1. Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with  head-on collisions and occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and backward due to the impact of the crash.
2. Back and Spinal Cord Injury: A back or spinal cord injury can range from minor strains to more severe fractures or even paralysis.
3. Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries involving a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is another serious consequence of a head-on collision, which can cause long-term cognitive impairment or even death.
4. Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma can also occur during a head-on collision, which may result in damage to the internal organs caused by the impact of the crash.
5. Broken Bones: Broken bones of the lower extremities are another example of one of the more common injuries associated with head-on collisions because the feet and legs are often the parts of the body that absorb a lot of the initial impact.
6. Facial scarring and Dental Injuries: Head-on car collisions can cause serious facial and dental injuries that may leave lasting scars. Facial scarring is typically the result of skin being torn or burned, often caused by airbag deployment or contact with sharp objects in the car.  These facial scars can be emotionally traumatic, leading to long-term psychological issues.  Dental injuries can include broken teeth, jaw fractures, and loss of teeth. These dental injuries can be very painful and severely impair the victim's quality of life.

It's important for drivers to be aware of the risks associated with head-on collisions so they can take steps to avoid them. By following safety protocols such as wearing seat belts and avoiding distractions while driving, drivers can help reduce their chances of being involved in a car accident that results in a car accident head on collision.

Fatal Head-On Collision Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA), of the total number of fatal crashes each year from 2015 to 2020,  the head-on collision accident statistics reveal an average of about 10.4% of the fatalities have been the result of head on collisions.

What to Do After a Head-on Collisions?

1. Check for injuries: If you have been involved in a head on collision, your first priority should be to check yourself and your passengers for any physical injuries.
2. Contact the police: Even if injuries are minor, it is important to contact the police immediately to make sure that you are not in violation of any laws or policies pertaining to traffic accidents. Always take note of the responding officer’s name and badge number and ensure that they write up an official report of the incident.
3. Document the accident scene: Take photos or videos at the scene of the accident if at all possible, as this will be helpful when filing claims with insurance companies or defending liabilities against another driver in a court case.
4. Exchange information with other drivers: You should always exchange personal and insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident and take note of their license plate numbers as well as their vehicle makes, models, and year. Make sure that you get copies of all documentation given by anyone involved in the crash so that records are kept on both sides.
5. Seek medical attention: Following head on collisions, car accident victims can suffer from severe injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, internal bleeding, whiplash injuries, organ damage to even catastrophic injuries. Get checked out by a qualified medical professional right away even if there are no visible signs of injury; some ailments may present themselves at a later date. Delayed reactions caused by shock or adrenaline levels released during a traumatic event like this one can mask pain until hours or days afterward when symptoms fully manifest themselves.
6. Notify insurers of the car accident: When filing for repairs or compensation for damages due to property loss or personal injury following a car crash head-on collision, most routine paperwork will need to be completed beforehand by insurers who need documentation from both parties involved in order to begin processing claims towards reimbursements (if applicable).
7. Consult with an experienced lawyer: Consider consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer shortly after being involved in a head-on crash; a car accident attorney provides insight into how you could protect yourself legally throughout what might end up becoming an arduous ordeal involving lengthy discussions between insurers representing both drivers — which could possibly lead to a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver and their insurance company, depending on circumstances surrounding the crash itself.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence in a head-on collision, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, medication costs, missed time at work, pain and suffering and more. An experienced car accident lawyer can help determine fault and assist with filing a personal injury claim against those responsible for your damages.

Car accidents can be incredibly complex, with multiple elements and drivers potentially at fault. For help in determining fault, seek the advice from a professional Florida car accident lawyer. They have the necessary expertise to assess your personal injury case, and decide if you have any ground to pursue legal action and how to go about starting it.

It is important to act quickly after being involved in a head-on collision in order to protect yourself legally and financially. Following these steps can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for any damages incurred as a result of the negligence of the at fault driver.

Determining Fault in South Florida For Head-on Collisions

Fault determined in head-on collisions in South Florida can be difficult because the state is considered to be a "no fault" state. This means that drivers are not held liable for any damages resulting from an accident, regardless of who is at fault. However, there are certain factors that can help determine who is responsible for the accident.

For example, if one driver was speeding or driving recklessly, they may be held liable for the damages caused by the accident. Additionally, if either driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the car accident, they may also be found to be at fault. It's important to note that even though Florida is a no-fault state, it does not mean that drivers are immune from liability in cases of negligence or reckless behavior.

Types of Damages Recovered in South Florida Head-On Collisions

Those who suffer devastating injuries in head-on collisions could be entitled to damages. These compensatory awards are designed to make up for lost income due to an inability to work and provide long-term treatment when needed. Recovered damages also factor in any physical and emotional trauma resulting from the incident.

Damages arising out of these types of motor vehicle accidents are generally classified in one of two categories: Economic and Non-Economic Damages.

Types of Economic Damages

Some examples of economic damages that you could be entitled to after being injured in head-on collisions include:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation costs
• Costs for long-term care(with severe injuries) , such as home health aides, assistive medical equipment, and home modifications 
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity

Types of Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, or subjective non-monetary losses, are a type of damage that can be claimed after head on collisions. This includes more intangible incidences such as:

• Physical pain
• Emotional trauma and distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Reduced life expectancy 
• Scarring and disfigurement

How A Miami Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Recover Damages

In the event you were in a car accident, where another car crashes head on into the car you occupied, it’s important that you consult with a personal injury attorney who can assess the value of your case and negotiate for fair compensation from the insurance company. Because insurance companies are often keen to minimize their payouts, having an experienced lawyer on your side can help protect your claim so you’re not offered an inadequate settlement that won't adequately cover the costs associated with your injuries.

If someone in your family died in a head-on car collision caused by the negligence of the other driver, you or your family members maybe entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Come see us for your free consultation.

If you have injuries sustained from this type of accident, you may likely be dealing with medical bills and other costs. Our car accident attorney at Beharry Law LLC can help you to determine if you are entitled to economic or non-economic damages or both as a result of a car head on accident. Contact us today for a free consultation to review your case. Click that button below.