Accidents that involve a collision between the fronts of two vehicles are defined as head-on collisions and often lead to serious injuries, or sometimes even death. Experienced car accident lawyer assists Miami residents who have been involved in such crashes, helping them seek the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been hurt in a head-on collision, the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can guide you through legal proceedings anywhere in Florida, including in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.
File a Negligence Lawsuit After a Head-On Collision
Head-on crashes can occur either when two vehicles hit each other when traveling in opposite directions, or when one vehicle collides with an inanimate object, such as a tree or sign pole. They often are caused by a driver’s negligence on the road. To show negligence, an injured party must prove the motorist breached his or her duty to exercise due care. This means driving in a prudent manner that avoids foreseeable risks to others on the road, as an ordinary driver would. An injured party must also show that the driver’s negligent act resulted in the crash that caused the injuries.
Situations that are often involved in head-on collisions, and may indicate a negligent act, include:
• A driver’s bad judgment when passing another vehicle
• Turning a corner too quickly
• Attempt to avoid an animal, debris, or other object in the road
• A driver falling asleep behind the wheel
• Poor weather leading to decreased visibility
• A driver’s impairment from drugs or alcohol
Sometimes there may be more than one driver who acts irresponsibly and is also at fault for an accident. In Florida, courts evaluate damages based on a comparative negligence theory, which consists of accounting for each party’s degree of fault when determining how much compensation to award. Courts will assign damages proportionate to this degree of fault.
Compensation Available to Florida Victims
Although all car accidents have the potential to be dangerous, head-on collisions are more likely to cause serious harm. Serious injuries that can result from head-on collisions include:
• Head and brain injuries
• Paralysis and other spinal court injuries
• Whiplash
• Severe burns or lacerations
• Broken or fractured bones
These types of harm may require years, or sometimes a lifetime, of treatment. Accordingly, victims who sustain such injuries may need financial assistance to receive the care they need. Victims who succeed in a negligence claim may be able to recover damages for past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. In the tragic event that a loved one’s life is lost, family members may file a wrongful death action. It is important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney in the aftermath of a crash to protect your rights. The Florida timeframe for filing personal injury suits is four years from when the injuries occurred, while a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years.
