If you have been in a head-on collision, you may be feeling a range of emotions from shock and confusion to fear and anxiety. You may also be dealing with physical injuries and financial issues.
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand how devastating head-on collisions can be. Our car accident lawyers can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and represent you in negotiations or court proceedings. In addition, we will work to get you a fair settlement for your injuries and other losses.
We have years of experience helping car accident victims get the money they need to rebuild their lives. We know how to fight for our clients, and we will do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
What is a Head-on Collision?
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles driving in opposite directions collide on their front ends. The force of a head-on crash can cause the cars to crumple and the passengers to be thrown from their seats. Many accident victims suffer life-threatening injuries, and many head-on collisions are fatal crashes.
Causes of Head-On Crashes
One of the most common causes of head-on collisions is because a driver was driving on the wrong side of the road. Sometimes a crash between two vehicles moving in the same direction may send them into oncoming traffic. Other causes of head-on collisions include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving causes drivers to lose control of their cars, sending them into oncoming traffic.
- Bad weather conditions
- A driver driving in the wrong direction down a one-way street.
Head-on collisions are very serious accidents that can have life-threatening consequences. If you are involved in one of these accidents, it is important to stay calm and call for help right away.
Common Injuries Caused By a Head-On Collision
Head-on collisions usually cause serious injuries. The most common injuries that occur in a head-on collision are:
- Whiplash
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Vision issues
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
If you have been injured in a head-on collision, it is important to seek medical attention right away. You should also speak with a lawyer to understand the extent of your injuries and what compensation you may be entitled to.
How to Prevent a Head-On Collision
There are several things that you can do to prevent head-on collisions, including:
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Avoid distractions while driving.
- Be cautious when driving in bad weather conditions.
- Pay attention to the road and do not fall asleep at the wheel.
What to Do After a Head-On Collision
After head-on car crashes, it is important to stay calm and take the following steps:
- Call 911 – When the police come to the scene, they will file a report. This report will be used as evidence later on in your case.
- Seek Medical Treatment – Getting medical attention for your injuries after auto accidents is important. Not only is it vital to protect yourself from additional harm, but it will also provide evidence that your injuries were a result of the head-on accident.
- Gather Evidence – If possible, take photographs of the accident scene and any visible injuries that you may have suffered from it. You should also get photos of all vehicles involved in the crash, and their license plates collect witness statements and insurance information from the other driver.
- Contact the Auto Accident Attorneys at The Fran Haasch Law Group – It is important to speak with our auto accident attorneys as soon as possible. They will help you determine who is at fault for the accident and file a personal injury claim.
How is Fault Determined in Head-On Collisions?
It can be difficult to determine fault in a head-on collision. The crash’s impact may send each car in different directions, which means it’s hard to know how the collision occurred and which driver is at fault.
To prove negligence, your attorney will need to show that the at-fault driver acted carelessly or recklessly and that this behavior caused your injuries.
The Four Elements of Negligence
Four elements must be proven to hold someone liable for an auto accident. These elements are:
- Duty of Care – The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff.
- Breach of Duty – The defendant breached their duty of care by failing to act as a reasonable person would have.
- Causation – The defendant’s actions caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
- Damages – The plaintiff suffered damages due to the defendant’s breach of duty.
If you can prove these four elements, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. However, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney to determine a case.
Pure Comparative Negligence in Florida
Under HB 837, Florida switched from a pure comparative fault system to a “greater percentage of fault” system in March 2023. This means that if a party is found to be greater than 50% at fault for their own harm, they are barred from recovering any damages.
For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the head-on crash, you would only receive 70% of the damages awarded in your claim. However, if you are 50.1% at fault for the accident, you will not collect any compensation.
It is important to speak with an auto accident attorney to understand how comparative negligence may impact your claim. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine who was at fault in the crash and can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
How to Prove Liability in a Head-On Car Crash
There are many ways to prove that the other driver was at fault for a head-on collision. Some of the most common pieces of evidence that are used to prove liability in these types of accidents include:
- The police report – The police report will contain information about how the accident happened and who they believe is at fault.
- Witness statements – Witnesses who saw the accident happen can provide valuable information about what they saw and who they believe is at fault.
- Photographs – Photographs of the accident scene and any visible injuries can be used to support your claim.
- The other driver’s insurance information – The other driver’s insurance company may accept liability for the accident if their driver is found to be at fault.
If you have been injured in a head-on collision, it is important to protect yourself from further harm and gather evidence of the accident.
Damages You Can Recover in Your Car Accident Claim
If you are successful in your head-on collision claim, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Some of the damages that you may be able to recover include:
- Medical expenses include both past and future medical costs related to the accident.
- Lost Wages-You can also receive compensation for any lost wages due to the accident.
- Pain and suffering – You can also receive compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured due to the accident.
- Property damage – You can also receive compensation for any damage to your vehicle or personal property caused by the accident.
It is important to speak with an attorney to understand what damages you can recover in your claim. They will also help you maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and damages.
What The Fran Haasch Law Group Can Do For You
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we focus on helping you and your family recover. We pursue personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and more.
With over 21 years of experience, we draw on constant medical research to help clients recover after being injured in auto accidents in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Founding personal injury attorney, Fran Haasch, is a lifetime member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association, and the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.
Our attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
We’ll Get You the Compensation You Deserve
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand that no amount of financial recovery can undo what you have been through. However, a fair settlement or jury verdict can ease the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other economic and non-economic damages associated with your accident.
We have obtained multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements in cases involving auto accidents, as well as claims concerning wrongful death and catastrophic injuries. Here are a few of the settlements we’ve obtained for victims of car accidents:
Contact The Fran Haasch Law Group Car Accident Attorneys Today
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we are committed to fighting for your fair recovery. We strive to help injured individuals and the loved ones of those wrongfully killed secure the full, fair recovery they are owed. We offer dedicated legal representation for car accident victims and victims of bicycle, Uber and Lyft, and semi-truck accidents.
If you feel you have been the victim of a car accident through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
