Port Charlotte Head-On Collision Attorney
Head-on collisions have a lot of force at the time of impact because both vehicles speeds are going in opposing directions. For instance, if you were traveling 25 mph and the other driver was speeding at 35 mph, the combined force would be the equivalent of one car hitting a fixed object at 60 mph. At high speeds, these crashes are often fatal. Even a head-on collision at slow speeds can cause serious injuries. If you have been hit in a head-on collision, it is time to seek help from a Port Charlotte attorney who is well-versed in the legal system so that you receive financial compensation for the losses you have suffered. At Hale Law, our Port Charlotte head-on collision attorneys are ready and willing to help you with your insurance claim so that you can focus your attention on making a full physical and emotional recovery.
How Head-On Collisions Happen
Head-on collisions happen when a driver is distracted, drowsy, drunk, not paying attention to one-way road signs, or has otherwise lost control over their vehicle. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that these types of frontal crashes made up 56 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2018.
What Affects the Severity of a Head-On Collision
There are several factors that determine the severity of a head-on collision. They include the following:
- Speed at which both vehicles were traveling at the time of impact;
- Height of both vehicles;
- Weight of both vehicles and their cargo;
- Safety features of each vehicle;
- Whether the collision caused a roll-over or secondary collision; and
- More.
The larger the difference in weight and height between the two vehicles, the more substantial the injuries are likely to be. For instance, an F-150 pulling a trailer that hits a Honda Fit head-on is going to cause more severe injuries to the driver and passengers of the Fit than if it had collided with a similarly-sized car. Newer cars have better safety features, and as a New York Times article points out, sometimes the seatbelt and airbag features can change whether a passenger is better protected in the front seat or rear seat during a collision. While those seated in the front of a car may benefit from more sophisticated seatbelt technology, they are closer to the crush space during a collision. Due to the increased force, it is common to see whiplash, spinal cord injuries, deep lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and internal bleeding as a result of head-on collisions.
These injuries require immediate medical attention, often a hospital stay, rehabilitation, and even at that, a full recovery may not be possible. Victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, psychological distress, loss of joy of life, permanent disability, and future anticipated medical costs.
Call a Hale Law Attorney Today
If you are the victim of a head-on collision you need to hold the at-fault party liable for the damages. An experienced attorney can help prove negligence and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to make sure that you get the best possible outcome. Contact the Port Charlotte head-on collision attorneys at Hale Law at 941-735-4529 to schedule a no-cost consultation.
