Head-on collisions are some of the most frightening accidents that drivers will encounter. Two vehicles, both traveling at rapid speeds, can cause quite a bit of damage to not only the automobiles but to all occupants inside those vehicles. The aftermath of such a collision can be challenging to sort through. Not only is determining fault difficult to determine, but the injuries can catastrophic.
After such a life-altering experience, you may be wondering about your next steps. In fact, it’s important that—despite your feelings of stress, anxiety, anger, and depression—you try to proceed strategically. Taking tactical steps after a head-on collision, ideally with the help of an experienced lawyer, will make your life much easier during the recovery process. Here are a few facts and figures to keep in mind in the aftermath of your accident.
What is a Head-On Collision?
As the name implies, a head-on collision occurs when the front-ends of two vehicles traveling toward each other crash into one another. Accidents of this nature are exacerbated by the potential speed differential between the two vehicles. The speed and mass of the vehicles greatly impact the severity of the collision. Injuries resulting from these types of accidents are extremely common.
Head-on collisions may be the result of adverse weather conditions or power steering malfunctions. However, they are more frequently caused when one driver is on the wrong side of the road due to intoxication, distraction, drowsiness, lack of familiarity with the road, or even aggressive driving and lane-passing.
Even though only 2 percent of vehicle crashes are classified as head-on collisions, this type of accident accounts for just over 10 percent of total fatal car crashes in the United States.
Common Injuries After a Head-On Collision
Injuries—and often death—are all too common after a head-on collision. Drivers and passengers who have been involved in this type of accident have a 58 percent fatality rate. Those who do survive are typically subject to life-altering damage. Some of the most common injuries that a driver or passenger can suffer after a head-on collision include:
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Whiplash;
- Lower extremity injuries;
- Upper extremity injuries;
- Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs;
- Internal organ damage;
- Broken bones;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Chest injuries; and
- Cuts, bruises, and abrasions.
These types of injuries can sometimes result in a quick recovery, but more often than not, they have a lifelong impact. It may affect your employment, ability to perform everyday activities, and long-term mental health.
Steps to Take After a Head-On Collision in St. Petersburg
After a head-on collision, you’re likely to endure feelings of shock and discomfort. Nonetheless, you must try to stay calm and follow a few calculated steps to help your recovery and eventual personal injury claim. Here are a few moves to consider in the aftermath of a head-on collision.
Seek Medical Care After Your Head-On Collision
No matter the severity of your injury, it’s essential that you visit a medical professional right after the events of the crash. Immediately seeing a doctor is imperative for a few reasons. The most important is that you can begin the healing process and reduce any feelings of pain and discomfort. Additionally, visiting a doctor will allow you to document your medical treatment. Your treating physicians’ medical records and potential testimony will be necessary evidence in a personal injury claim.
Document Everything Following Your Car Accident
If you can manage to do so, record the scene of the crash, including taking photos of the accident scene, documenting the damage sustained to each vehicle, and jotting down your recollection of what happened. Likewise, finding a third-party witness who can advocate definitely helps.
Request a Copy of the Police Report
We recommend calling the police, even if everyone is cooperative. The investigating officer will then generate a report documenting the pertinent details of the crash. This police report may also assist in the investigation into who is at fault for the collision.
Speak With a Legal Representative
Some car accidents can be relatively easy to resolve. Others, like head-on collisions, almost always involve a complex claims process. You’ll want an expert St. Petersburg personal injury attorney to help fight for your rights and make sure you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve. In Florida, the claims process can be lengthy. The State of Florida requires that the injured party from a car accident file a personal injury lawsuit within four years of the accident, if it does not involve a government entity or wrongful death. A lawyer will be able to help you make sure everything is documented and filed promptly. Without this, your claim could forever be barred.
How Much Can a Head-On Collision Be Worth in St. Petersburg?
Because of the devastating nature of head-on car collisions and the resultant severe injuries, these collisions typically merit higher compensation than normal. Compensation for damages falls into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Any tangible losses, such as medical bills, prescriptions, physical therapy, property damage, transportation costs, and lost earnings, are considered economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Due to the traumatic nature of head-on collisions, the at-fault party may also be responsible for paying non-economic damages. Non-economic damages may include emotional pain, physical pain and suffering, PTSD, and psychological distress. Non-economic damages are harder to measure and typically require the expertise of a licensed medical, psychological, or economic professional.
To learn more about the amount of compensation you may be entitled to, contact a credible personal injury attorney.
Consult a St. Petersburg Head-On Collision Lawyer
If you’ve experienced a head-on car collision, you’re probably suffering from feelings of stress, anxiety, anger, and depression, not to mention the physical pain you’re managing. At Marsalisi Law, we understand how traumatic this type of accident can be, which is why we want to make this process as seamless as possible. Frank P. Marsalisi has immense experience helping Florida residents like you get the compensation they deserve after a car accident.
After your collision, we’ll thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and make sure all of your injuries are properly documented. We’ll fight for your rights and see that you’re justly compensated for your monetary and personal losses. Call us at (727) 334-1344 to Talk to Frank, or complete our contact form today!
Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal!