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Head-on collisions are not very common. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), these types of accidents usually make up only 2 to 5 percent of the total accidents in any given year. However, head-on collisions are disproportionally fatal, making up over 10 percent of fatal crashes. 

On April 10, 2018 one such accident occurred in Fort Myers. A person died and another was seriously injured after a wrong-way, head-on collision at US-41 and Greenwood Park Circle at 2:18 a.m. A 41-year-old male from Fort Myers was driving without his headlights on, going the wrong way, on US-41. A 23-year-old female from Naples, Florida was unable to swerve out of the way in time resulting in a collision. The negligent driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The female driver, according to NBC-2 News, was rushed to Lee Memorial Hospital with serious injuries following the crash.

What is a Head-On Collision? 

Experts say that head-on collisions usually happen when a vehicle crosses over a median or centerline into the path of on-coming traffic. These accidents are very serious because the vehicles often come to an immediate stop. Those inside the vehicles often experience violent impacts, even twisting motions, which cause serious harm.    

What are the Common Causes of Head-On Collisions? 

There are many causes of head-on collisions. These include negligent driving habits along with bad driving conditions. Here is a list of some of the more common causes: 

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Changing lanes aggressively
• Not following road signage and signals
• Bad weather and/or road conditions
• Over-correcting when driving
• Turning recklessly or too widely
• Improper passing 

Injuries from Head-On Collisions 

Injuries associated with head-on accidents are commonly much more acute when compared to side impact or rear-end-type collisions, says ArrowheadClinic.com. The following are the most typical injuries associated with frontal collisions: 

• Amputations
• Broken bones and fractures
• Brain injuries
• Concussions
• Head, back, neck, and facial injuries
• Cuts, punctures, and lacerations
• Internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries (including whiplash)
• Spinal cord injuries

 Victims of head-on collisions may face costly medical expenses if there are catastrophic injuries, disfigurement, and disability. During the recovery time, the victim may not be able to work.

 Legal Right to Compensation 

When drivers receive their drivers’ licenses, they are assuming the legal obligation of “duty of care”. This duty requires them to look out for the safety of others when driving. Should a driver fail to obey this obligation, negligence has happened, and the at-fault driver may be liable for damages and injuries caused to others. Damages are available in civil court for disability, disfigurement, loss of both past and future wages, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering, and wrongful death. There is also the possibility of compensation for harm to the property to replace or repair a vehicle and for the cost of substitute transportation. 

Cape Coral Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey says, “Head-on collisions are very dangerous and can leave life-long injuries. Please contact our experienced legal team to assist you in determining your rights.”

Cape Coral Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.