Head on collisions cause a significant amount of damage to the vehicles involved and the passengers inside. Though different types of vehicles vary in size, all automobiles are heavy and can produce a lot of force in a collision. This is only amplified when two moving vehicles crash head-to-head.
If a head on collision caused you or a loved one serious injuries, you might need a Sarasota car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you determine if the other driver is liable for your damages and help you pursue the compensation you need to heal and return to your life. Do not wait while medical bills and other expenses pile up. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Another party’s negligence sometimes causes accidents. In a head on collision, another driver may cross into the oncoming lane of traffic because they are looking at a text instead of the road. A drunk driver may pass another vehicle without room to do so, or an aggressive driver may plow through an intersection. Sometimes, drivers lose control of their vehicles because of faulty brakes or a blown tire. Whatever the cause, if your accident was not your fault, you should not have to pay for it.
The first step in pursuing financial awards is filing an insurance claim. Florida is somewhat unique because it is one of only a handful of states that uses a no-fault insurance system. Under this system, all drivers must have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP insurance pays for 80 percent of the insured’s covered injuries despite who was at fault, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Because no-fault insurance models are meant to reduce accident litigation, you can only pursue compensation from another party if you have severe injuries. According to Florida Statutes § 627.737, you may seek awards if you have permanent and substantial injuries, severe scarring or disfigurement, or loss of a bodily function. You may also take action if your loved one died because of injuries suffered in a head on collision.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine to speak with a member of our team about your case. A Sarasota head on collisions lawyer may be able to help you recover the costs of your medical bills, as well as secure a settlement to pay for necessary future medical treatment. You may receive compensation for your lost wages and loss of future earning capacity. You may also seek compensation for your physical pain, mental and emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Taking Action After Your Accident
Submitting claims, haggling with insurers, and trying to prove you were not at fault for your accident may seem daunting. A lawyer can help take the pressure off you and your family so you can concentrate on healing from your injuries.
An attorney can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. This includes submitting any necessary documents, presenting evidence like accident reports and witness statements, and reviewing settlement offers. If your insurance claim is denied or you are not offered sufficient compensation, your attorney can try to negotiate a better deal. If the insurance company digs in, your lawyer can help you with a lawsuit.
You can help your case by:
- Keeping a record of your medical treatment and bills
- Photographing your injuries and vehicle damages
- Saving receipts from vehicle repairs
- Ensuring your accident is reported to the proper authorities
- Keeping a record of your lost wages
You should contact your insurance company as soon as you can following your crash. Even with an attorney on your side, the claims process can take time. You do not want the statute of limitations to expire if your case must go to civil court. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you must file a personal injury case within four years and a wrongful death lawsuit within two years.
Head On Collision Injuries
Though passenger vehicles are equipped with safety features like seatbelts and airbags, the body can still get violently jerked during a front-end impact. This can severely jar the neck and spine, cause the head to bang against the dash or windshield, or lead to chest and torso injuries. Passengers may get ejected from the vehicle, especially if they were not wearing a seatbelt.
Head on collisions can leave victims with life-threatening injuries and permanent side effects and disabilities, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Full or partial paralysis
- Permanent disfigurement and/or scarring
- Reduced mobility
- Chronic pain
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Sleep disorders
- Depression
- Loss of sight, hearing, or other senses
Head on collisions also have a high rate of fatality. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), motor vehicle deaths happen most often during vehicle-to-vehicle crashes. While angled collisions are the deadliest type of two-vehicle accident, head on collisions are a close second, accounting for nearly a third of two-vehicle crashes.
We Can Help
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we go the extra mile for our clients. We move fast to get you the compensation you need to take care of your expenses. If you work with a Sarasota head on collisions lawyer from our team, they will:
- Help schedule your appointments
- Help get your vehicle repaired
- Frequently update you on your case
- Make themselves available via calls and emails
You deserve responsive legal care, and that is what we provide to each of our clients. A team member can answer your questions, provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation, and discuss your next steps. We handle our cases on a contingency basis, so you do not pay for our services unless we win compensation for you. Give us a call.
We Can Help.
