Head-on collisions are unfortunately very common in Florida. There are hundreds of thousands of automobile accidents every year in the state and around 40 percent of those accidents result in injury. If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision, then you should immediately seek the services of a Florida head-on-collision accident lawyer. You may have the right to sue for damages to yourself and your property.
Klotzman Property Damage Law has helped thousands of real people just like you get the compensation they deserve. We work closely with homeowners, boat owners, business owners, and other property owners who have experienced some form of property damage at the fault of a separate party. Call us today at 954-915-7405 to discuss your case with an experienced lawyer.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates that at least 1/4th of all automobile collisions are head-on collisions. These types of accidents are extremely common but have many potential causes. Some of the most common causes of head-on collisions include:
– Driving in the Wrong Lane: It’s not uncommon for motorists to get turned around on one of Florida’s many different one-way streets. Motorists can also get confused on the highway and make the wrong turn down an entrance or exit ramp.
– Driving Under the Influence: Driving while intoxicated is never a good idea. It can severely interfere with vision and decision-making capabilities, which can result in driving down the wrong lane or turning into oncoming traffic at an intersection.
– Distracted Driving: Distracted driving has become one of the most prevalent causes of automobile accidents over the past twenty years. In most cases, this involves driving while texting, browsing social media, or dialing a phone number. This is why nearly every state bans texting while driving.
– Passing at the Wrong Time: An impatient driver who tries to pass a vehicle at the wrong time can cause serious harm to oncoming traffic. This also frequently occurs in lanes where passing is prohibited.
Damages You Can Receive Through a Head-On Collision Claim in Florida
Head-on collision claims are classified as personal injury cases in the state of Florida. Victims in these types of cases may be awarded compensation for two categories of damages.
1. Economic Damages: These damages represent financial losses that are fairly easy to calculate. They include the cost of the damage to your property, medical costs, lost wages, the cost of ongoing treatment, and compensation for future financial losses linked to the accident.
2. Non-Economic Damages: These types of damages are more abstract and their value is more difficult to calculate. They often refer to types of mental or emotional distress that you suffered due to the accident. If the accident resulted in the permanent loss of bodily function, permanent disfigurement, or permanent scarring, then you are very likely to receive additional compensation for non-economic damages.
Why You Need an Attorney for a Head-On Collision Claim
You should always work with a professional attorney when filing any sort of personal injury claim. Claims that are filed with the help of an attorney are more likely to receive favorable compensation. At least 80 percent of all claims settle out of court and working with an attorney will make it easier to get the settlement you deserve. Attorneys file paperwork, meet with insurance agents and negotiate higher compensation so that you don’t have to. And if the claim isn’t settled out of court, then they will prepare and present your case in the courtroom.
How Much Will an Attorney Cost?
Our personal injury attorneys never charge clients upfront for legal representation. Like most attorneys in this field, we work according to a contingency fee. A contingency fee is a small percentage of the final settlement or money awarded after the trial. This means that if you don’t win your settlement we don’t get paid. It’s just one more reason to fight for the best settlement possible.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for a Head-On Collision in Florida?
Every state sets its own statute of limitation for filing personal injury claims related to automobile accidents. The statute of limitations in Florida is four years, which is twice as long as in many other states. However, you should not wait years to begin the claims process. The sooner you file the claim the easier it will be to gather evidence and negotiate a favorable settlement.
Always Seek Legal Help After a Serious Accident
Head-on collisions are typically very serious and often result in life-long injuries. Your first step after seeking medical attention should be contacting the Florida head-on-collision accident lawyers at Klotzman Property Damage Law. Call 954-915-7405 today for a free consultation.