Head-on crashes pose significant safety concerns in Destin, FL. The impact often leads to severe injuries or fatalities, making these types of accidents particularly devastating. If someone else was responsible for the accident, you may have legal recourse.
Our experienced Destin head-on crash lawyers can help you every step of the way. With 60 years of combined experience and millions of dollars recovered for our clients, you’ll be in good hands if you choose us to represent you.
If you need help with a car accident claim in Destin, Florida, contact our lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, you can call (850) 842-2573 today to schedule a free consultation.
How Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Destin
Navigating the aftermath of an accident in Destin, Florida, can be overwhelming, but working with an experienced attorney can make a significant difference.
Here’s how our trusted Destin car accident lawyers can help you:
Investigate Your Accident
We will conduct a thorough investigation to secure important evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony.
Determine Eligibility for Your Claim
A lawyer can help determine your eligibility for filing an accident claim or lawsuit against the other driver. Florida is a no-fault state, which means you typically file a claim with your own insurance company. However, if you meet a certain threshold based on your injuries, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver and their insurance company.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Most personal injury cases settle before they get to trial, as this saves significant time, money, and stress for all involved. Our lawyers will negotiate with any parties who may be liable for your accident to try to come to a fair settlement. However, we’re also prepared to take your case to court if that’s in your best interest.
If you’ve experienced a car accident in the area, our goal is always to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to so you can focus on healing. For help, contact Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers today to set up a free case review.
How Common Are Car Crashes?
Car accidents occur more frequently than anyone would like, and Florida is no exception.
- In 2022, Florida saw approximately 397,500 car crashes.
- These collisions caused 3,574 fatalities and 252,123 injuries.
- In 2022 in Okaloosa County, where Destin is located, there were 3,631 crashes.
- These accidents led to 20 fatalities and 2,209 injuries.
Despite safety measures and legislation, car crashes remain a significant public health concern in Florida and its counties, including Destin.
Overview of Head-On Crashes
A head-on collision is a type of traffic accident where two vehicles coming from opposite directions hit each other straight on. These accidents can be violent and are often severe due to the combined force of both vehicles being primarily concentrated in one area.
Common Causes of Head-on Crashes
There are several factors that contribute to these kinds of crashes. The most common causes include:
Drunk Driving
Drinking and driving compromises your judgment, reaction time, and ability to drive safely. Individuals who drink and then get behind the wheel of a car are much more likely to cause an accident; they can easily drift over into another lane and cause a head-on crash.
Distracted Driving
It’s an unfortunate reality that many people engage in distracting behaviors while they’re driving, even on the highway. This could include texting, playing with the radio, or just daydreaming. No matter what the cause of the distraction is, it can lead to serious head-on collisions.
Poor Judgment When Passing
Drivers may misjudge the space or time they have to safely overtake a vehicle and end up in the path of an oncoming car. The high-speed nature of attempting to pass another vehicle often leaves too little time to correct this mistake, leading to serious head-on accidents.
Poor Weather Conditions
Rain, fog, and snow reduce visibility and create slippery roads. This can contribute to drivers veering into oncoming traffic lanes. Appropriate speed reduction and extra caution should be used during such conditions.
Understanding the common causes can help you take protective measures and avoid head-on crashes.
Typical Injuries
Injuries resulting from head-on crashes can be varied and severe due to the intensity of the impact. They often include the following:
- Whiplash
- Concussion and other traumatic brain injuries
- Fractured and broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Burns
- Spinal cord and back injuries
Navigating the aftermath of head-on crashes can be a difficult task since these accidents frequently result in serious, life-altering injuries.
Potential Liability in Head-on Crashes
In head-on crashes, there can be multiple parties liable for the accident. By default, you’ll first look to get benefits from your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy. However, in some cases, you can file a claim against the responsible party for additional compensation:
The Other Driver
Many head-on crashes are a result of negligence on the part of another driver. This could include instances of drunk driving, distracted driving, or failing to obey other rules of the road.
Manufacturer of Vehicle or Car Parts
Sometimes an accident is caused by defective vehicle parts. In these cases, which fall under product liability law, it’s a manufacturer who would bear partial or full liability for any injuries.
What if You’re Partially at Fault?
Finally, it’s possible that you are partially responsible. You can get benefits from your PIP coverage regardless of fault. The concept of “modified comparative negligence” might apply if you are eligible to file a claim against another party.
Under the modified comparative negligence law in Florida, your percentage of fault will be determined, and your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. If your percentage of fault is 51% or higher, you will be barred from recovering damages from the opposing party. Hiring an experienced lawyer can protect you from accusations of comparative fault.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Destin Head-On Crash Lawyers
Experiencing a head-on crash should not leave you without proper compensation for your medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident in Destin, Florida, don’t delay in reaching out for legal help at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers.
Contact us today, you can call (850) 842-2573 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Destin head-on crash attorney.
