A head-on collision occurs when two cars collide with their front ends first. When a car crosses the center line and collides with a vehicle heading in the other direction, or when a driver joins a divided highway on the wrong side of the divider, a head-on accident occurs. Is it possible to avoid a head-on collision?
While head-on collisions are rarely common in Florida, they are one of the most hazardous types of accidents. Knowing the risks of these sorts of collisions might help you stay safe behind the wheel.
Firstly, Collision vs Accident: What’s The Difference?
Accident vs Collision: Is it the same thing?
The quick answer is no. Collision suggests that no one is to blame, while accident implies that someone is to blame.
This is quite subjective, and it truly depends on who you ask. It may seem to be a grammatical problem or even a personal language choice, but how you use the phrases matters a lot in your insurance case. According to WNCN, even the term "crash" might hold negative connotations that do not adequately characterize the circumstance in the eyes of the law.
Understanding what each phrase means is critical, whether you've been in a car accident or simply want to know in case anything occurs in the future. It's a discussion that's been going on for a long time—just look at this abstract from 2002, where the author advocates for the axing of the word "accident.” Even the Associated Press (AP) prefers the term "crash" over "accident".
What is the point?
Insurance firms like to use the word "accident" since it reduces the liability aspect. It suggests that someone was to blame or that there was some kind of carelessness on the part of one of the parties. "Collision," on the other hand, is a more objective and stoic account of the occurrence. That's why professionals who look at these sorts of scenarios will frequently refer to themselves as "collision reconstructionists" instead of "accident reconstructionists.”
Government authorities are also attempting to disassociate themselves from the word "accident," proposing legislation that uses the term "collision" instead. We're still dealing with semantics, but these are semantics that may reframe an occurrence, at least in terms of insurance and public opinion.
How to Avoid a Head-On Collision
The National Safety Council says to remember "the four R's" if you want to avoid a head-on collision.
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Keep an eye on your surroundings
- Read the route ahead: Examine the area surrounding your car, both in front and on both sides. Be alert to your surroundings and other vehicles; for example, glance ahead to the next hill, bend, or overpass. Turn on or flash your headlights and blow your horn to attract the attention of other cars.
- Right is life: On a two-lane road, the safest spot is somewhat to the right of the middle of your lane. In a situation of danger, you will be closer to the shoulder and an escape route. If you detect an incoming car approaching the center line, begin to brake and move to the right side of your lane. The closer the other car approaches yours, the further to the right you must move.
- Reduce your speed: If you observe anything unexpected or dangerous ahead of you, slow down. Slowing down reduces the energy of the automobile and improves control.
- Ride off the path: If you notice a car coming, do not yank the wheel or slam on the brakes. If you skid off the road, you may lose control of your car; therefore, don't lock your brakes. Steer clear of the collision path, which may involve driving off the road, into the shoulder, or into a ditch or tree.
Other ways to avoid a head-on collision include:
- Never cross the middle line or hug it. You increase your chances of being involved in a head-on accident.
- When passing another car, pay close attention. Make sure you have adequate space to pass safely.
- Never drive to the left of approaching traffic. This will put you in the path of oncoming traffic, where the other motorist may correct himself and move back into the appropriate lane.
- Swerving into the left lane increases the likelihood of a head-on accident. If necessary, drive off the road; striking the shoulder of the road or a ditch is preferable to colliding with another car.
Common Causes of a Head-On Collision
The following are the most typical causes of head-on collisions:
- Passing on a two-lane highway or motorway
- Failure to correctly navigate a curve
- Entering traffic by crossing the middle line
- Unfavorable weather conditions
- Swerving to dodge roadside obstacles or debris
- Driving while texting.
- Going the opposite way on a one-way street
- Driving while under the influence.
Head-on collisions examples:
- Driving while intoxicated may force another car to cross the center line, enter a one-way street, or enter the wrong way.
- Overspeeding may lead a motorist to lose control and slide into oncoming traffic.
- Drowsy driving may cause a motorist to fall asleep and not realize he is moving into oncoming traffic.
- Passing illegally (in a no-passing zone).
Have You Been Seriously Injured in a Head-on Collision?
Each motorist has a legal responsibility (or "duty of care") to keep other drivers, pedestrians, and other persons safe. When a motorist fails to do so, carelessness has occurred, and the at-fault person may be held accountable for the resulting damages and injuries.
Head-on collision common injuries
In a head-on collision, extreme physical trauma is typical, and this stress may result in fractured bones, major lacerations, burns, or internal injuries. When a person is stuck in their car or flung from it, their injuries are usually greater. If a sufferer is trapped, it may take hours to free them, putting crushing pressure on their organs or causing further blood loss. People propelled onto the road may experience a double impact: once during the automobile incident and again when they strike the ground. If they are hit by a car while lying helpless on the road, they will suffer considerably more stress, severe friction burns, and awful secondary injuries.
Having an attorney on your side as your advocate might provide you with peace of mind throughout your rehabilitation. We have a proven track record of assisting accident victims in obtaining the compensation they deserve. Our Fort Walton Beach lawyers can:
Investigate the cause of your accident, collect evidence, and identify all persons involved.
- Document your losses in order to increase the worth of your personal injury claim.
- File insurance claims and manage all insurance company interactions
- Determine the true worth of your injury claim.
- Keep track of any statute of limitations deadlines.
- If required, file a personal injury lawsuit.
Call an Experienced Fort Walton Beach Florida Car Accident Attorney
Have you or a loved one been gravely hurt in a wrong-way or head-on motor vehicle collision caused by the carelessness of another? Browning Law, a Florida-based legal practice, may be able to help at 850-344-1736.
Our knowledgeable attorneys will meet with you directly and give you a free, no-obligation case review.