Crashes where the front ends of vehicles collide are among the most dangerous. They are often fatal, and survivors may have significant injuries.
At Colling Gilbert Wright, we represent people who were hurt or whose loved ones were killed in front-end car accidents in DeLand. Our car accident attorneys have been providing comprehensive legal services to injured people and their families for decades, and we are well-known in the legal community for our success on behalf of our clients. In fact, most of our cases come from other attorneys who trust us to handle their clients’ matters with skill and care.
How Do Front-End Accidents Happen?
Negligent drivers cause almost all head-on car crashes. One driver must be in the wrong lane for two vehicles to collide head-on.
Driving while intoxicated is a common cause of front-end accidents. Distracted driving, speeding, and unsafe lane changes can also lead to this type of crash.
Sometimes a mechanical problem, such as frozen steering or a stuck accelerator, can result in a front-end crash. Our DeLand attorneys will thoroughly investigate your head-on collision to identify every party whose conduct was a contributing factor in the crash.
Common Injuries in Head-On Collisions
When the front ends of vehicles collide forcefully, the impact can cause your head and neck to snap forward, slamming your face or head into the steering wheel, windshield, or dashboard. Simultaneous airbag deployment can cause rib fractures and crushing injuries to the internal organs. If you are not wearing a seatbelt, the crash impact could eject you from the vehicle.
These wrecks often produce catastrophic consequences. Our lawyers at The Florida Firm represent DeLand residents who sustain severe and permanent injuries in head-on traffic accidents, such as:
- Significant burns
- Loss of eyes, ears, and other facial features
- Traumatic amputations
- Internal hemorrhaging and organ damage
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
These injuries often lead to permanent disability and the need for long-term care.
Florida uses a no-fault system for vehicle accident claims. However, when you have serious injuries or if your family member dies in a fatal accident, you can step out of the no-fault system and pursue compensation in court.
Types of Damages Available
When you sue for compensation following a front-end collision in DeLand, you must prove that the party you are suing—the defendant—was negligent. If you were also negligent, you can still collect compensation, but the courts will reduce your damages to reflect the degree of responsibility you have for your injuries.
Damages in a personal injury case should cover your past, current, and future losses. If the defendant is found negligent, they must reimburse your expenses to date and compensate you for injury-related losses you may experience in the future, such as ongoing medical treatment or a limited ability to earn. The defendant must also provide financial compensation for your pain and suffering.
The Florida Firm routinely obtains substantial settlements on behalf of injured clients with significant injuries. Many of our clients have received $1 million or more in compensation for their car accident injuries.
Punitive Damages
A negotiated settlement is usually the most desirable outcome in an injury case. You get your money faster, and both parties avoid the expense and uncertainty of a jury trial. However, when you can prove that the defendant acted intentionally or with utter disregard for others’ safety, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which are only available if your case goes to trial.
Punitive damages are an additional sum a defendant must pay to you as a penalty for egregious conduct. The law limits the amount of punitive damages in most cases, but Florida Statutes § 768.736 waives the cap when the defendant was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they caused the crash. If you were involved in a front-impact car crash with a drunk driver, speak with our attorneys about whether taking the claim to court to seek punitive damages may produce the most favorable results.
Contact a DeLand Attorney About Injuries Sustained in a Front-End Accident
Front-end car accidents in DeLand are almost always the result of driver negligence. If you were seriously hurt in a head-on collision, you can hold the negligent driver accountable by seeking compensation for your injuries.
Schedule an appointment to discuss your legal options with our team at The Florida Firm. We do not charge fees or collect expenses until we obtain compensation for you, so contact us today.