A head-on collision occurs when two cars traveling in opposite directions hit one another, often at high rates of speed. In Melbourne and Titusville, they most frequently occur on two-lane roads, where even the slightest error in judgment during a pass attempt could trigger such a wreck. Distracted and sleepy drivers can also cause this type of crash, as taking an eye off the road for even a split second could suddenly cause a car to veer into the path of another.

Head-on collisions are the deadliest type of car accident in Florida and around the country. In 2017, nationwide statistics showed that head-on accidents accounted for just 2% of vehicle crashes but 10.1% percent of fatal collisions. Unlike most other types of wrecks, one car’s speed is only part of the equation. The other car’s speed multiplies the impact, causing massive injuries or death. Motorists sometimes are ejected from their vehicles in head-on collisions, especially if they aren’t wearing safety belts. Those who are lucky enough to survive such accidents often suffer brain injuries, spinal injuries, paralysis, broken bones or whiplash.

If you’re suffering because of someone else’s negligence behind the wheel, you may be entitled to receive substantial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering by filing a civil lawsuit. A car accident lawyer in Melbourne or Titusville can file suit on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries.

Common causes

Head-on wrecks often occur when:

• one car attempts to pass another on a narrow road and can’t escape the path of an oncoming car;
• a vehicle fails to make a curve and turns into oncoming traffic;
• a vehicle crosses into opposite lanes.

Weather conditions like rain and ice increase the likelihood of head-on accidents.

2017: Fatal head-on wrecks in Brevard County

Unfortunately, two recently head-on accidents in Brevard County resulted in multiple fatalities. Police at the scene said that both deadly accidents were avoidable:

• According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a head-on collision resulted in driver and passenger deaths in two vehicles. The head-on accident happened when the driver of a Nissan sports utility vehicle attempted to pass lanes in a no-pass zone. The Nissan hit a smaller Honda sedan head-on. Officers suggested that the Nissan driver’s reckless driving caused the tragic and wrongful deaths.
• Another recent head-on accident involved two vehicles in Cocoa, Fla. Neither of the drivers was wearing a seatbelt at the time on the head-on accident. A larger Ford Explorer stopped at a red light and struck a Jeep vehicle head-on. The Jeep was driven by an 18-year-old male. His 15-year-old passenger suffered injuries from the head-on accident. A second passenger in the Ford SUV survived, suffering minor injuries.

DUI-related crashes

When a driver gets behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, the chances of a head-on collision increase exponentially. On June 30th, 2017, a 21-year-old woman driving a Jeep just south of Melbourne, in Malabar, veered into an oncoming lane, hitting a Honda Accord head on, killing its driver and a passenger in the woman’s vehicle. On Tuesday, Dec. 5th, Brevard County prosecutors charged her with two counts of DUI manslaughter, meaning that she will face criminal charges in addition to possible wrongful death lawsuits from the victims’ families.

Insurers and attorneys for the negligent party or parties who caused your car accident are likely to approach you or an injured loved one with settlement offers. The goal of these offers is to obtain the most favorable financial outcome for their side. Realize that insurance companies and lawyers for the at-fault driver don’t represent your interests. For these reasons and others, it is in your best interest to retain experienced Melbourne car accident lawyers to protect your legal rights. Call Couture Law P.A. today at (321) 733-5703 if you or a loved one were hurt in a head-on collision. We specialize in these types of cases and stand ready to help you hold the negligent accountable.