A head-on collision is one of the most dangerous, deadliest types of traffic accidents, in which the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. Or, it may also be when one vehicle strikes a fixed object with its front end, like an electrical pole or tree. While you may assume that this accident type must be rare, given the managed lane systems throughout all Florida roads, this is sadly reported far too often. With all that being said, please follow along to find out how head-on collisions are more likely to occur and how a proficient Miami auto accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, can help you recover from this experience.

What types of vehicles are more likely to enter a head-on collision?

Notably, a truck or commercial vehicle is more likely to be involved in a head-on collision than two standard motor vehicles. One reason may be that the sheer size of these vehicles causes them to cross the center line when making tight right turns or navigating a narrow road. Unfortunately, this may even occur on roads where these vehicles are permitted to enter (i.e., restrictions are not indicated by “No Truck” signs or local ordinances).

Another explanation may be that a long-haul truck or commercial vehicle driver grows fatigued while behind the wheel. That is, their employer may not schedule them for the breaks mandated by the federal hours of service rules (i.e., a 30-minute break after eight hours, an 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour shift after 10 hours off, a 34-hour restart break after driving 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days). In turn, they may doze off sporadically and swerve into the oncoming traffic lane.

Under what circumstances are head-on collisions more likely to occur?

Besides the type of vehicle present on the road, there are more extenuating circumstances that may heighten the chances of a head-on collision. Such factors read as follows:

  • There may be temporary barriers or detours surrounding construction zones that create lane confusion for drivers.
  • There may be insufficient overhead lighting and sharp turns on a winding road that diminish a driver’s visibility of the center line.
  • There may be a rural area with a two-lane rural highway without a physical median that does not do enough to prevent a driver’s crossover.
  • There may be accumulated leaves or snow on the side of an already-tight lane that forces a driver to hug the center line too closely.
  • There may be a broken-down vehicle unable to pull over due to inadequate shoulder space, which makes a driver swerve into the opposing lane.
  • There may be another driver on the road who is navigating their vehicle while distracted, drowsy, or drunk, and they recklessly fail to maintain their lane.

Whatever the specific elements of your collision may be, you may know for certain that you must hold the appropriate party accountable in a personal injury claim. So, if you wish to gain more clarity on the situation you are dealing with, the best way to get it is by consulting with a talented Miami-Dade County injury lawyer. Get in touch with our team at the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, today.