Understand who’s responsible in a head-on collision and when you can file a lawsuit in Florida after a serious injury caused by another driver’s negligence

A head-on collision is one of the most devastating types of car accidents, often leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a lot of unanswered questions. Unlike a rear-end collision, where one vehicle strikes the back of another, a head-on collision involves a frontal impact that can amplify the damage. If you’ve been in a head-on crash in Tampa, you might be wondering: Who’s responsible for my medical bills and damage to my car? How is fault determined in a head-on collision? And when do I need to get a lawyer involved?

Whether the crash was caused by distracted driving, a wrong-way driver, a drunk driver, or something more complex, we’ll break down the basics of Florida head-on collision claims so you can understand your next steps and protect your right to compensation. We’ll also explain how fault is determined, what role insurance companies play, and what you can do to make sure you’re not stuck paying for someone else’s mistake.

If you have questions after reading this article or want help filing a claim against another driver after a serious head-on crash, reach out to the experienced Tampa car accident lawyers at Palmer Lopez to schedule a free consultation.

What is considered a head-on collision?

A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other. Also known as a frontal crash, these accidents are often caused by a driver crossing the centerline into oncoming traffic, going the wrong way on a one-way street, or entering an off-ramp in the wrong direction. 

Common factors behind these dangerous mistakes include distracted driving, drunk driving, drowsy driving, and reckless passing, where an impatient driver misjudges the time needed to safely overtake another vehicle and ends up in the path of oncoming traffic.

What makes head-on crashes so dangerous?

Head-on crashes are some of the most devastating accidents on the road, often resulting in catastrophic injuries. The reason? 

When two vehicles collide head-on, their combined speed significantly increases the force of impact, making the crash far more severe than other types of accidents. 

The sheer force can cause life-altering injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ damage, and severe whiplash. Unfortunately, these crashes also have a high fatality rate, leaving families dealing with unimaginable loss.

Who pays for collision damage in Florida?

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage will pay for your initial medical expenses and lost wages (if you have to take time off work during recovery) up to your policy limits, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

However, for cases involving permanent injuries (like traumatic brain injuries or paralysis), significant scarring/disfigurement, or wrongful death, accident victims may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for additional damages like medical bills and lost wages that exceed their policy limits, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.

How to determine who is at fault in a head-on collision

Determining fault in a head-on collision involves examining the circumstances leading up to the crash and identifying which driver was negligent or responsible for the accident. While every accident is different, here are some key factors that are typically used to determine liability:

Another thing that’s important to understand about determining fault in Florida is that the state follows something called a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, a driver can still recover compensation for their injuries even if they were partially at fault for the crash—as long as they were not more than 50% responsible.

However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault, and if they’re found to be 51% or more at fault, they’re barred from recovering any compensation from the other driver.

Because fault can significantly impact compensation, insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize payouts. This is why it’s crucial to have a local Florida car accident attorney review your case, gather evidence, and challenge unfair fault determinations so you can get the full compensation you deserve.

Looking for a Tampa car accident attorney you can trust to help with your head-on collision claim?

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury or wrongful death in a head-on car accident because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation and justice. At Palmer Lopez, our knowledgeable Tampa car accident attorneys know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize your compensation and how to counter them. We’re not afraid to push back hard to get our clients what they’re truly owed. 

Head-on collisions often leave victims with life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future—but you don’t have to face these obstacles alone. We’ll handle the legal battle so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of securing the compensation you need.

Contact Palmer Lopez today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let’s start fighting for your future together.