A head-on collision on the Southern Boulevard overpass near Jog Road left two drivers with life-threatening injuries on the morning of Sunday, August 23. Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous collisions on Florida roads. Understanding how these claims work can help injured people make informed decisions.
What Happened on Southern Boulevard
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred just after 6 a.m. Investigators say a West Palm Beach woman was driving recklessly eastbound in the westbound lanes. At the crest of the overpass, her car struck a vehicle driven by a Lantana man head-on.
Both drivers were hospitalized. As CBS12 News reported, authorities are awaiting toxicology results to determine whether alcohol or drugs played a role.
Overpasses carry a specific risk. A driver nearing the top often cannot see oncoming traffic until the final seconds, leaving almost no time to react.
Establishing Fault After a Head-On Crash
Fault in a wrong-way collision is usually easy to establish. Driving against traffic violates basic rules of the road. But clear fault doesn’t guarantee a smooth claim. Insurance companies scrutinize medical records, dispute the extent of injuries, and look for reasons to pay less.
An early conversation with a Abogado de lesiones personales en West Palm Beach, FL can help preserve crash reports, witness statements, and vehicle data.
Why the Toxicology Report Matters
Florida generally caps punitive damages. Those caps do not apply when a defendant was impaired by alcohol or drugs, or had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.
The exception appears in Florida’s punitive damages statutes. If the results show impairment, the damages available in a claim against the wrong-way driver could increase.
Protecting Your Health and Your Claim
Anyone hurt in a serious crash should focus on recovery first. A few early steps also protect a future claim:
- Get medical care right away, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Request a copy of the sheriff’s office crash report.
- Keep every medical bill, receipt, and record of missed work.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.
Timing matters for insurance, too. Under Florida’s PIP law, your own policy pays medical benefits only if you receive initial care within 14 days of the accident.
Filing Deadlines in Florida
Most negligence claims in Florida must be filed within two years. That deadline comes from Estatuto de Florida § 95.11. Two years can pass quickly when someone is focused on surgery and rehabilitation. Missing that deadline typically bars recovery.
Getting Legal Guidance After a Collision
Wrong-way crashes often involve significant medical bills, lost income, and long recoveries. A personal injury lawyer in West Palm Beach can evaluate every insurance policy, including any uninsured motorist coverage you carry, and pursue the compensation Florida law allows.
If you or a family member was hurt in a wrong-way crash, the attorneys at Warner & Fitzmartin Abogados de Lesiones Personales can review what happened and explain your options. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.
