All types of car accidents have the ability to cause severe injuries, but frontal impact crashes are particularly dangerous to occupants of both cars. As the vehicles in a head-to-head collision are both traveling forward, their energy and momentum combine, resulting in a collision that can have life-altering or fatal effects.
Common Injuries in Head-On Collisions
There are many different causes of head-on collisions, but unfortunately, the effects are frighteningly similar. The high speeds and sudden impact of two heavy vehicles will often result in extensive and complex injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury. Head and neck injuries are common in a head-on collision, and may include whiplash, concussions, or skull fractures. Many victims will experience headaches, dizziness, vision problems, or problems with memory and concentration after an accident, while some may suffer blood clots (hematoma) or brain swelling that requires immediate medical intervention.
- Lacerations. The high force of impact will often shatter windows and windshields, sending glass and metal fragments into the passenger compartment. Victims may suffer cuts to their arms and faces due to plastic or metal shrapnel, resulting in blood loss and scarring.
- Internal injuries. Seatbelts can save lives in a head-on collision, but they can also exert a lot of force in order to keep the body in place. Opposing forces may fracture a victim’s pelvis or ribs, resulting in abdominal injuries such as organ perforation or rupture of the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Back injuries. The severity of impact in a collision can cause trauma to the spine, such as a herniated disc or cracked vertebra. Victims may have to remain completely immobile during healing and may have permanent limitations on sitting, standing, lifting, and other physical activities.
- Arm and finger injuries. Victims may use their arms to brace for impact, suffering fractures in their fingers, hands, or arms. These injuries may require several surgeries to implant metal pins or amputate fingers, often resulting in a loss of dexterity.
- Foot and leg injuries. A passenger’s feet may fly upward into the dashboard or front seat, causing broken bones, torn knee ligaments, or crush injuries that require amputation.
- Disfigurement. The deployment of an airbag or flying glass may cause facial injuries that require plastic surgery, while burns or scars can permanently alter a victim’s appearance.
- Paralysis. Trauma to the spinal cord can cause nerve damage, mobility problems, or permanent inability to move or feel the arms and legs. Paralysis may result in the inability to have children, live independently, or breathe without a ventilator.
- Death. Unfortunately, head-on crashes are likely to have fatal consequences for drivers and passengers.
For a free legal consultation, call (615) 807 7900
Collecting Damages for Costly Effects of a Head-On Crash
A head-on collision can cause significant financial and emotional suffering for victims and their families. However, insurance companies may offer settlements that are far lower than the amount the victim needs to put his or her life back together. For this reason, victims may need to file a personal injury claim to force an insurer to compensate them for the full range of their losses.
A car accident claim can give victims the ability to:
- Pay for medical costs. Victims may collect the full value of their past, current, and future medical bills for injuries that require ongoing medical care.
- Survive without working. In addition to any wages lost during recovery, victims may collect payment for any limitations their injuries have placed on their future earning potential.
- Prevent future accidents. An injury case can hold a negligent party liable for the mistake that led to the accident, giving victims the power to prevent these crashes from happening again.
- Move on with their lives. Relatives can collect any out-of-pocket expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and an amount for the physical pain and emotional suffering they have experienced due to the loss of a loved one.
If you’ve been hurt in a head-on collision, you will need the help of an experienced lawyer to receive the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. The injury lawyers at GriffithLaw are proud to provide initial consultations to victims free of charge, and we do not collect any legal fees until your case is resolved. Simply fill out the short contact form on this page or request a free copy of our book, The 10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With Your Tennessee Injury Case.
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