Even though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recognizes that the use of airbags and seat belts has decreased the danger of automobile accidents by 61%, head-on collisions still result in numerous injuries and fatalities each year. Many head-on collisions leave accident victims facing complications that significantly disrupt the quality of their lives.
What are Head-On Collisions?
Head-on collisions occur when the front end of one vehicle collides with the front end of another vehicle. When these types of car accidents happen, severe injuries including paralysis and even fatalities can occur. In many head-on collisions, the involved vehicles are traveling at significant speeds, which leads to substantial damage.
Common Injuries Due to Head-On Collisions
Common injuries suffered in head-on collisions include the following:
- Abdominal injuries: In these situations, internal organs including the liver and spleen can be damaged.
- Chest injuries: A person’s chest and ribcage can be damaged by the force of a seatbelt as well as the body slamming into the steering wheel, the force of the air bag, or other types of sudden force.
- Foot and leg injuries: Lower extremity injuries commonly result from head-on collisions. Because a person’s feet and legs are one of the first areas struck in an accident, they commonly absorb much of the impact. Some of the most common leg injuries include broken bones, crushed legs, and torn ligaments.
- Head trauma: When a person’s head is thrown around in a head-on collision, it is common to end up experiencing injury. If a person’s head strikes a steering wheel or significant speeds are involved in the crash, the resulting damage can be worse.
- Neck injuries: A large number of head-on collisions result in neck injuries, which can make it difficult to complete even the most basic daily activity.
- Spinal cord injuries: The significant force of head-on collisions can lead to a person facing various spinal cord injuries including cracked vertebrae, herniated discs, and nerve damage.
- Whiplash: Due to the force of head-on collisions, many victims end up experiencing whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a person’s head and neck are whipped back suddenly and can end up straining a person’s ligaments and muscles. Some of the symptoms commonly experienced with whiplash include dizziness, headaches, numbness, pain, and stiffness.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Although motor vehicle makers have introduced a number of techniques to reduce the severity of head-on collisions, these accidents can still result in serious physical injuries as well as fatalities. If you are involved in a head-on collision and another party is responsible, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. Contact an experienced car accident attorney at Kruger & Hodges today.
