A head-on car collision, also known as a frontal collision, occurs when two vehicles collide front-to-front. Typically, head-on car crashes occur between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. The accident is often the result of one vehicle veering across the median into oncoming traffic. Common causes of head-on collisions include distracted driving, speeding, and driving while fatigued.
Although head-on collisions do not happen very often, they often result in catastrophic injuries.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head-on collisions were responsible for 3,651 fatalities and 80,000 injuries in 2018. Altogether, head-on collisions constitute only 2% of all accidents, they accounted for 10.8% of all traffic-related deaths. When compared to other types of accidents, experts state that head-on collisions bring about significant injuries due to the direct impact on the parties. Unlike side-swipe accidents or rear-end collisions, the vehicle does not absorb the majority of the impact during a head-on collision. Instead, the majority of the impact is felt by the drivers.
Common Injuries Associated with Head-On Collisions
There are numerous types of injuries associated with head-on collisions. Such injuries include trauma to the head and neck. However, the severity of the crash depends on the speed at which the vehicles were traveling when the impact occurred.
Whiplash
The most common injury associated with a head-on collision is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the injured party’s head and neck are thrust forward upon impact while the body is held in place by the seat belt. Whiplash can vary in severity and last anywhere from one month to several years. Common symptoms of whiplash include dizziness, weakening of the body, and headaches. Furthermore, the injured party may have pain in their head, neck, back, and shoulders. Although often overlooked as trivial, whiplash is a serious injury that must be treated with the help of a medical professional.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an individual suffers a significant head injury. Traumatic brain injuries can occur when the brain is damaged through direct or indirect contact. For example, a direct injury can occur when an individual’s head strikes the dashboard or after the vehicle’s airbags are deployed. Furthermore, indirect injury can occur when the brain is jostled inside the skull upon impact. Indirect injuries are especially dangerous as they are often overlooked because the individual has no visible wounds. If you have been involved in a car accident it is vital you consult with a medical professional as traumatic brain injuries present differently and include a wide array of physical and psychological symptoms.
Spinal Cord Injury
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines a spinal cord injury as damage to the ball of cells and nerves that send messages to the brain. A spinal cord injury results from a direct injury to the spinal cord. In addition, the spinal cord may be injured indirectly when the vertebrae are damaged. Significant injury to the spinal cord can result in complete or partial paralysis, depending upon the severity and location of the injury to the spine. Head-on collisions often result in catastrophic injuries as the body absorbs the force of the impact.
Hire an Attorney Who Specializes in Head-On Collisions
At TonaLaw, we understand the pain and difficulties our clients go through after they have been injured. Whether your injury is the result of another’s negligence or a workplace injury, we can help you recover medical costs, lost income, and most importantly, peace of mind.
With over twenty years of experience, our office is familiar with the deceitful tactics insurance companies utilize so they can pay you less than you deserve. However, at TonaLaw, our clients know their attorney is working tirelessly to get them the settlement they deserve.
For these reasons, you need a New York personal injury attorney who will ensure you receive compensation for your injuries. For legal services ranging from personal injury and no-fault collections to business litigation, call TonaLaw toll-free today at 1(833) TONALAW or text 1 (631) 780-5355.
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