Head on Car Accidents

By: Deutschmann Personal Injury & Disability Law (Lawyers) | Published 01/18/2021

Head on car collisions are the most serious kind of car accident. In this kind of collision, the cars hit each other dead on. This means that all of the energy from the momentum of the two cars is transferred into the front of the cars. In effect the force of the impact is double what it would be if you hit a stationary object like a tree or bridge abutment.

In a head on collision the driver and front seat passengers are very vulnerable to injury. Not only does the body have to withstand the sudden impact, but the vehicles will be severely damaged. Parts of cars may come through the windshield, and the crushing of the cars can injure and trap you inside the vehicle. When this happens it takes much longer for firefighters to get you out of the car and into the ambulance. The delay in getting medical care can increase the seriousness of injuries.

Being trapped in a car can also increase your chances of being burned or subjected to noxious gases. Depending on your location (a rural accident with long first responder response times) can mean that helpful witnesses on the scene get you out of immediate danger but in the process of saving your life your injuries may be made worse as well.

Head on collisions can result from a variety of causes. The most common reason is the loss of control.

Loss of control may occur due to:

excessive speed,
distracted driving,
impaired driving,
driving while tired or falling asleep,
careless or reckless driving or road racing,
road conditions (ice and snow),
serving to avoid wildlife or wildlife strikes
mechanical failure (blowouts)

While some causes of losing control of a vehicle may seem to be random events, most are due to driver negligence.

The injuries caused by head on collisions are often extremely severe and life-altering. Although they are the same kinds of injuries as you might find in any other accident, the injuries are usually severe and life threatening. Typical injuries include multiple fractures to the face, neck, skull, hip, wrists, arms, legs and feet. Spinal and rib fractures are also common.

Head injuries often include deep tissue wounds and brain injuries and can result in long term catastrophic conditions. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis and nerve damage. Eye damage and loss of vision can occur from head trauma as well.

Any one of these injuries is serious but when they occur together in a car accident they are life threatening and extremely painful. Recovery can take months or even years and may never be complete. Many people are never able to return to full employment, or they must retrain to another type of career to accommodate their long term condition.

Emotional trauma is also common. Many people suffer from PTSD and psychological injuries as a result of their accident.

Physical disfigurement, limb loss and scarring are also common in severe accidents.

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a head on collision you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. There is compensation for many of the damages that result from the accident and expenses for long term hospital bills, medications, therapies, surgery and rehab. You may also qualify for psychological and psychiatric treatment.

Other benefits you may qualify for include income replacement benefits, caregiver benefits, and housekeeping.

Depending on the severity of your injuries you may also be eligible for re-training or compensation for the loss of future earnings.

If your loved one dies of their injuries you may qualify for benefits for loss of support or companionship.

There are other benefits you may qualify for as well, but without a good personal injury lawyer working for you and representing your best interests, you may not receive what you need to recover fully and keep your family going. Don’t face your situation alone. Call Deutschmann Personal Injury and Disability Law for your free initial consultation.