Injuries from Head-on Collisions in a Car Accident
Injuries from head-on collisions can require lengthy recovery periods, which can cause emotional and financial strain. Should you or someone you love have been involved in a head-on collision, speak with a Houston, Texas attorney. At the Holladay Law Firm, we can help you obtain compensation for the injuries you sustained in a head-on collision.
Each year, it’s estimated that a whopping 1.3 million people die from being involved in an auto accident. Although only 2 percent of car accidents are head-on collisions, approximately 10 percent of them account for auto accident fatalities. Additionally, about 70,000 people involved in head-on collisions in the U.S. sustain injuries.
Three Common Reasons Why Head-on Collisions Occur
Head-on collisions can be devastating. Below we have briefly spoken about three of the most common reasons head-on collisions occur:
- Fatigue: Often, a head-on collision occurs because a driver was drowsy or fell asleep. Driver fatigue happens more often than you might think, especially with truck drivers who have to travel long hours.
- Impaired driving: You might already know this, but impaired driving is one of the biggest causes of head-on collisions. The consumption of alcohol and drugs causes disorientation and impairs driver judgment, leading to severe accidents.
- Distracted driving: Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in the U.S., including head-on collisions. For example, drivers who are distracted by their phones easily miss road signs, which leads to collisions.
The Common Injuries Sustained During Head-on Collisions
We looked at why head-on accidents occur, let’s look into the common injuries from this type of Auto accident. If you have suffered any of these injuries during a head-on collision accident, you could initiate a lawsuit.
Common Injuries During a Head-on Collision:
- Head Injuries: It is common for a person to hit their head on a dashboard, steering wheel, or windscreen during this type of accident. When this occurs, many suffer head injuries ranging from a simple concussion to a traumatic brain injury.
- Facial injuries: During a head-on collision, facial injuries are prevalent. Even if an airbag deploys, victims can suffer various injuries to their eye sockets, cheekbones, jawbones, and chin. When a head-on accident occurs, a victim’s face is often smashed into the dashboard or other hard objects in the vehicle, which is why these injuries occur.
- Internal injuries: Another category of injury that is relatively common among those involved in a head-on collision is internal injuries. This can include internal organ damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. Often these injuries will cause internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
- Back and spinal injuries: Since head-on collisions cause extreme force upon impact, back and spinal injuries occur frequently. More serious back and spinal cord injuries include paralysis, torn muscles and ligaments, herniated discs, and fractures. Back and neck injuries are often one of the most severe types of injuries because they can take months to heal, and a person might never gain full function again.
- Whiplash: During a head-on collision, it’s common for a person’s head and neck to move forward while their body stays in one position. This leads to whiplash injuries. Depending on how severe the accident was, a persons’ neck and shoulders can forcefully twist, which can cause the neck tendons, ligaments, and muscles to stretch and tear.
Get In Contact With A Houston Texas Personal Injury Attorney Today To Discuss Your Head-On Collision
When you have been injured in a head-on collision, you’re going to need to collect evidence to prove that you deserve compensation. A Houston, Texas, personal injury attorney from the Holladay Law Firm can help you get the proof you need and build a case that could help you recover damages.
Our firm is committed to helping our clients along each step of their legal journey to justice. When you are ready for a consultation, you can call us at 1-800-900-3319 or contact us here to schedule an appointment.