A head-on crash is one of the worst. In a head-on collision, the two vehicles hit while traveling forward toward one another. This multiplies the force involved in the collision. Even if one vehicle is parked or moving slowly at the time of the crash, the nature of this type of collision means that certain serious injuries are more likely.
Head-on crashes can happen for many reasons. Some of the more common times for head-on crashes to happen are when:
- A driver goes over the center line and into oncoming traffic
- A driver turns into the wrong lane or into one-way traffic heading the opposite direction
- A driver makes a turn that is too wide, colliding with vehicles in a perpendicular lane
In all of these cases, it’s important for the victims of the crashes to have the opportunity to pursue compensation. Head-on crashes are likely to cause significant injuries, some of which may include:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries/brain injuries
- Broken wrists/hands where they were holding the wheel
- Crushing injuries to the legs
Why are these injuries more likely in head-on collisions?
These injuries are more likely because of the angle of the impact. For example, when you hit another vehicle head-on, the sudden stop is more likely to throw you forward and to cause whiplash.
The front of a vehicle is often designed to crumple and absorb force, but that means that the driver’s or passenger’s legs could be crushed or injured in the collision. Similarly, the sudden force of stopping in a head-on crash can break bones in the hands and wrists when drivers are holding the wheel.
It is believed that there are three collisions in every crash, even if there is only one vehicular collision. These collisions — one involving the vehicle, the body and the internal organs — all cause serious harm. The first crash is what stops your vehicle, but the second is what stops your body. The third involves the organs, which may continue to move even after your body stops.
These forces combined are likely to cause serious injuries and may lead to death. If you’re involved in a serious crash, remember that you can work to hold the other party responsible for their actions.