All car accidents are frightening and potentially dangerous. There are, however, certain types of car crashes that are notorious for causing particularly serious, and often life-threatening injuries. For instance, head-on collisions tend to have especially devastating consequences for those involved, many of whom suffer from permanent disability as a result of their injuries. Collecting compensation from the at-fault parties who cause these types of crashes is critical, so if you were involved in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligent conduct, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and get you started on the road to recovery.
Common Causes
Head-on car crashes can happen at any time that two vehicles are traveling in opposing directions. Specifically, most tend to occur when one car crosses the centerline and strikes an oncoming vehicle. Many people assume that this only occurs when one driver is attempting to pass a slower driver on the left, but does not do so in time to avoid the vehicle traveling in the other direction. However, the reality is that most fatal head-on collisions are the result of one driver accidentally drifting out of his or her own lane because he or she:
- Fell asleep at the wheel;
- Was inebriated;
- Was taking part in a distracting activity that took his or her eyes off of the road; and
- Was speeding or otherwise driving recklessly.
These decisions can have far-reaching consequences, as the injuries sustained in these kinds of crashes tend to be particularly severe, largely because they often occur at high speeds. This is usually due to the fact that the distracted driver is unaware of the impending danger until it is too late to address the situation by braking or swerving.
Typical Injuries
Because head-on collisions often occur at high speeds, the occupants are more likely to suffer from catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries resulting from the head suffering a heavy blow, usually against the steering wheel or window;
- Spinal cord damage caused by a forceful impact causing the vertebrae to fracture, the pieces of which then pierce the spinal cord itself;
- Burns caused by exploding gas tanks or airbags.
- Broken ribs, sternum, and facial bones caused by coming into contact with the seat belt, airbag, or dashboard at a high rate of speed;
- Crushed legs and hips, which are often the result of a car’s occupants becoming trapped beneath crash debris; and
- Internal organ damage caused by the force of the impact.
Injuries of this severity are not only painful, but difficult and expensive to treat. Many injured parties are also required to take time off from work in order to rehabilitate. Fortunately, when injured parties can demonstrate that a crash was caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent conduct, they are eligible to collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer Today
To speak with a dedicated Philadelphia personal injury attorney about your own case, please contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim by calling (215) 486-0123 or by initiating a live chat with a member of our legal team. We are ready to help you today.
Resources:
safety.transportation.org/htmlguides/HOcrashes/exec_sum.htm
cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html