Some two percent of all automobile accidents in the United States are head-on collisions. This type of collision is also the deadliest; ten percent of all fatalities which result from a car accident are from head-on collisions. Should there be survivors in such a traumatic accident it is likely they will be left with extremely serious injuries. In many cases these injuries can cause permanent disability and, at a minimum, can be life-changing. Head-on collisions generally happen at higher rates of speed, on highways and freeways. This means that when two automobiles traveling at 60 mph or more collide, it’s a sure bet there will be significant levels of physical and property damage in the aftermath.

What Causes Head-On Collisions?

Most often a sudden lane departure by one of the vehicles is responsible for a head-on collision. These lane departures can be a result of an impaired driver, a distracted driver, a fatigued driver who nods off at the wheel, passing in an unsafe manner, or inclement weather conditions. Drivers who ignore safety warnings regarding cell phones can be responsible for head-on collisions as they carelessly text or talk on the phone rather than keeping their attention on the road. Negligent drivers my disregard traffic signs or signals driving down a posted one-way street. Most head-on collisions actually occur on more rural two-lane roads when one impatient driver attempts to pass in a no-passing zone. Although the latest safety features such as airbags, seatbelts and vehicle crumple zones have reduced the number of deaths resulting from head-on collisions, there is a limit to their overall effectiveness due to the extreme forces involved.

Head-On Collision Injuries

Those who survive head-on collisions could suffer a myriad of serious or potentially life-threatening injuries ranging from fractures, head trauma, spinal cord injuries which could lead to paralysis, severe burns, disfiguration and internal injuries. Those who suffer facial lacerations could deal with substantial scarring, requiring multiple surgeries over a period of months or years. Soft tissues damage could result or more catastrophic injuries. Rehabilitative therapy may be necessary and brain injuries could result in permanent personality changes or the necessity of a caretaker for the remainder of the victim’s life. Any of these injuries can bring astronomical levels of medical expenses that even those with health insurance are simply unable to pay. It is highly likely that the victim of a head-on collision will be off work at least for a period of time and probably for an extended period or permanently. This means the victim and his or her family must deal with medical bills they are unable to pay, lost wages and the physical and mental consequences of the accident.

The Science of a Head-On Collision

The majority of the time two cars colliding front-to-front will cause more damage than a rear-end accident or a side-impact accident. If you have the kind of brain that wonders why this is so, take a look at the formula Sir Isaac Newton developed which explains why head-on collisions are normally so much more devastating. If force = mass x acceleration, you can properly assume that the greater the force, the more serious the damage. Force is any particular change in momentum whether it is front to back or side-to-side. When automobiles collide in a sideways manner, the impact is more even distributed between all four sides of the car—and the people inside. A head-on collision offers no such distribution of impact, meaning the passengers will be subject to the entirety of the impact force.

Why You Need an Attorney

If you’ve been in a head-on auto accident, who will advocate on your behalf to ensure your health and financial interests are protected? There will likely be complex legal issues surrounding such an accident and it is extremely important that you have an experienced attorney in your corner who specializes in these types of personal injury claims. Don’t simply hope that all will work out for the best; call a knowledgeable attorney who will ensure your medical bills are covered and that you are not taken advantage of by a greedy insurance company. Give yourself the time you need to heal from your injuries and deal with the changes to your life while your attorney deals with the legal challenges.