Most Common Injuries Resulting from Head-on Collisions

Head on collision along the highway.

Head-on collisions are some of the deadliest car accidents. They happen when the front end of one vehicle strikes the front of an oncoming car, often at high speeds. The tremendous force generated in frontal crashes means that few people escape without serious or catastrophic injuries.

Recovering from injuries suffered in a head-on collision often involves extensive medical treatment, missed time from work, and long-term rehabilitation. There may be no guarantees for a full recovery. Fortunately, Arizona law allows you to seek compensation for your losses if someone else is responsible for the crash that injured you.

Learning your legal options is the first step. Reach out to an experienced Sun City car accident attorney at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. today. We demand justice for clients injured in accidents throughout the Phoenix Metro area. Our accomplished attorneys will fight for maximum compensation for your losses so that you have the resources you need, both now and in the future.

You need accurate, honest, and clear guidance after a head-on collision. You’ll get it with us. Call or contact us today for a consultation.

What Are Some Common Injuries Resulting From Head-on Collisions?

Every head-on accident is dangerous because of the power and momentum involved in the collision. When two vehicles strike each other, their combined size and weight create a brutal force upon impact. Drivers and passengers often sustain severe and life-threatening injuries, such as:

Whiplash

Commonly thought to result from rear-end accidents, whiplash is a neck injury also seen in head-on collisions. During a frontal collision, an occupant’s head travels forward and then snaps back in rapid succession. Soft tissue damage, nerve injuries, and chronic pain may plague the victim for years to come. Symptoms of whiplash may not emerge until days after an accident. See a doctor as soon as possible for treatment.

Back and spinal cord injuries

The impact of a head-on collision can easily damage back muscles, as well as the discs and nerves running throughout the spinal column. Back injuries may leave accident victims with a long-term loss of mobility and disabling pain.

In addition, spinal cord trauma can cause partial or complete paralysis below the injury site. These catastrophic injuries are typically life-altering because there’s only a limited amount that doctors can do to repair the damage. While modern medicine can provide support and care, a severed spinal cord results in permanent changes to a victim’s life.

Blunt-force trauma

In a head-on crash, it’s common for drivers and passengers to strike the structures inside of the vehicle. Being propelled into the steering column, dashboard, windows, or loose objects in the cabin may cause broken bones, internal bleeding, and damage to vital organs. While safety equipment like seatbelts and airbags can lessen the severity of blunt-force injuries, there are no guarantees in a head-on collision.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Not all head injuries cause brain damage. However, head-on collision victims who suffer traumatic brain injuries may never fully regain the quality of life they had before the accident.  Symptoms of a TBI include loss of consciousness, coma, headaches, speech impairment, memory loss, behavioral changes, and motor problems.

A TBI may not show up on X-rays or CT scans right away. It’s not uncommon for symptoms to appear hours or even days after the crash. If you were cleared by a doctor after an accident but then experience symptoms of a brain injury, go to an emergency room immediately.

Broken bones

Broken bones frequently happen in head-on collisions. Complex fractures may require surgery and a painful rehabilitation period. Even then, the worst fractures may result in long-term disabilities that interfere with an individual’s ability to work and enjoy life.

Chest injuries

Head-on collisions force vehicles to come to a stop. While most vehicles are designed with “crumple zones” to minimize the severity of injuries, even the strongest structural features may not be enough to prevent chest trauma. A chest injury may come from an occupant’s impact with objects inside the vehicle or from being crushed by outside forces.

Internal organ damage

When a person’s body comes to a sudden stop after a head-on collision, their vital organs may be torn, punctured, or pushed out of place. That could mean life-threatening internal damage and bleeding without prompt treatment.

Burns

Flammable liquids that leak after head-on crashes can cause devastating thermal and chemical burns to unconscious or trapped victims inside a flaming car. Catastrophic burns may require repeated skin grafts over a person’s lifetime and leave victims with complications such as infection, blood clots, joint problems, scarring, and psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

Scarring

In an accident, flying objects and jagged edges can result in deep cuts and bleeding. Even if first responders can quickly close the wounds, victims may live with disfiguring scars that cause physical and mental anguish.

Facial and dental damage

A victim’s face may take a severe blow in a head-on collision. The result can be disfigurement, blindness, teeth and jaw damage, and broken facial bones. Doctors can work to restore appearance and function, but these procedures are complicated and expensive. Facial injuries can leave victims with pain and disruptions that can hinder them for years.

Talk to a Phoenix Head-On Collision Lawyer Now

Taking prompt action will strengthen your case for compensation after a head-on collision. Get the Phoenix car accident lawyers at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. on your side. Our proven team of trial lawyers push aggressively for maximum compensation to reimburse your losses and account for future expenses. We know there’s nothing more important than your case and what you’re going through right now. You can rely on us to support you and your case from start to finish.

For a consultation, call us or contact us online now.

Visit Our Phoenix Head-on Collision Accident Law Offices

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About the Author

Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive…