A head-on collision describes a motor vehicle accident where the front ends of two vehicles collide with each other while traveling in opposite directions. This type of car accident is often catastrophic, meaning it inflicts a high level of damage on those involved. Car accident attorneys in Pittsburgh explain several key issues which contribute to the dangers of head-on collisions.
High Collision Force
When two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide head-on, they exert their combined kinetic energy or force into the cabs of both. In other words, head-on collisions take place at the force of both vehicles’ combined inertia. The faster the two vehicles are traveling, the worse the car accident will be.
Two vehicles traveling at 60 and 80 miles per hour, for example, would collide with the same force as one vehicle crashing into a wall at 140 miles per hour. This is why head-on collisions are so dangerous (and often deadly) for motor vehicle occupants.
A vehicle’s safety features are generally not enough to prevent serious injury in a head-on collision. Airbags and seat belts cannot effectively cushion the body in an accident that occurs with great force. This is especially true if one of the vehicles involved is small and the other is large; the smaller car will sustain more damage because it has less kinetic energy.
Extreme Structural Damage
Head-on collisions often result in a high level of damage to both vehicles. The front ends of both cars will most likely get crushed or crumpled. The windshields and other windows may shatter. The vehicle may sustain extreme structural damage, which can limit the ability of vehicle safety features to effectively protect occupants from harm. Debris can also fly through the air, causing injuries such as severe lacerations.
Catastrophic Injuries
The mechanics of a head-on car accident typically cause severe to catastrophic injuries, or injuries that will impact the victim for the rest of his or her life. Examples include spinal cord injuries, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, internal injuries, the loss of an important bodily function, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Increased Risk of Death
Head-on collisions are not the most common type of auto accident, but they account for about 14 percent of all fatal car accidents in the U.S. each year. This demonstrates the severe nature of these accidents compared to other types of collisions. Between 2016 and 2018, 15,744 deaths were connected to head-on collisions. This accounted for 27.4 percent of all roadway departure accident deaths in this time period.
Greater Losses Suffered
Catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania typically involve greater damages suffered by the plaintiff (filing party). For this reason, more financial compensation is generally available. While no amount of money can take back a traumatic head-on collision, securing a just financial recovery can make it easier for a victim to move on.
Contact an Attorney for Assistance With Your Head-On Collision Case
It is essential for someone who gets involved in a head-on collision to discuss an insurance claim with a head-on car accident attorney in Pittsburgh before accepting a fast insurance settlement. If the victim accepts less than he or she deserves, the case cannot be reopened.
If you or a loved one sustained a catastrophic injury, for example, a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer can ensure you are treated fairly by an insurer and recover a reasonable amount in financial damages. To learn more about how to handle a head-on collision claim in Pennsylvania, contact Dallas W. Hartman P.C., Attorneys at Law for a free case evaluation.