All road traffic collisions can be serious, but head-on collisions are generally the most devastating in terms of injuries and fatalities. This is especially the case when vehicles travel at high speeds.
Below are some important points to consider.
High impact
In a head-on collision, two vehicles collide directly with each other, usually at high speeds. This results in a tremendous amount of force. The combined speed of both cars makes the impact far greater than a rear-end or side-swipe crash. Essentially, the force of the crash is doubled.
Even with seatbelts and airbags, this force can still cause severe damage to the car’s structure and the people inside.
Direct impact on the body
When vehicles collide head-on, the impact is concentrated on the front of the car. This means that the occupants of both vehicles are at risk of being thrown forward with force. Common injuries include fractured ribs, head trauma and internal injuries. The likelihood of serious injury in a head-on crash is higher because the human body isn’t designed to withstand such force.
Limited reaction time
Many collisions can be avoided with fast reaction times. Drivers have the opportunity to brake or safely swerve out of the way. With head-on collisions, this isn’t the case. Drivers have next to no time to react, making it nearly impossible to avoid the crash.
Not all head-on collisions are fatal, but they do usually result in significant injuries. If an injury has impacted your long-term health, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. Seeking legal guidance will help you establish whether or not the other driver was negligent.