Understanding Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of car accidents due to the combined force of the vehicles involved.

Also known as frontal collisions, head-on car accidents occur when the front ends of two vehicles , traveling in the opposite direction, crash into each other at high speeds.

A head-on auto accident can happen on highways, rural roads, or urban areas.

Head-on collisions are not limited to just two vehicles.

The impact of this type of collision can still result in serious injuries or death, especially if the vehicle is traveling at high speeds.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reported that Missouri had 1,057 fatal crashes in 2022 and 990 in 2023.

These numbers include many head-on collisions that resulted in fatalities.

The Severity of Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions are known for their severity and potential for catastrophic outcomes.

When two vehicles collide head-on, the force of the impact is significantly greater than in other types of accidents, causing extreme physical trauma and devastating injuries and fatalities.

The severity of the injuries sustained in head-on collisions is often due to several factors, including:

• The Combined Speed of Both Vehicles: Head-on accidents often occur at high speeds, with both vehicles traveling toward each other at full speed.
  • The combined force of these vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries to the occupants.
• The Weight and Size of the Vehicles Involved: The size and weight of the automobiles involved in a head-on collision can also contribute to the severity of the accident.
  • Larger and heavier vehicles, such as trucks or SUVs, have more mass, creating more impact force upon collision.
• Lack of Safety Features: In some cases, one or both vehicles may lack proper safety features such as airbags or seat belts, making it more likely for the occupants to sustain serious injuries.
• The Angle of Impact: The angle at which the vehicles collide can also play a role in the severity of the accident. A head-on collision that occurs directly front-to-front will have a greater impact force than a glancing blow.
• Poor Road Conditions: Dangerous road conditions, such as icy or wet roads, can also contribute to the severity of a head-on collision by reducing vehicle control and increasing stopping distances.

Potential Consequences of Head-on Collisions

The consequences of head-on crashes can be life-altering.

Victims may suffer from severe physical injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, and internal injury.

Injuries may require extensive medical treatment, ongoing care, and rehabilitation, resulting in high medical bills and lost wages from time off work.

In addition to physical injuries, victims may also experience emotional and psychological trauma, which can be just as devastating.

The mental and emotional toll of a head-on collision can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other long-term psychological effects.

The financial impact of a head-on accident can be overwhelming for victims and their families.

The costs of medical treatment, property damage, and lost wages can quickly add up, leaving victims struggling to make ends meet.

In the unfortunate event of a fatality, families may carry the burden of funeral expenses and the loss of financial support from their loved ones.

Common Causes of Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions can occur for a variety of reasons.

Some of the most common causes of head-on crashes in St. Louis include:

• Wrong-Way Driving: When a driver enters a roadway in the wrong direction, they risk colliding head-on with oncoming traffic.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers distracted by their phones, passengers, food, or other causes are more likely to drift into oncoming lanes and cause head-on collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence: Drunk driving, or driving under the influence of drugs, significantly impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to stay in their lane.
• Fatigued Driving: Drivers who are tired or drowsy are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel or drift into oncoming traffic lanes.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, and other forms of reckless or aggressive driving put both the driver and others on the road at risk of a head-on collision.
• Improper Passing or Overtaking: Crossing a double yellow line to pass or overtake another vehicle unsafely can result in a head-on collision.
• Driver Confusion: Inexperienced or elderly drivers may become confused and accidentally enter a one-way street or a roadway on the wrong side, resulting in a head-on collision.
• Roadway Defects: Poorly designed or maintained roads can contribute to head-on collisions, especially if no barriers separate opposing lanes of traffic.
• Inclement Weather: Rain, snow, and other adverse weather conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see and maintain control of their vehicles, increasing the risk of a head-on collision.
• Inadequate Signage: Missing or obscured traffic signs can lead to confusion for drivers and increase the risk of head-on collisions.
• Failure To Obey Traffic Signals and Signs: Running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield the right of way, and other traffic violations can result in head-on collisions.
• Vehicle Malfunctions or Defects: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and other vehicle malfunctions can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and collide head-on with oncoming traffic.

According to MoDOT, the most common characteristics of fatal crashes in 2022 include:

• Aggressive Driving: 513 fatalities
• Run Off-Road: 405 fatalities
• Intersection: 392 fatalities
• Unrestrained Occupants: 380 fatalities
• Curves: 288 fatalities
• Alcohol and Other Drugs: 173 fatalities
• Distracted Driving: 83 fatalities

Only 87% of observed drivers and front-seat passengers use seat belts in Missouri in 2022.

This rate means that 13% of people were not wearing seat belts, significantly increasing their risk of severe injuries and fatalities in head-on collisions.

Preventing Head-on Collisions

While head-on collisions can be devastating, there are steps that drivers can take to help prevent these types of accidents.

Steps to prevent head-on collisions include:

• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions while driving and pay attention to the road. Refrain from using your phone, eating, or engaging in other activities while operating a vehicle.
• Follow Traffic Signs and Signals: Obeying traffic signs and signals, including speed limits, can help prevent head-on collisions. Also, wear a seatbelt at all times to increase your chances of survival in the event of an accident.
• Never Drive Under the Influence: Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and always have a designated driver if you plan on drinking.
• Take Breaks When Needed: Pull over and take a break if you feel tired or sleepy while driving. It is not worth risking your life and the lives of others on the road.
• Watch for Wrong-Way Drivers: Be on the lookout for drivers who may be entering your lane from the wrong direction. If you see a driver heading toward you in the wrong direction, try to safely pull over to the side of the road or avoid them if possible.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular vehicle maintenance can help prevent malfunctions that could lead to a head-on collision.
• Drive Defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards on the road. Watch out for other drivers who may be driving recklessly or aggressively.
• Take Care in Inclement Weather: Reduce your speed and maintain a safe following distance when driving in adverse weather conditions.

Injuries Resulting From Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Some of the most common head-on crash injuries can include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head trauma from a head-on collision can cause traumatic brain injuries, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other neurological deficits. In severe cases, a head injury can result in permanent brain damage or even death.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a head-on crash can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in loss of motor function or partial or complete paralysis. These types of injuries can be permanent and significantly impact a victim’s quality of life.
• Broken Bones: The force of a head-on collision can cause multiple fractures throughout the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and skull. These injuries often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation to heal fully.
• Internal Injuries: Head-on collisions can cause damage to internal organs, leading to bleeding, ruptures, and other serious injuries that may require surgery. These life-threatening complications can be complex to detect and treat, making them even more dangerous.
• Amputations: In severe head-on collisions, victims may suffer injuries that result in the loss of limbs. Losing a limb can have significant physical and emotional consequences for a victim, requiring long-term care and adjustments to daily life.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, strains, and sprains are common soft tissue injuries in head-on collisions. While these traumas may not seem as severe as other injuries, they can still cause significant pain and discomfort for victims.
• Emotional Trauma: Surviving a head-on collision can also cause emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These mental health conditions can significantly impact a person’s overall well-being and may require therapy or other forms of treatment.

Long-Term Impacts of Head-on Collisions

The long-term impacts of head-on collisions extend far beyond the initial accident.

Some of the potential long-term effects of head-on collisions can include:

• Extensive Treatments: Victims may face years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy to recover from their injuries. These treatments can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining for victims and their families.
• Chronic Pain: Depending on the type and severity of injuries sustained in a head-on collision, victims may experience chronic pain that requires ongoing medical treatment.
• Permanent Disabilities: Some head-on collision injuries can result in permanent disabilities, such as paralysis or amputations, significantly impacting a person’s ability to work and perform daily tasks.
• Loss of Income: Injuries from a head-on collision can prevent victims from returning to work, resulting in lost wages and income.
• Reduced Quality of Life: Severe injuries or disabilities resulting from a head-on collision can significantly impact a victim’s daily life. They may no longer be able to engage in hobbies, participate in activities with loved ones, or perform tasks they once took for granted.
• Mental Health Struggles: Surviving a traumatic accident like a head-on collision can lead to long-term mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. These conditions can be challenging to manage and may require ongoing therapy or medication.
• Financial Burdens: Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from a head-on collision can quickly add up, causing significant financial strain for victims and their families.

The long-term impacts of a head-on collision can be devastating and may require significant support from loved ones, healthcare providers, and legal professionals to overcome.

Legal Assistance for Head-on Crash Victims

Navigating the legal process after a head-on collision can be daunting, especially while coping with injuries and emotional trauma.

A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can make all the difference.

A skilled attorney can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the legal process and advocating for your best interests.

An expert head-on collision attorney knows the nuances of head-on collision cases and can help victims recover compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

With their knowledge and experience, they can advocate for fair compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

The Role of a St. Louis Head-on Collision Lawyer

A St. Louis head-on collision attorney brings specialized expertise to your case, understanding the nuances of head-on collision claims and fighting tirelessly for your rights.

A St. Louis head-on collision attorney helps in several ways, including:

• Investigating and Gathering Evidence: A St. Louis head-on collision lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to support your injury claim. They will work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlement offers to injury victims. A St. Louis head-on collision attorney can deal with the other driver and their insurance company on your behalf, fighting for fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Pursuing Compensation Through Litigation: A skilled head-on collision lawyer can take your case to court and argue for fair compensation before a judge or jury. They will help ensure that the at-fault driver is held accountable for their actions and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

TorHoerman Law: Expert Car Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been involved in a head-on collision in St. Louis, don’t wait to seek legal advice.

TorHoerman Law is a leading personal injury law firm with extensive experience in car accident cases, including head-on collisions.

Our expert attorneys will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

We will do everything in our power to hold the responsible party accountable and help you on your road to recovery.

Contact us for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the head-on collision lawsuit instantly.