Chattanooga Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision is also called a frontal collision because the front of one vehicle strikes the front end of another vehicle. Frontal collisions may result from improper passing, excessive speed, bad weather, driver fatigue, or a number of other reasons. One common factor in most frontal collisions though is that at least one, if not both, of the vehicles will suffer severe property damage and bodily injuries. This is due to the nature and force of the impact.

Injuries commonly suffered in head-on crashes include facial injuries. Broken facial bones may result from the driver hitting his or her face on the steering wheel. If airbags deploy, the driver or passenger may suffer contusions, lacerations, or burns from the airbag. Broken glass from the windshield or personal property items such as cell phones or books may also hit the driver in his or her face. In some cases, this can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Back and spine injuries are also common in frontal collision accidents. The sudden stop can cause discs in the spine to rupture. This sudden stop can also cause neck or shoulder injuries, such as whiplash or even torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Abdominal and chest injuries are common as the driver may hit the steering wheel or be injured by the force of the seatbelt. Foot and leg injuries, such as ACL damage or broken bones in the leg or ankle, also occur frequently due to the force of head-on collisions.

Many times the at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to quickly settle your claim by offering you a nominal amount of money and having you sign a full and final release of your bodily injury claim in return. The insurance adjusters know that auto accidents often place a significant financial strain on you because you may not be able to work due to your injuries or because you are without a vehicle. They are hoping that you will settle for less than your claim is worth because you need the money so badly.

If you settle your claim right after the accident happens, you will not be able to come back to the insurance company at a later time and request more compensation, even if you learn that your injuries are more severe than you immediately thought. Before settling your claim, you should seek the counsel of a knowledgeable car accident attorney in the Chattanooga area. Your lawyer can work to get you the compensation you deserve, based on your losses. These may include medical and prescription expenses, lost wages, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life, among others.