What Happens to Your Body During a Head-On Collision? 

A head-on collision is one of the most violent car accidents. The force of two vehicles crashing directly into each other can be life changing.

What happens to your body during a head-on collision? Most people will suffer serious injuries. And unfortunately, many more will never return home to their loved ones.

Let’s look at how a human body responds to this type of accident.

The Moment of Impact

Imagine driving down the Dan Ryan or Lakeshore Drive, and suddenly, everything changes instantly. You see a vehicle but have no time to react. At the moment of impact, your car comes to a sudden stop.

Newton’s First Law of Motion tells us that an object in motion stays in motion unless something stops it. In this case, that might be your seatbelt, airbag, or even parts of the car like the dashboard or steering wheel.

If two cars traveling at 40 mph each collide, it is like hitting a stationary wall at 80 mph. Your body is thrown forward with that same energy until something stops it.

How Safety Features Help and Hurt

Your seatbelt is the first line of defense. It keeps you from being ejected from the car or slamming into the windshield. But that restraint comes at a price.

The force of the seat belt locking into place can leave you with bruises across your chest and shoulders. In more serious cases, it can crack your ribs or even damage internal organs like your liver or spleen.

If your car has airbags, they’re designed to cushion your body and reduce the risk of head injuries. But that sudden deployment can leave you with burns, cuts, or even broken bones in your face or arms.

Injuries to the Head and Neck

Your head and neck take the brunt of the force during a collision. The sudden stop causes your head to whip forward and then back. That is known as whiplash.

This jerking motion can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments in your neck. That can leave you in pain for weeks or even months.

Along with that, there is the risk of head injuries. If your head hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, it can lead to a concussion or even a more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even a mild concussion can leave you feeling dizzy, confused, or nauseous for days.

What Happens to Your Chest?

If you’re wearing a seatbelt, most of the force during the crash will be absorbed by your chest. This can result in bruised or broken ribs. Sometimes, that can make it hard to breathe. Also, a broken rib can puncture a lung. That could result in a collapsed lung or internal bleeding.

Your heart is also at risk. The impact can bruise your heart muscle, causing cardiac contusion. If left untreated, it can cause irregular heart rhythms or even heart failure.

The Abdomen and Pelvis Can Suffer Trauma

The lower part of your body can also suffer from the forces of a head-on collision. Your seatbelt can press so hard against your abdomen that it damages internal organs like your stomach, intestines, or kidneys.

Your pelvis is another vulnerable area. If your knees are forced into the dashboard during the crash, it can lead to pelvic fractures. These often require surgery and months of physical therapy to recover.

Spinal Injuries Are Possible

The violent jolt of a head-on collision places stress on your spine. You might feel pain in your back immediately, or it could show up days later. In serious cases, the crash can fracture your vertebrae or even damage your spinal cord.

Even if the injury is not catastrophic, you could end up with a herniated disc. This condition results in long-term pain or numbness in your arms and legs.

Legs and Feet Are Vulnerable

Your legs are at risk during a head-on collision, especially if the front of the car crumples inward. The dashboard or steering column can crush your knees, shatter your femur, or leave you with severe injuries to your feet and ankles.

The Emotional Toll

Not just your body takes a hit during this traumatic car collision. Many people experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident. You might find yourself reliving the crash or even avoiding driving.

Fatalities

Unfortunately, head-on collisions are extremely deadly. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, these instances result in 14 percent of all U.S. traffic fatalities each year.

With the force of impact, many people do not survive the injuries suffered in the crash.

Other Drivers Can Cause Head-On Collisions

After a car accident, many people suffer immense losses, and they want to hold those negligent parties responsible for these instances.

In some cases, the other driver’s behavior was responsible for the car wreck. Whether they were distracted driving, speeding, or operating a vehicle while impaired, these are negligent actions that put others at risk.

If you have been severely injured or lost a loved one to a head-on collision in Chicago, you have legal options. At Thomas Law Offices, we are here to help with the process.