Two cars crashed head-on, and the drivers of both vehicles sustained serious injuries. The accident happened around 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at the intersection of Highway 60 and Mayfield-Metropolis Road.
According to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, a 22-year-old woman was traveling east on Highway 60 and was hit head-on by a vehicle driven by a 64-year-old woman who had crossed the centerline. Both drivers were taken to a local hospital for serious injuries. The sheriff’s office is still investigating the accident.
Head-On Collisions
Head on Collisions are the deadliest type of auto-accident according to a National Highway Transportation Safety Administration report. They account for only 2% of total accidents per year, yet they make up 10% of all accident fatalities. This is because of the double impact that occurs in a head-on collision.
It’s common in a head-on collision to include secondary impacts to the occupants as cars roll over, leave the roadway or once of the occupants is ejected from the vehicle. This adds to the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident.
Head-On Collision Injuries
When two cars collide head on, both vehicles stop in an instant with the force that is often double that of a typical car accident. Both cars’ occupants are thrown toward the front of their car, and then they are thrown violently back into their seat. This action causes certain common injuries:
- Blunt Force Trauma: The vast majority of fatalities come from the impact of the person into whatever is in front of them.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Not always fatal and happens with the impact of the body at the time of collision.
- Thoracic Spine Injury: (Whiplash) This injury is not necessarily fatal, but it often results in paralysis. It comes from the body being thrown forward where the spine in the neck is stretched and then violently compressed when thrown back into the seat.
- Broken Bones: Skull fractures, facial bones, ribs and extremities such as wrists, ankles legs.
What Should I do if I’m Injured in a Head-on Collision?
The most important thing to do is to focus on hour health and rehabilitation. During this time, do not talk to an insurance agent or their attorneys. Even if you feel that what you say is accurate and truthful, it can be used against you to lower your compensation.
Then when you are able, talk to an attorney who can give you unbiased advice and a case evaluation. In this way, you will be informed of your rights and have an understanding of the law.
Do I need an Attorney?
In most cases, it is worth getting an attorney because the amount of compensation paid out is often greater when an attorney is representing the injured. Call the attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, for a free consultation to and a case evaluation. Then if you decide to hire an attorney, they have experienced and skilled attorney who will stand with you and get you the compensation you deserve.
When you call Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, at 800 937-8443, you will immediately speak to a member of the legal team and not a message machine. You can also Live Chat with an expert who can immediately began helping you with your claim.