A head-on collision involving two vehicles occurred in Newton County, Missouri, on March 21st. A Nissan crossed over the center line and collided with a Saturn Outlook, driven by a 78-year-old Oklahoma resident who suffered moderate injuries. Traffic was stopped for about an hour as law enforcement cleared the scene. The driver who crossed the median was 20 years old and suffered severe injuries. Emergency responders rushed him to an emergency facility in Joplin. Police are still investigating whether the driver who crossed the center line was intoxicated or distracted.
The Majority of Head-On Collisions are Caused by Negligent Drivers
Human error causes the vast majority of Missouri car accidents. Dangerous head-on collisions are not an exception to this general rule. The following six factors are the most common causes of head-on collisions in Missouri:
- Driving while tired or fatigued
- Distracted driving
- Using poor technique when overtaking a vehicle
- Not adjusting to low visibility or poor weather
- Ignoring traffic signals and signs
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Injuries Caused by Head-On Collisions
Most head-on collisions are entirely preventable. Even though head-on collisions are relatively rare, they are often deadly compared to other car accident types. Many Kansas freeways have steel wire cable in place to prevent cars from crossing the median and veering into oncoming traffic. These systems do not always work, however. Additionally, they can cause more damage to someone who negligently crosses into the middle line than would have occurred otherwise.
When a victim experiences a head-on collision, their head will likely slam into the airbag. The force of impact can cause traumatic brain injuries, including brain hemorrhages. When head-on collisions occur on the freeway, they are often deadly because of both drivers’ high speeds. The force of a high-speed head-on collision can cause one or both vehicles to roll multiple times, increasing the chances of fatal injuries. Head-on collisions happen most frequently in rural areas, and many victims of head-on collision suffer severe injuries, including the following:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Contusions
- Concussions
- Bruises and cuts
- Organ damage
- Difficulty sleeping
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
Contact an Experienced Missouri Lawyer Today
Have you or your loved one been severely injured in a head-on collision in Missouri or Kansas? If so, you may be wondering what your future will entail. You may be experiencing mounting medical bills while not being able to return to work. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Griggs Injury Law are here to help. You do not have to go through the process of seeking compensation alone. We will aggressively negotiate with the insurance company and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
