Head-on collision between two vehicles


Wichita Falls Head-on Car Wrecks

Head-on collisions are exactly what you would think: two vehicles colliding head-on. Over the years in both Texas and Oklahoma, our Wichita Falls car wreck lawyer has handled many cases involving head-on collisions and as you can imagine, these types of accidents are some of the worst.

A wreck is bad enough when a vehicle traveling at high speeds hits an object that is stationary. Now can you imagine two vehicles both at high speeds running into each other? This causes a significant increase in the amount of force involved in these accidents. It’s because of this immense force that these types of accidents result in the most damage and have the greatest risk of serious injuries or death.

Not only are you impacted by such an increase of force but with such force, comes a big change in velocity, referred to as “Delta-V” by experts such as accident re-constructionists. Studies have shown that the determined change in velocity is a good indicator of the level of injury.


Common Causes of Head-on Collisions in Wichita Falls

Head-on car accidents in Wichita Falls usually happen when a car crosses over the center line and crashes into another car driving in the opposite direction. You may be wondering how one could ever cross the center line. Below are some common causes:

  • Distracted drivers who are on their cell phone or are otherwise not paying attention to the road
  • Impaired drivers who are on alcohol or some other drug
  • Reckless drivers who are not considering road conditions and inclement weather, who are not taking proper safety precautions when passing other vehicles, or who are driving too fast
  • Drivers who are tired or fatigued and fall asleep at the wheel

Sometimes rollover accidents can result in head-on collisions because a car that is rolling can roll into oncoming traffic.


How Head-on Collisions Impacts Injuries

Injuries from head-on collisions are often much worse than typical car accidents because of the immense force involved as discussed above. When two vehicles are traveling at high speeds and crash into each other coming to an abrupt stop, the occupants inside the vehicle keep moving and crash into each other and the into the surfaces of the inside of the vehicle. Additionally, with such power and force, parts of the vehicle such as glass are broken or ripped apart, making for even more means of injury.


Common Injuries Resulting from Head-on Crashes

As previously mentioned, injuries from head-on crashes are often much more serious than typical car accidents, and could include:

  • Head and brain injuries

Anyone involved in a head-on collision is at risk of developing head and brain injuries. Although we have mechanisms in place such as airbags and seat belts to reduce these injuries, they are still prevalent. Unfortunately, even a mild brain injury can change your life and impact the way you are able to live, resulting in permanent impairment.

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Even the mildest injury to your brain can have a profound effect on your life. Traumatic brain injuries do not only occur when there is a loss of consciousness. In fact, traumatic brain injuries often occur without a loss of consciousness and sometimes without your head even being part of the impact. Sometimes it is just the thrust of your body that causes your brain to hit against the inner walls of your skull which causes a traumatic brain injury. The circumstances of head-on collisions have the potential for all scenarios mentioned above, which creates an increased risk for TBIs. The damages that result from this type of energy can have a severe impact on someone’s life physically, intellectually, emotionally, and financially. For these reasons, these types of injuries require the best medical care.

  • Neck injuries

The immense force involved in head-on collisions often makes occupants’ head jolt back and forth, which can lead to whiplash and other neck injuries.

  • Back and spinal injuries

Likewise, the immense force and the jolting of the body in head-on collisions often results in serious spinal injuries, such as spinal cord compression and bulging discs. Back and spinal injuries are serious injuries that require very good medical care. They are often accompanied with severe pain and sometimes short or long-term disability.

  • Fractures

Because occupants are thrown around inside the small space inside the vehicle, hitting each other and the surfaces of the vehicle with an enormous amount of force, there are often many broken bones in head-on collisions. These injuries are painful and require a substantial amount of time to heal. Additionally, if they are not treated correctly and do not heal properly, there can be permanent impairment, and thus permanent disability.


What You Should Do After a Head-on Collision in Wichita Falls

If you have been involved in a head-on collision in Wichita Falls or anywhere in Texas or Oklahoma, you are probably wondering what your next step is. Here are some helpful pointers for how to handle your situation:

1. Check for injuries and provide medical attention if necessary

2. Call 911 to get medical assistance for all involved

3. If you can, gather information from all parties involved

4. Collect witness information

5. Gather evidence by taking photos of the vehicles, accident scene, and your injuries

6. Seek medical attention immediately and focus on your treatment and getting better

7. Document all expenses you are out of as a result of the accident

8. Report the crash to your insurance company

9. File a claim with the person who caused the accident’s insurance company

10. Download our free book, The Traveler’s Guide to the Universe of Personal Injury

11. Talk with an experienced head-on car wreck lawyer


Contact our Wichita Falls Head-on Care Wreck Lawyer

At our personal injury law firm, we are dedicated to helping victims recover after head-on collisions in Wichita Falls and all of Texas and Oklahoma. Our legal team is prepared and ready to assist you throughout the entire process to obtain the best settlement for your injury claim.

Contact us today at 940-569-4000 or fill out our contact form to set up a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.