Common Injuries from Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents on New York roadways. When two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front, the combined force of impact can be devastating for occupants in both vehicles. At Greenberg Law, our head-on car accident attorneys have represented countless victims of these traumatic crashes, and we’ve witnessed firsthand the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take.

Why Head-On Collisions Cause Severe Injuries

The physics behind head-on collisions explains why they frequently result in catastrophic injuries. When two vehicles traveling toward each other collide, the force of impact is multiplied by the combined speed of both vehicles. For example, if two cars each traveling at 45 mph crash head-on, the impact force is similar to hitting a solid wall at 90 mph. This tremendous force is then transferred to the vehicle occupants, even with modern safety features like airbags and crumple zones.

Common Physical Injuries in Head-On Collisions

At Greenberg Law, our head-on car accident attorney team has witnessed the devastating physical impact these high-force collisions have on victims, often resulting in multiple severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

The violent forward motion during a head-on collision often causes the brain to impact against the skull, resulting in various forms of traumatic brain injury. These range from mild concussions to severe contusions or diffuse axonal injuries, which can cause permanent cognitive impairment. Many TBI victims experience memory problems, personality changes, concentration difficulties, and challenges with emotional regulation that can persist for years or even permanently after the accident.

Our head-on car accident lawyer team works closely with neurologists and other brain injury specialists to document the full extent of these injuries and their impact on our clients’ lives.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The tremendous force of a head-on collision can fracture vertebrae or cause the spinal cord to be compressed, torn, or severed. These injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis below the injury site. Depending on the location of the spinal damage, victims may experience paraplegia (paralysis of the lower limbs) or quadriplegia (paralysis affecting all four limbs).

Spinal cord injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and often lifetime care and assistance. Our head-on car accident attorneys understand the immense costs associated with these catastrophic injuries and fight for compensation that covers long-term care needs.

Chest and Thoracic Injuries

During a head-on collision, the chest often impacts the steering wheel or is violently restrained by seatbelts, leading to serious thoracic injuries. These commonly include:

• Broken ribs and sternum
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Cardiac contusions (bruising of the heart)
• Internal bleeding
• Damage to organs like the liver or spleen

These injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery, extended hospitalization, and prolonged recovery periods.

Multiple Fractures

The crushing impact of head-on crashes frequently causes broken bones throughout the body. Lower extremity fractures are particularly common as the front of the vehicle collapses inward, crushing the legs, knees, ankles, and feet of front-seat occupants. Upper limb fractures often occur as occupants brace for impact or are thrown against the vehicle interior.

Complex or compound fractures (where the bone breaks through the skin) often require surgical intervention, metal pins or plates, and extensive physical therapy for proper healing.

Facial Injuries and Disfigurement

Even with airbag deployment, head-on collision victims frequently suffer serious facial injuries when they strike the dashboard, windshield, or deployed airbag. These injuries include:

• Facial lacerations and scarring
• Fractures to the cheekbones, jaw, or orbital bones
• Dental injuries or tooth loss
• Eye injuries potentially affecting vision

Facial injuries often require reconstructive surgery and can result in permanent disfigurement or disability, creating both physical and psychological challenges for victims.

Psychological and Emotional Injuries

The trauma of seeing an oncoming vehicle moments before impact can cause significant psychological harm. Many head-on collision survivors develop:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Severe anxiety, especially related to driving or riding in vehicles
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances and nightmares
• Phobias related to driving or specific road conditions

Our head-on car accident attorney team recognizes that these invisible injuries can be just as debilitating as physical trauma and works to ensure they are properly documented and compensated.

Long-Term Complications and Secondary Conditions

Many head-on collision victims develop secondary health conditions in the months and years following their accident:

• Chronic pain syndromes
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Arthritis in joints that sustained trauma
• Degenerative disc disease following spinal injuries
• Secondary infections or complications from surgeries

These long-term complications underscore the importance of working with experienced head-on car accident lawyers who understand the potential for injuries to develop or worsen over time and who ensure any settlement adequately accounts for future medical needs.

What To Do After Being Injured in a Head-On Collision in NYC

At Greenberg Law, our head-on car accident attorney team strongly recommends taking specific actions following a collision to protect both your health and legal rights, as the steps you take immediately after the accident can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation.

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you believe your injuries are minor, visit an emergency room or doctor promptly as some serious injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms immediately and prompt medical documentation creates an essential record connecting your injuries to the head-on collision.
• Report the Accident to Police: Ensure officers create an official accident report documenting the head-on collision circumstances, as this report serves as crucial evidence establishing the basic facts of your case and can help your head-on car accident lawyer build a stronger claim.
• Document the Accident Scene: If physically able and it’s safe to do so, take photos of vehicle damage, the accident location, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and your visible injuries to provide valuable evidence that may disappear quickly after the collision.
• Gather Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and statements from anyone who witnessed the head-on accident while memories are fresh, as independent witness testimony can significantly strengthen your case, especially if liability is disputed.
• Exchange Information Properly: Obtain the other driver’s name, contact details, license number, insurance information, and vehicle registration, but avoid discussing fault or making statements like “I’m sorry” that insurance companies might later use against your claim.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the head-on collision to your insurer as required by your policy, providing basic facts about when and where the accident occurred, but avoid giving recorded statements or detailed accounts until consulting with a head-on car accident attorney.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep all damaged personal items, torn or bloodied clothing, and any vehicle parts, as these physical items can help demonstrate the severity of the impact and resulting injuries from your head-on collision.
• Maintain a Recovery Journal: Document your pain levels, limitations, medical appointments, and how your injuries affect daily activities, creating a detailed record that your head-on car accident lawyer can use to illustrate the full impact of your injuries on your life.
• Follow Medical Advice Consistently: Attend all follow-up appointments and complete prescribed treatments, as gaps in medical care can be used by insurance companies to claim your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the head-on accident.
• Avoid Social Media Posts: Refrain from sharing details about your accident or recovery online, as insurance adjusters often monitor social media accounts looking for statements or photos they can use to undermine your head-on collision claim.
• Calculate All Damages Carefully: Work with your head-on car accident attorney to document all losses including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering to ensure your compensation demand accounts for both current and future damages related to the collision.
• Contact an Experienced Attorney: Consult with a head-on car accident lawyer who specializes in NYC traffic accident cases before accepting any settlement offers, as insurance companies typically make initial offers far below what victims actually deserve.

How a Head-On Accident Attorney Can Help

At Greenberg Law, our dedicated head-on car accident attorney team provides comprehensive legal support throughout every stage of your case, combining decades of experience in New York personal injury law with personalized attention to your unique circumstances and needs.

• Case Investigation and Evidence Collection: Our head-on car accident lawyer professionals conduct thorough investigations of accident scenes, gather police reports, obtain surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly how the collision occurred and who bears liability for your injuries.
• Full Damage Assessment and Documentation: We work meticulously to document all possible damages including current and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma to ensure nothing is overlooked when calculating the true value of your head-on collision claim.
• Expert Witness Coordination: Our head-on car accident attorneys collaborate with medical specialists, economic experts, life care planners, and accident reconstruction professionals who can provide powerful testimony about the cause of your collision, the extent of your injuries, and the long-term impact on your life and finances.
• Insurance Company Negotiation: We handle all communications with insurance adjusters, countering their tactics with strategic negotiation based on thorough case preparation and evidence, relieving you of the stress of dealing with insurers while recovering from traumatic head-on collision injuries.
• Liability Determination and Case Building: Our head-on car accident lawyer team identifies all potentially responsible parties—whether other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road conditions—ensuring every avenue for compensation is explored and supported with compelling evidence.
• Medical Treatment Coordination: We can help connect you with appropriate medical specialists for your specific injuries, ensure proper documentation of your treatment, and work with providers regarding payment arrangements while your head-on collision case is pending.
• Trial Preparation and Representation: While many cases settle, our experienced head-on car accident attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial, developing persuasive arguments, preparing exhibits, and being fully ready to advocate for you in court if insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation.
• Settlement Evaluation and Guidance: We provide clear, honest assessment of settlement offers based on our extensive experience with similar head-on accident cases, helping you understand whether an offer adequately compensates you for both current and future needs resulting from your injuries.
• Legal Filing and Deadline Management: Our head-on car accident lawyer team ensures all documents are filed correctly and within New York’s strict legal deadlines, protecting your right to pursue compensation and navigating complex procedural requirements on your behalf.
• Emotional Support and Guidance: Beyond legal representation, we provide compassionate support throughout what is often an emotionally challenging time, offering realistic expectations, clear communication, and genuine concern for your well-being after experiencing a traumatic head-on collision.

Take Action Today: Your Recovery Can’t Wait

After experiencing a traumatic head-on collision, every day matters for both your health and your legal claim. Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Greenberg Law for a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced head-on car accident attorney team. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options clearly, and fight tirelessly for the full compensation you deserve while you focus on what truly matters—your recovery and rebuilding your life.