Collisions that happen “head on” can be some of the most serious accidents. Anything that happens “head-on,” such as a car accident, or train, plane, or ship accident is when the front ends hit each other from the opposite direction in which they were traveling. The force of two vehicles, or other modes of transportation, is intensified by the fact that they were coming together with full momentum. In head-on crashes, victims most likely will have impact with the steering whell, dashboard, and windshield.
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
We took a closer look into head-on collisions and its impact; however, here are the key bullet points if you are in a rush:
- Head-on collisions are some of the most serious accidents.
- Common injuries include brain injuries, neck fractures and soft tissue injuries.
- On March 18, two people died and two others were seriously injured in a head-on collision in Brevard County.
- On March 4, both drivers involved in a Hillsborough County head-on collision perished at the scene.
- In December, one death and six people with serious injuries resulted from a head-on collision between a van and semi-truck in Glades County.
- Legal guidance is available for those affected by head-on collisions.
Common injuries from a head-on collision
Car crashes happen quite suddenly and some injuries aren’t always felt right away. It may take days or, in some cases weeks, before you realize the full extent of injuries sustained in those few brief moments. Some of the more common injuries that are seen from head-on crashes include, but are not limited to, the following list.
• Brain injuries
• Neck fractures
• Broken nose or other face fractures
• Spinal cord injuries in the neck
• Soft tissue injuries in the neck
• Bruised heart (from impact of the steering wheel)
• Breastbone fracture
• Larynx and tracheal injuries
• Rib and/or ribcage injury
• Hip and pelvic injuries
• Knee injuries
• Accumulation of fluid around the heart
• Bruised or collapsed lung
• Abdominal organ injuries
Keep in mind that impacts can also occur within your body, such as when internal organs are bounced around inside your body. One example is brain injuries. The impact from a head-on collision can force your head or neck to jerk violently, thus causing your brain to bounce against the inside of your skull.
Fatal and serious injuries in St. Petersburg
On March 18, two people died in a head-on collision and two others were seriously injured. The crash happened in Brevard County, at night on State Road 407 and Interstate 95. One of those killed, Argelio Chappotin, was driving a 2016 Ford Edge, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. For no known reason, which seems to happen often, Chappotin veered into the southbound lanes and struck a 2000 Buick four-door sedan head-on. One of the passengers in the Buick, Martha McHenry, died at Wuestoff Rockledge Regional Medical Center, where she was transported after the crash. It has not been determined yet what role, if any, alcohol or another impairment may have played in the crash. Chappotin died at Parrish Medical Center. The two other victims who had serious injuries were both from Saint Petersburg.
Hillsborough County Head-on Collision
Both drivers involved in a head-on collision on Sunday, March 4, perished at the scene. Jose Z. Zertuche-Garcia and Brett Thomas Hitchcock were the drivers who succumbed to their injuries. This head-on collision occurred on U.S. 301, just south of Saffold Road. Hitchcock was driving a 2005 Toyota Tundra and veered into the northbound lane of U.S. 301 just as Zertuche-Garcia’s 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 was also in that same spot. The Florida Highway Patrol concluded that alcohol did not play a part in this crash. What made Mr. Hitchcock swerve out of his lane and into Mr. Zertuche-Garcia’s lane? We shall never know.
Head-on Collision with a Semi-Truck
A van and a semi-truck collided on County Road 74 in Glades County at the Desoto County line in Florida last December. One death and six people injured were the results of that head-on collision. Six passengers were in the van and the one death was sustained in the van. The five others were rushed to the hospital where three were determined to have serious injuries. The semi-truck driver was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries. It was undetermined at the time which driver crossed the center line to cause the collision, but it ended in one fatality and several serious injuries.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a head-on collision, seek advice from a personal injury attorney. A St. Petersburg attorney can help you navigate the legal processes necessary once you get through the initial shock and medical care of what happened.
Head-on crashes can be some of the most terrifying accidents. Call or request a free case evaluation and see how Herman & Wells can help you.