Much has been done in recent years to improve automobile safety. But despite modern safety technology, a new study reports there is a disparity between injuries suffered by men and women who are involved in head-on collisions.
Front-impact accidents are frequently deadly and motorists of any sex often suffer catastrophic injuries. But even when both groups are wearing seatbelts, a study published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention found that women are most likely to be injured in head-on collisions.
Why Are Women More Vulnerable in Head-On Collisions?
Experts say the main reason women are more likely to be injured in head-on collisions is that crash tests are simply not designed with women in mind. In most automobile-safety tests, crash test dummies are modeled after the male anatomy.
Researchers examined the types of injuries sustained by belted occupants in front-end crashes. The data was adjusted to take into account various factors such as the vehicle model and the sex, height and body mass index (BMI) of the occupants. It found that women were more likely to sustain face and neck injuries in head-on collisions compared to their male counterparts.
In addition, the study also found that women also face an increased risk of injuries in automobile accidents, no matter the type.
Common Injuries Associated With Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can result in a variety of serious and life-threatening injuries. Commonly reported injuries from front-impact crashes include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken facial bones
- Blunt force trauma
- Lacerations
- Internal and external bruising
Who is At Fault In Head-On Collisions?
If you’ve been hurt in a head-on collision, securing fair compensation will depend largely on determining who was at fault for the crash. Some common causes of head-on collisions include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Fatigued driving
Since South Carolina is a modified comparative negligence state, it is possible to obtain compensation for your injuries even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your percentage of fault (assigned by the insurance company or the court) must not exceed that of the other driver.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident?
When you’re in a head-on collision or any accident, your injuries may prevent you from doing much except getting emergency treatment. If you are not too injured after a front-impact crash, there are several things you can do to protect your legal rights.
- Seek medical attention. After an accident, your adrenaline will be heightened, which can mask initial signs of injury. Since you may not feel any pain right away, it is best to seek the evaluation of a medical professional so that any hidden injuries do not progress without treatment.
- Collect important information. Gather insurance information from the other driver, note the makes and models of the vehicles involved and collect any witness names and contact information.
- Take photos of the accident scene. Make sure to document car positions, weather conditions, street signs and any other pertinent information. A cell phone picture will do.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer will be able to guide you through the process of filing a claim so that you can pursue compensation for medical bills and other damages you’ve suffered because of your accident.
Contact Our Dedicated Attorneys For A Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision or any other type of automobile accident, your first priority should be your recovery. Let the skilled personal injury attorneys at David Blackwell Law handle your legal matters so that you can focus exclusively on recuperating.
David Blackwell Law has a proven track record of success in reaching fair and full settlements for our clients in Lancaster, Indian Land and the surrounding communities.
Contact us or call (803) 232-7808 for a no-cost case review right away.
