Two men were critically injured, and another suffered minor injuries after a violent head-on collision on Southwest Dash Point Road in Federal Way on Saturday, according to the South King Fire & Rescue.
According to authorities, the two men were traveling westbound when their car crossed the center line, striking the guardrail and an oncoming truck. Federal Way police said the driver was believed to be drunk and speeding.
Both men in the car suffered critical injuries and were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The driver of the pickup truck sustained minor injuries and was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way.
The crash is still under investigation.
Image: South King Fire & Rescue
Typical Injuries That May Result From A Head-On Collision
A “frontal” or head-on collision can be the most violent types of car accidents. The accidents occur when the front end of one vehicle meets the front end of another. When two vehicles traveling at about the same speed collide, it’s like crashing into a brick wall – there is no “give” on impact.
The following are common types of injuries in head-on collisions:
- Neck injuries: These are the most frequent disabling injuries in car accidents. Research has found that almost one-third of all these injuries are caused in frontal/head-on collisions. Depending on the speed and force of the impact, the neck and shoulders of the victims may twist outside their normal radius and put serious strain on muscles and tendons.
- Abdominal injuries: A 2000 study looked at the frequency abdominal injuries in side and frontal collisions. Approximately one-half of the abdominal injuries occurred in head-on collisions. Spleen, liver, kidney and digestive system trauma was most frequent.
- Spinal cord injuries: Victims of head-on crashes may be paralyzed or suffer other serious spinal cord injuries. Depending on the force of the collision, passengers who sustain a spinal cord injury may have a herniated disc, nerve damage or crack vertebrae.
- Head trauma (TBI): There are countless factors that determine if a passenger in a head-on collision will suffer head trauma or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Air bags and seat belts help prevent this, but head-on crashes are violent, causing the head/brain to be thrown back and forward.
- Chest injuries: While seatbelts are a key safety feature, they can cause injuries. In some cases, slamming into the steering wheel or the force of the air bag may also cause a chest injury such as broken ribs or damage to the lungs.
- Leg injuries: A 2012 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that “lower extremity injuries” are common in head-on crashes. Since legs/feet are the first things to be affected in a head-on crash, they often take the brunt of the collision. Torn ligaments, broken bones, and other injuries are common.
Looking For Legal Help After A Head-On Collision?
Personal injury attorney Chris Davis and the legal team at Davis Law Group, P.S., understands how traumatic a head-on car accident is. Davis Law Group fights for their victims to obtain the maximum level of compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered.
When negligence results in a fatality, we work discreetly and sensitively to file a wrongful death suit so that survivors are compensated for loss of income, medical bills, pain and emotional suffering, and the loss of a loved family member.
Contact Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000, use the chat feature below or fill out the contact form on this page for a free case evaluation.