Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on June 20, 2017
A woman suffered critical injuries when her vehicle was struck head-on by a stolen truck in Antioch Saturday evening.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the incident began when officers with the Mt. Juliet Police Department received a call about a woman fleeing from a Target store with merchandise at around 7:30 p.m.
Witnesses saw the woman enter a pickup truck, which was later discovered to have been stolen in Robertson County earlier that day. An officer eventually spotted the truck on South Mt. Juliet Road and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
However, the driver continued without stopping and began driving at a high rate of speed. Eventually, the truck crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a vehicle near the intersection of Hobson Pike and Smith Springs Parkway.
The driver exited the truck and ran from the scene. Both the passenger and the driver of the vehicle that was struck head-on were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment for their injuries.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash, and law enforcement officers are working to discover the identity and location of the driver of the stolen pickup truck.
What Are Common Injuries Associated with Head-On Collisions?
When two vehicles collide head-on, all occupants face a high risk of suffering serious and even life-threatening injuries—especially when one or both vehicles are traveling at high speed. Seat belts and air bags can significantly reduce the risk of injuries, but they can’t eliminate them. Victims of head-on collisions often suffer debilitating trauma that requires extensive rehabilitation, and they may be unable to return to work.
Some of the most common injuries associated with these types of crashes include:
Head-on collisions generate huge amounts of force—much of which is absorbed by the drivers and passengers inside the affected vehicles. Victims may experience sudden and rapid movement of their heads and necks, causing severe whiplash, damaged ligaments and tendons, and even traumatic brain injuries. In addition, victims also may suffer disfiguring cuts to their faces due to high-impact collisions with the steering wheel, airbags, or dashboard.
The impact of a head-on collision is also extremely dangerous to victims’ backs and spinal cords. The high level of forces generated during these crashes can result in torn muscles and ligaments, resulting in chronic pain and disability. Victims also may experience crushing injuries to their chests, putting them at risk of suffering internal bleeding and even organ failure. Finally, back injuries put the spinal column in danger, which can result in paralysis if the spinal cord is damaged.
Victims’ legs are highly vulnerable during head-on collisions. The impact of another vehicle colliding with theirs can cause the front-end to crumple and compress, causing the legs and feet to both absorb impact and become crushed by the damaged interior of their vehicle. Victims who suffer compound fractures of large bones in their legs, including their femurs, need immediate medical attention, as those breaks are often associated with life-threatening blood loss.
When victims of head-on collisions aren’t wearing their seat belts, their outcomes are even worse. Head-on crashes are associated with ejections, and drivers and passengers who are ejected during accidents are significantly more likely to suffer fatal injuries than those who are buckled up and remain inside their vehicles.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville car accident attorneys knows how dangerous head-on collisions are. We’re dedicated to helping the victims of these traumatic accidents get the money they need for their medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.
If you or someone you know was hurt in a head-on collision that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation. Our legal team will investigate the crash and work hard to build a strong claim on your behalf. Get in touch with us today—just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
