Why Do Head-On Crashes Often Cause Catastrophic Injuries?

 Posted on June 17, 2025 in Car Accidents

On June 8, 2025, a crash on I-25 in Denver killed one person and injured four others. A Dodge Caravan was heading in the wrong direction when it hit a Subaru. The Dodge’s driver died in the accident, and the passenger in that van had to be extricated before being transported to a nearby hospital. Three of the Subaru’s occupants were also hospitalized, with two of them having serious injuries. That same Dodge was spotted driving the wrong way earlier in the day in another area.

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents, often causing severe or even fatal injuries. The higher your damages, the harder an insurance company is likely to fight against paying your claim. Our determined Denver, CO personal injury attorneys will fight to recover the highest amount of compensation available for your claim.

What Is So Dangerous About a Head-On Collision?

Because both vehicles in a head-on crash are usually moving at the time of impact, the force of the collision is often doubled. For example, if both vehicles are traveling at 50 mph in opposite directions, the impact force is like hitting a brick wall at 100 mph. The human body cannot withstand this kind of force, even with safety features like airbags and seatbelts.

Because the front of the vehicle takes the full force of the impact, the engine area is often crushed, pushing the dashboard and steering wheel into the passenger compartment. Drivers and front-seat passengers are at risk of being trapped or pinned, which can lead to serious injuries.

What Leads to Head-On Crashes?

You may think that this type of accident is rare. While rear-end accidents are the most common, there were 3,927 head-on collisions in Colorado in 2024. Some, like the one mentioned above, happen because of wrong-way driving. Others occur when drivers attempt to pass cars without the right of way, experience confusion in unfamiliar areas, or are distracted. Fatigue, alcohol, and drugs can impair drivers enough to contribute to head-on crashes.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in Head-On Accidents?

Some of the most severe injuries in head-on crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries from hitting the steering wheel, window, or dashboard
• Spinal cord injuries that may lead to paralysis
• Broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Severe facial injuries or disfigurement

These injuries often require surgery, long hospital stays, and ongoing rehabilitation. In some cases, the damage is permanent or fatal.

What Could Head-On Collision Damages Cover?

People who survive head-on collisions often face a long road to recovery. Some may never regain full mobility. Others may not be able to return to work or live independently. The physical, emotional, and financial costs can be staggering.

Your damages are unique, based on your case’s specific details. However, your compensation may include current and future accident-related expenses, as well as various forms of pain and suffering. If you are filing a wrongful death claim, additional damages may apply.

Qualifying to receive compensation does not mean that actually obtaining it will be easy. It takes skill, experience, focused legal knowledge, and determination to win. We have recovered over $100 million in settlements and verdicts, and we look forward to adding your damages to that total.

Consult Our Trusted Denver, CO Car Accident Lawyers

When you choose The Gold Law Firm, you are gaining a partner who is focused on protecting your best interests after a head-on collision. Arrange your free consultation with our experienced Denver, CO personal injury attorneys today by calling 303-694-4653 or contacting us online.