In a heart-breaking tragedy, a mother and her 10-month old daughter died after their KIA Soul caught fire after colliding with a Cadillac CTS. According to witnesses at the scene, the Soul was traveling southbound on English Creek Dr near Zion Road when the Cadillac traveling northbound crossed the centerline. The KIA swerved to avoid the crash, but the two cars collided sending the KIA on its top on the side of the road.
In a heroic effort, two Good Samaritans arrived and tried to free the trapped mother and child in the car but were soon overtaken by smoke and flames. One of the Good Samaritans collapsed after his lungs filled with smoke, and he was taken to a local hospital.
The crash happened around 12:15 p.m., February 26, 2019, and according to police, the driver of the Cadillac is facing criminal charges associated with the wreck. It’s unknown if alcohol, drugs or distracted driving played a factor in the crash.
Head-On Collisions and Rollover Accidents
Head on Collisions are deadly, in fact, according to a National Highway Transportation Safety Administration report, they pose the highest risk for fatalities than any other type of crash. While they account for only 2% of total accidents per year, they make up 10% of all accident fatalities.
The reason head-on collisions are so deadly is that the impact comes from the speed and mass of both cars which causes each car to stop in an instant slamming the occupants forward.
Rollover Accidents
In some instances, a car in a head-on collision will end up rolling over, and when this happens, the occupants are in the second-highest risk category for death and serious injury. Rollover accidents occur from all types of collisions, head-on, sideswipe, swerve-to-avoid, and many other. All that has to happen is for the weight of top of the car overcome the cars ability to slide or stay on its wheels, and the car will roll. With rollovers, come certain common Injuries:
- Blunt Force Trauma: The vast majority of fatalities come from the impact of the person into whatever is in front of them.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Not always fatal and happens with the impact of the body at the time of collision.
- Thoracic Spine Injury: (Whiplash) This injury is not necessarily fatal, but it often results in paralysis. It comes from the body being thrown forward where the spine in the neck is stretched and then violently compressed when thrown back into the seat.
- Broken Bones: Skull fractures, facial bones, ribs and extremities such as wrists, ankles legs.
- Burns: High-impact collision and rollovers both increase the chance of a fire as both can cause a fuel line to burst or a gas tank break open.
What Should I do if I’m Injured in a Head-on Collision?
If you are injured in a head-on collision or a rollover, the first thing to do is to concentrate on your immediate medical needs and start the healing and rehabilitation process. However, once the financial losses began mounting, it is best to talk to a professional who can advise you on the law and to evaluate your case.
Do I need an Attorney?
If the injuries are severe, then yes, you should at the least talk to an attorney before talking to the insurance company. Edith Pearce at the Pearce Law Firm, P.C., is known for her compassion in dealing tragic accidents. She understands the difficulty people face when they are injured or their loved ones have passed because of someone else’s negligence. Call the Pearce Law Firm, P.C. at (215) 557-6868 or text at 215 880 6164, and start getting someone in your corner. You can also contact us online by clicking here.
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