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The Danger of Wearing Claw Clips While Driving

Find out the risks associated with claw clips while driving. Your safety could be at stake with hair accessories during car rides.

  • June 7, 2023
  • By McCoy & McCoy

Most people never think twice about wearing a hair claw clip while driving. Unfortunately, during a rear-end collision or other serious crash, that hard plastic accessory can become much more than a fashion statement.

We’ve seen growing awareness of claw clip-related injuries after motor vehicle accidents. When your head is forced backward into the headrest during impact, a claw clip can contribute to painful scalp lacerations, skull injuries, facial trauma, or neck injuries. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, those injuries may be part of your personal injury claim in Connecticut.

The Risks of Wearing Hair Claw Clips While Riding in a Vehicle

While hair claw clips may seem harmless, they can become a serious hazard when worn in a moving vehicle. In the event of a collision, the clip can become embedded in your skull and be fatal to the driver or passengers. This instance happened to a young woman who experienced a sharp turn that shoved her head backward, thrusting a claw clip into her scalp.

Another horrific instance occurred to a woman who was involved in a car accident that caused her claw clip to smush into her head, where it remained lodged until a medical professional was able to take it out. The clip left an 11-inch gash in her scalp.

To avoid this risk, it’s best to remove any hair accessories before getting behind the wheel. Stay safe on the road by being aware of these potential hazards.

While avoiding hazards like hard hair clips can help reduce the risk of head injuries in a crash, accidents can unfortunately still happen. If you’ve been injured, speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer in CT can help you understand your rights and the potential value of your case.

Common Connecticut Car Accidents Where These Injuries Occur

Hair claw clip injuries can occur in almost any motor vehicle accident, but they are most often reported in crashes where the head is suddenly forced backward into the headrest or side of the vehicle. Common types of accidents include:

  • Rear-end collisions – The most common scenario. The force of the impact can push your head backward into the headrest, causing a hard plastic claw clip to press into your scalp or skull.
  • Intersection accidents – T-bone and angle crashes can cause the head to move violently from side to side, increasing the risk of head and neck injuries.
  • Highway accidents – High-speed crashes on Connecticut highways such as I-84, I-91, I-95, Route 8, and the Merritt Parkway often generate enough force to cause serious head trauma.
  • Multi-vehicle collisions – Multiple impacts can cause repeated movement of the head and neck, potentially worsening injuries caused by a claw clip.
  • Rollover accidents – Occupants may strike multiple parts of the vehicle during a rollover, increasing the likelihood of severe head injuries.

Alternatives to Hair Claw Clips for Safe Driving

If you want to keep your hair out of your face while driving, there are plenty of safe alternatives to hair claw clips. Consider using a headband, hair tie, or scrunchie instead. These options are less likely to become loose and pose a hazard in the event of a collision. Additionally, you can style your hair in a way that doesn’t require any accessories at all, such as a low ponytail or braid. Remember, safety should always come first when driving.

Contact a Connecticut Car Accident Attorney

If you suffered a head injury, scalp laceration, concussion, or other injuries after a Connecticut car accident, you don’t have to navigate the insurance claims process alone. At McCoy & McCoy, we’ve spent more than 60 years helping injury victims throughout Connecticut pursue the compensation they deserve. We investigate every case, gather the evidence needed to prove liability, and fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Whether you’re looking for a Hartford car accident lawyer, New Haven car accident lawyer, or Torrington car accident lawyer, our experienced legal team is here to help. We offer free consultations, and you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact McCoy & McCoy today to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights after a serious Connecticut car accident.

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