Hair Clip Injuries in Car Accidents

What might seem like a minor car accident can actually cause serious injuries. One example of this is injuries from a claw clip. Car accident victims can have serious harm done to their head and neck area by hair clips, even in “low-impact” crashes.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, don’t let others try to tell you it’s not a big deal—especially insurance companies whose responsibility is to compensate you. At Greg Linehan Law, we’ve worked on these kinds of cases for 29 years. We have seen every scenario you can imagine. We know how much long-term damage can happen in an instant. We’re here to help.

The Hidden Danger of Claw Clips in Car Accidents

Claw clips sit high on the back of the head, placing hard material directly between the skull and the headrest. During a rear-end or frontal crash, the head snaps back or forward, driving the clip into the scalp. This concentrated point of pressure can cause lacerations, bruising, or even skull fractures. Sometimes, claw clips can even penetrate the skin deeply enough to require stitches or surgery.

Unlike soft hair ties or flat barrettes, claw clips have sharp edges and rigid prongs. When impact occurs, those design features turn into risk factors. Instead of protecting the head against the cushioned surface of a headrest, the clip creates a spike-like contact point that can magnify injuries.

Types of Injuries Caused by Claw Clips and Car Accidents

The range of possible injuries expands when a claw clip collides with a hard surface or an impact that forces it between the head and a seat. These include:

Scalp lacerations requiring stitches,
Deep puncture wounds from broken clip teeth,
Embedded fragments in the skin or hairline,
Skull fractures from concentrated force,
Severe bruising and swelling at the injury site, and
Secondary infections from untreated wounds.

Each of these injuries can add complications to the physical and emotional recovery process after a car accident. You may face medical bills, missed work, and lasting scars, both visible and psychological.

Medical and Financial Implications

Immediate treatment is often necessary for claw clip car accident injuries. Doctors may need to remove broken plastic from wounds or perform scans to rule out deeper fractures. Emergency visits, imaging, follow-up care, and possible plastic surgery all add financial strain. Insurance adjusters rarely anticipate accessory-related injuries, which makes the claims process more complex.

In an injury case, strong legal guidance becomes essential. Suppose a claw clip worsened the injuries you sustained in the crash. In that case, the fact can be documented as part of your medical evidence and considered when calculating damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Without experienced legal help, you may be left covering expenses directly caused by the crash.

Preventive Safety Tips

Avoiding a claw clip car accident injury starts with simple adjustments to your daily routine. Sarasota residents can reduce risk by choosing safer alternatives when driving.

Opt for soft hair ties, scrunchies, or flat clips instead of claw clips;
If you prefer claw clips, remove them before getting in the car;
Keep a spare elastic in your glove compartment or console;
Remind children and passengers to avoid hard, protruding accessories; and
Use seat adjustments and headrest positioning to ensure maximum support for the head and neck.

These small steps take seconds but can prevent life-changing injuries.

Legal Support After a Claw Clip Car Accident Injury

Victims of claw clip crash injuries often feel overwhelmed by the sudden complications of their case. At Greg Linehan Law, we have spent 29 years helping Sarasota families navigate the aftermath of personal injury accidents. Our team understands how small details, like the presence of a hair clip, can alter the severity of an injury and the value of a claim.

We work closely with clients to document their injuries, coordinate medical care, and challenge insurance companies that minimize unique circumstances. Because we are a small firm with deep community roots, every client receives direct communication and personal attention. That approach reduces stress, improves case outcomes, and helps clients focus on recovery.

FAQ

What Happens if You Get In A Car Crash With a Hair Clip?

If you are wearing a claw clip during a collision, the clip can drive into your scalp or skull when your head strikes the seat, airbag, or another surface. Injuries may range from cuts and bruises to fractures that require surgery. Medical treatment is often necessary, and insurance claims should reflect the added severity caused by the accessory.

Is It Safe to Wear a Claw Clip in the Car?

Wearing a claw clip in the car is not considered safe because it places a hard, pointed object directly between your head and the surfaces meant to protect you. Even at low speeds, the force of impact can cause the clip to puncture skin or break against the skull. Safer alternatives, such as soft elastics, avoid these risks while driving.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in These Cases?

Under Florida law, you generally only have two years from the accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent party who caused the accident. However, insurance companies often have shorter deadlines for claims.

Take the Next Step

Hair clips may seem like a minor detail, but in the context of a Sarasota car accident, they can make injuries far worse. If you or someone you love has suffered a claw clip car accident injury, you deserve guidance from a legal team that understands both the medical and financial dimensions of recovery. At Greg Linehan Law, we are ready to put our 29 years of experience to work for you. Give us a call today.