Claw Clip Injuries In Car Accidents

Hair accessories like claw clips have seen a resurgence in recent years, combining function with fashion. However, these seemingly harmless items can pose serious risks in a car accident. When worn during a collision, claw clips—especially those made of hard plastic or metal—can contribute to severe head, scalp, and neck injuries. In this blog, we explore how claw clips can become dangerous projectiles in a car crash, examines relevant data, and offers tips for injury prevention.

The Hidden Dangers of Claw Clips in Vehicle Collisions

Claw clips, also known as jaw clips, banana clips, or hair claws, are typically designed with interlocking teeth that secure hair into place. They are often made from plastic, acrylic, or even metal, and are worn on the back of the head. In a vehicle crash, particularly a rear-end collision, occupants may experience significant forces that whip the head backward into a headrest or seat. If a claw clip is worn at the back of the head, it can act like a pointed, rigid object pressed between the skull and another surface.

Mechanism of Injury

Here’s how claw clips can become hazardous in a car accident:

Direct Impact with the Headrest: The clip can be crushed into the scalp during a rear-end crash, causing lacerations, bruising, or even penetrating injuries.
Projectile Risk: If the clip dislodges, it can become a projectile and strike others in the car.
Cervical Spine Injury: Pressure from a rigid clip can force the neck into unnatural angles, increasing the risk of cervical strain, whiplash, or spinal injury.
Scalp Avulsion: In rare cases, the teeth of a claw clip may catch in the hair and tear the scalp if the force is great enough.

Injury Reports and Real-World Cases of Claw Clip Injuries from Car Accidents

While claw clip-specific injury data is limited in public databases, anecdotal evidence and case reports have highlighted these dangers. Social media platforms and forums have seen numerous posts from car accident survivors warning about their experience with claw clips.

In 2022, a viral TikTok from a user claimed she had to get staples in her head after her claw clip cracked open her scalp in a collision. Similar posts on Reddit describe emergency room visits and stitches due to similar injuries.

In a 2021 survey of 400 ER doctors conducted by the National Safety Council, 15% reported treating patients with injuries from personal accessories that were made worse in car crashes, including items like hard barrettes, claw clips, and large earrings.

Statistics on Car Accident Injuries and Head Trauma

While claw clip-specific statistics are hard to isolate, it helps to look at broader data on car crash-related head injuries:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1.5 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States annually, with many cases resulting from motor vehicle accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that head injuries are the leading cause of death in vehicle crashes, with 81% of head injuries in front-seat passengers occurring from contact with vehicle interiors.
Rear-end collisions, a common scenario where the head whips back into the seat, account for nearly 30% of all traffic accidents in the U.S.

Given the position and materials of most claw clips, it is plausible that they exacerbate the risk of soft tissue damage and skull trauma in such crashes.

Why Claw Clip Injuries are Serious

Claw clip injuries raise unique concerns. While they may seem like minor injuries, wounds to the scalp or head often bleed heavily and may require:

Stitches or staples
Plastic surgery
Long-term hair loss or scarring
Physical therapy if neck or spinal damage occurs

Victims may be entitled to compensation for these injuries, including:

Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgery, or physical therapy
Lost wages: Due to recovery time or disability
Pain and suffering: Including permanent disfigurement or emotional trauma

Photographs of the injury and the claw clip, medical documentation, and police reports are all essential in proving the extent of the damage and seeking fair compensation.

Who May Be Liable in a Claw Clip Injury Case?

Liability in claw clip injury cases usually falls under traditional negligence principles. For example:

Another driver: If their reckless driving caused the crash, they may be liable for the resulting injuries, including those worsened by a claw clip.
Vehicle manufacturer: If a seatback, headrest, or airbag malfunctioned and contributed to the injury.
Product manufacturer: In rare cases, if the claw clip was defectively designed or made with materials known to shatter dangerously, a product liability claim may be possible.

Pediatric and Teen Risks of Serious Claw Clip Injuries

Teenage drivers and passengers, especially girls, are frequent users of claw clips. According to a 2023 fashion trend report by Business of Fashion, claw clips are among the top five accessories used by teen girls.

Teens are already at high risk for car accidents. The CDC reports that teen drivers are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 or older to be involved in a fatal crash. Combining higher crash risk with frequent claw clip use increases the likelihood of related injuries in this group.

Preventing Claw Clip Injuries in Car Accidents

For Drivers and Passengers:

Avoid wearing rigid hair clips when driving or riding in a car. Opt for soft scrunchies, elastics, or fabric headbands.
If you must wear a claw clip, consider placing it lower on the head or removing it before long drives.
Secure loose accessories: Ensure that clips and other hard objects are stored securely and not worn or placed on dashboards or seats.

For Parents:

Talk to children and teens about the risks of rigid accessories in the car.
Encourage safe styling alternatives for school drop-offs, road trips, or carpools.

For Automakers:

Vehicle headrests and seats could incorporate more forgiving materials or ergonomic designs that reduce focal impact points.
Warning labels or user manuals could include safety tips regarding rigid hair accessories.

What to Do If You’re Injured by a Claw Clip in a Car Accident

Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Head wounds can be deceptive. Even a small gash may require stitches or staples, and underlying concussions may go unnoticed.
Photograph the Injury and the Clip: Preserve the clip as evidence. If it shattered, collect the pieces.
File a Police Report: Ensure the report documents your injuries. Let the responding officer know about the clip-related injury.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: A qualified Illinois car accident attorney can help determine if you have a case for compensation. They can also assist with documenting your injury, negotiating with insurance companies, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, but few people consider the risk posed by everyday accessories like claw clips. These popular hair tools, while fashionable, can become sources of serious trauma during vehicle collisions. Whether you’re a driver, passenger, or parent, understanding the risks and taking proactive safety steps can reduce the chance of a serious injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury in a car accident made worse by a claw clip or similar accessory, contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. Our award-winning Naperville car accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.