general problems of the 1996 Nissan Altima

My car crashed into the back of another vehicle. I had plenty of time to stop, but my car just didn't & my airbags didn't deploy. Even before the crash, the dash lights flicker on and off, & I can barely see with my headlights! also, my car makes loud cranking noises when I turn. Every car I see like mine, has a smashed up front end & has all the same issues. I can't currently afford a new car, but I'm scared to death to drive mine, but I have no choice. Help me please! who can I contact? I strongly believe these cars are not fit for driving. I need my problems solved fast before something more serious happens! if I would have known how dangerous these cars truly are, I would have bought something else to keep myself and others on the road safe. I don't have the means at this time in my life to buy a safer and more reliable vehicle. I even had to take time off from college, because I do not have reliable transportation to get myself there. It's very devistating.