Car accidents can wreak havoc on the human body, especially the parts of us that are particularly sensitive to sudden and heavy force. The face, neck, and head are especially vulnerable to injury. Our eyesight is a vital part of daily life, and almost every activity we perform entails being able to see. Anyone who’s vision has been impacted since being in a car accident must visit a reputable and experienced eye doctor as soon as possible for care, and contact a qualified car accident and personal injury lawyer to ensure they get the compensation they deserve.
How The Eye Can Get Injured
There are many ways that a car accident can unfold, and no two people will walk away with the same exact injuries. However, when eye injuries happen, they can cause temporary or permanent damage which can change a person’s life forever, as a personal injury attorney from a law firm like the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, can explain. Someone with newly developed eye problems because of an accident may have to change hobbies, find new employment (or stop working altogether), and adjust to what it means to live with eyesight impairments. Some common eye injuries that tend to occur after a vehicle crash include:
- Damage to the Eyelid: Eyelids are an underappreciated component of the human body. If eyelids get injured, it can be incredibly uncomfortable and lead to eye complications. The eyelid protects the eye while keeping it moist. Trauma to the eyelid often necessitates surgical repair and long-term treatment by an experienced eye doctor.
- Orbital Fracture: The orbital bone is the sturdy bone that surrounds the eye, protecting it from harm. If this bone gets fractured in a car accident, shards of bone can get into the eye, surrounding socket area, and brain.
- Particles Getting Into the Eye: During a car accident, dirt, glass, debris, and other small particles can easily fly into the eye during impact. A common way that eye injuries can occur in car crashes is from foam particles being released amidst airbag deployment.
- Globe Rupture: If there is enough direct trauma to the eye, it can rupture. Most people will have to undergo surgery or lose their eye and have it replaced with a prosthetic. Sudden trauma can also cause eye bleeding (or otherwise referred to as subconjunctival hemorrhage) resulting in vision loss.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Most people know that a traumatic brain injury means the head and skull were damaged. However, the eyes can be impacted due to the trauma as well. A forceful blow to the head can affect the eyes, either from the force itself or as a consequence of brain damage. In fact, research shows that up to 40% of people with a TBI will experience some degree of vision issues, such as blurry vision and vertigo.
The eye is an sensitive and essential part of the human body. After a car accident, don’t forget to consider how your sight may have been impacted, and get yourself to a dependable eye doctor promptly. An eye doctor can examine your eye for injuries and create an appropriate treatment plan.
If you’ve experienced an eye injury due to a car accident, you don’t need to face your recovery alone. You might be dealing with the challenges of negotiating with insurance companies, lost income, and possibly a lifetime of impaired vision. An accomplished personal injury and car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer to move forward with your case. Contact one today, and get your recovery started immediately.