Common Car Accident Face Injuries

Car accident face injuries are among the most common consequences of car crashes, leaving victims dealing with severe pain, lasting scars, or permanent disfigurement. These injuries not only impact a person’s physical appearance but can also cause emotional distress and financial strain due to medical expenses and time away from work. At Parnall Law, we understand how devastating these injuries can be for you and your loved ones. We aim to help you manage your legal options and secure the compensation you need to recover.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common facial injuries caused by car crashes, the typical causes of these injuries, and the types of compensation you may be entitled to after such a traumatic event.

Most Common Car Accident Face Injuries

Car incidents can result in several types of facial injuries, ranging from minor cuts to more severe fractures or burns. Below are some of the most frequent injuries and their impact on victims:

1. Facial Fractures

They include broken cheekbones, nasal fractures, and orbital bone fractures (around the eyes), which are some of the most common injuries caused by the blunt force of an impact. These fractures often occur when a driver or passenger’s face strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag. In some cases, fractures may require reconstructive surgery or long-term physical therapy to restore function and appearance.

2. Burns

Burns to the face are often caused by airbag deployment, fires, or exposure to chemicals during a car crash. They may range from first-degree, which cause redness and pain, to third-degree burns, which damage more profound layers of skin and require extensive medical treatment. Severe burns can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement, which can deeply affect a person’s self-esteem.

3. Eye Injuries

Eye injuries are particularly concerning because they can lead to partial or total vision loss. These injuries are often caused by debris from the collision, shattered glass, or direct trauma to the face. Victims may suffer from corneal abrasions, retinal damage, or even the loss of an eye, which can drastically change their quality of life.

4. Mandible Fractures (Broken Jaw)

The jawbone, or mandible, is another area vulnerable to trauma during a car accident. A fractured jaw can cause difficulty eating, speaking, or even breathing. Recovery from a mandible fracture may involve surgery, wiring of the jaw, or months of rehabilitation to restore proper function.

Each of these injuries can have long-lasting effects on a person’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. As such, victims should seek immediate medical care and consider consulting a legal professional to explore their options for compensation. According to Marietta Chiropractic Clinic, timely treatment for car accident injuries can significantly improve recovery outcomes and prevent complications.

Main Causes of Face Injuries

These types of injuries in car accidents are often the result of intense forces or blunt trauma during a collision. While every incident is different, there are several common causes of facial injuries:

1. Airbag Deployment

While airbags save lives, they can also cause injuries. When an airbag inflates, the force can lead to burns, abrasions, or even fractures to the face. In some cases, the rapid deployment of an airbag can cause direct trauma to the jaw or eyes.

2. Collision Impact

Direct contact with hard surfaces, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or car windows, is one of the most common causes of facial injuries. Even with seatbelts and airbags in place, the force of a high-speed collision can throw a victim forward, causing blunt-force trauma to the face.

3. Flying Debris

Shattered glass, loose objects inside the car, or external debris can strike the face during a crash. These impacts often result in cuts, bruises, or eye injuries that may require stitches or surgery.

4. Rollover Accidents

In rollover incidents, the risk of severe facial injuries is even higher because the head and face are more likely to strike multiple surfaces. Victims in these accidents often experience complicated injuries, including fractures and deep lacerations.

Being aware of these causes can help victims and their families understand how to take precautions or strengthen their cases when seeking compensation. The mechanisms of injury are crucial in ensuring proper treatment and care after a collision.

What Type of Compensation Can I Get?

If you’ve suffered a facial injury in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation. The financial recovery available to you will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the catastrophe. Below are some common types of compensation you may be eligible for:

1. Medical Expenses

Medical bills are often one of the most considerable costs after a car accident. Compensation can cover expenses such as:

• Emergency room visits
• Surgery or reconstructive procedures
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Ongoing treatments like scar revision surgery

2. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Facial injuries can make it difficult to return to work, especially if they impact speech, vision, or facial mobility. Compensation may include the income you lost during recovery as well as damages for reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working the same way as before.

3. Pain and Suffering

These injuries often result in significant emotional and physical distress. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the mental anguish, depression, or anxiety caused by the trauma and appearance changes.

4. Disfigurement or Permanent Scarring

If your injuries result in permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may be entitled to damages to address the impact on your quality of life, confidence, and emotional well-being.

5. Punitive Damages

In cases where the accident was caused by extreme negligence or reckless behavior (e.g., drunk driving), punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter future misconduct.

Recovering compensation after a car incident can be an intricate process. Still, a skilled personal injury attorney can help you calculate the total value of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Your Guide to Recovering from Car Accident Face Injuries

At Parnall Law, we know how life-changing facial injuries from car accidents can be. If you or a loved one has suffered a facial injury in a car accident in New Mexico, we’re here to help. Our team of experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you need to move forward. Call us today at (505) 268-6500 to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for you so you can focus on healing.