Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries in the country, especially eye injuries. The eyes are a particularly sensitive area of the body and can easily become damaged in a car crash. In some cases, the injury may be so severe that the victim can lose their eyesight entirely and may even lose the eye (s) itself, leaving their face disfigured.

Losing your eyesight or suffering a facially disfiguring eye injury can be highly traumatizing. Many victims who suffer from these types of injuries may struggle with the emotional anguish and PTSD. Furthermore, losing your eyesight leaves you disabled and can drastically alter your way of life and ability to earn an income.

If you suffer an eye injury or lose your eyesight in a car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a claim or even a lawsuit if necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve. Recovering from an eye injury can be challenging, but getting the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, and even pain and suffering can help you move on and recover as comfortably as possible.

How Eye Injuries Occur in Car Accidents

Your eyes can become damaged in an accident in various ways depending on the situation. While safety glasses could help prevent injury, most drivers and passengers are not likely to wear safety gear while driving or riding in a car. Wearing sunglasses, however, could help as it does provide at least somewhat of a barrier between your eyes and potential dangers. But there is no guarantee that sunglasses or prescription glasses will protect your eyes entirely.

According to a study on motor vehicle crash-associated eye injuries, some factors that can lead to eye injuries in a collision include:

• Rapid changes in velocity
• Exposure to broken glass
• Airbag deployment
• Facial contact with another part of the vehicle
• Facial contact with the ground or other object if propelled from the vehicle
• Other foreign body exposure

Common Eye Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

Many things can put the eyes at risk during a car accident, and the severity and types of injury can vary. Airbags, for example, while meant to protect passengers, deploy at high speeds and have been known to cause damage to the eyes. Some of the most common eye injuries caused by car accidents include the following:

• Retinal detachment: This occurs when the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye detaches from its usual position. If left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss.
• Cataracts: Cataracts are a clouding of the eye. They occur when the eyes experience blunt force trauma or a penetrating injury that damages the lens fibers. 
• Corneal abrasions: Corneal abrasions are superficial scratches on the clear outer layer of the eye. They often heal on their own but can grow worse and become infected if you continually touch and rub the eye area.
• Orbital fractures: This occurs when the bones around the eye area become fractured, likely due to a blow or blunt force trauma to the face. If they heal properly, the eyeball itself and your vision may be unaffected. However, some orbital fractures can cause changes in vision and decrease eye movement.
• Hyphema: Hyphema occurs when blood pools or collects inside the anterior chamber of the eye. Essentially, it makes it appear as though you have a red or bloody eyeball. The blood can cover the entire iris and pupil or only partially block your vision.

What to Do After You Sustain an Eye Injury in a Car Accident

Following a car accident, you should always seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine or think that your injuries are minor, you never know how severe they might actually be. Some symptoms may not develop until later, and having an initial evaluation from a medical professional can help you determine whether you need emergency treatment or not. Seeking immediate medical care can also help should you decide to file a personal injury claim.

You will need proof of your condition and must be able to show fault if you want to receive compensation for your injuries and any other damages sustained. After receiving medical attention, you should make sure an accident report is filed with the police and with your insurance provider. From there, you will need to work with an attorney to help prove your case and ensure you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Poynter & Bucheri Accident Recovery — Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

If you or someone you love has sustained an eye injury or vision loss in a car accident, contact the accident recovery experts at Poynter & Bucheri. Our fee is only 25% compared to the higher 40% rates with other attorneys. We will ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries and losses. Don’t hesitate — one of our experienced attorneys can assist you right away. Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.