Facial Injuries in Car Accidents
A person can suffer facial trauma in various ways. Sports and falls can cause injuries to the face. So can motor vehicle accidents. However, facial fractures incurred in a crash are more likely to result in an associated head injury.
A study of over 3,000 emergency room patients found that the zygoma is the most frequently fractured facial bone. This bone is found in the bony arch of the cheek. Orbital blow-out fractures are also common. These occur when an object strikes the eye. Force is transmitted into the eye compartment or socket (also known as the orbit). The thinnest bones will buckle or break from the pressure generated by the force of the trauma.
Studies show that the presence of an airbag and seat belt use reduced the likelihood of sustaining a facial fracture. In fact, seat belts were found to reduce the risk of sustaining a facial fracture by 74% in frontal impacts.
Types of Facial Injuries
A car accident can cause various injuries to the face, including the following:
- Broken glass, metal fragments, or other sharp objects within the vehicle can cause cuts and tears to the skin. Lacerations to the face can range from minor cuts to deep wounds requiring stitches or surgery.
- The facial bones, including the nose, cheekbones, jawbone, and orbital bones surrounding the eyes, can be fractured in car accidents. Fractures may vary in severity from hairline cracks to complete breaks.
- Eye injuries. Trauma from a car accident can cause a range of eye injuries, including corneal abrasions, retinal detachment, and foreign object penetration. Airbag deployment can cause eye injuries as well.
- Dental injuries. Impact during a car accident can result in dental injuries such as chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth. Jaw fractures can also occur.
- Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the face can be strained, sprained, or torn during a car accident. Whiplash is also common and can affect the neck and facial muscles.
- In car accidents involving fires or explosions, occupants may sustain thermal burns to the face and other exposed areas of the body. Chemical burns from exposure to hazardous substances can also occur.
- Other facial trauma. Severe facial trauma may result in disfigurement, loss of facial features, and permanent scarring. These injuries can have significant physical, emotional, and psychological impacts on a victim.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Car accidents can cause serious injuries, including facial injuries. These injuries can lead to scarring and other long-term damage.
After a car accident, it’s a good idea to consult with medical and legal professionals to address the injuries sustained in the crash. Count on a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC to help you get full and fair compensation. Call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation with our office.
Source:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3256789/
