Types of Motor Vehicle Facial Injuries

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Types of Motor Vehicle Facial Injuries

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Collisions can lead to various types of trauma, and car accident face injuries are particularly concerning because of their potential long-term impact on both appearance and function. At Malman Law, we know how these lesions affect victims in Chicago, and we are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. 

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In this blog, we’ll discuss the most frequent types of facial injuries in motor vehicle accidents and how they occur.

What Are Common Types of Facial Injuries in Car Accidents?

Facial damages are frequent in car accidents and can result from various impacts during a collision. These range from broken bones to soft tissue damage, often requiring immediate and extensive medical treatment. 

Below, we outline the most frequent types of facial injuries victims experience in motor vehicle crashes.

Broken Bones

Fractures are a frequent consequence of car accidents, particularly in high-speed collisions, and victims may suffer them on the nose, cheekbones, jaw, and eye sockets. They typically necessitate surgery to realign bones or insert plates and screws, as misalignment can cause prolonged functional issues.

According to Cleveland Clinic, prompt treatment is essential to prevent long-term complications such as facial deformities or difficulties with breathing and eating.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions are soft tissue injuries that occur when the face strikes a hard or sharp object, such as broken glass or a dashboard. These can cause severe bleeding and may leave permanent scars. If left untreated, there is a high risk of infection, especially with deep lacerations.

As Johns Hopkins Medicine highlights, this kind of damage should be treated immediately to prevent complications such as infection or long-term scarring.

Burns

Facial burns can occur due to intense heat from burning fuel or chemicals. They can range from minor skin damage to extreme tissue loss, potentially involving the eyes, mouth, and throat. These injuries usually result in long-term scarring and may require multiple surgeries, including skin grafts.

Victims may experience both physical and emotional challenges, as burns are highly visible and may lead to disfigurement, as well as difficulties with breathing or eating.

Eye Injuries

These can result from the force of impact or from flying debris, such as shattered glass, during the incident. Damages may include corneal abrasions, retinal damage, or even vision loss. Some of these even require surgical intervention and can have lasting effects on a victim’s ability to see clearly or at all.

In severe cases, they can lead to permanent blindness, making it crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Swelling and Bruising

Facial swelling and bruising are common after a car accident. While bruising may appear immediately and fade over 10 to 14 days, swelling develops over the following hours or days and subsides within 5 to 7 days after appearing. Although these are viewed as less severe, they can indicate underlying issues like fractures or nerve damage.

If the swelling persists or is accompanied by significant pain, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out more serious internal damages.

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction and workers’ compensation cases.

STEVE J. MALMAN

Founding Attorney

How Do Facial Injuries Occur in Car Accidents?

Facial injuries typically occur in collisions due to direct impact with vehicle components such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. In many cases, the force can propel the victim’s face into these hard surfaces, causing fractures, lacerations, or bruising.

Airbag deployment is another general cause. While airbags are intended to safeguard passengers, they can inflict harm when deployed at high speeds. If one strikes the face, it can result in burns, fractures, and even eye injuries.

Flying debris, such as broken glass or metal fragments, can also develop harsh lacerations or eye damage. Even in lower-speed collisions, the sudden jolt can lead to whiplash, which can indirectly cause afflictions through muscle strain or impact.

As Penn Medicine mentions, these lesions require immediate and comprehensive medical care to guarantee proper healing and prevent long-term complications.

Contact Malman Law for Help with Car Accident Face Injuries

At Malman Law, we are committed to assisting car accident victims in obtaining the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has experienced a facial injury due to a car accident, reach out to us today for a free consultation to explore your legal options.