People drive every day on the highways and streets of East Texas. Nobody expects to get into a crash, but a car accident can happen at any time that leaves people seriously hurt. Lives can be changed in an instant. When victims suffer facial injuries, their lives can be impacted in many different ways.
Facial injuries are common in car crashes. One study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine looked at reported facial injuries over a 15-month period at a regional trauma center. It found that among 461 motor vehicle accident victims, just over half experienced facial trauma.
The causes and impact of facial injuries
How do facial injuries happen during a collision? Flying glass or debris can hit the face, including the eyes. A person’s head could hit the steering wheel or another hard surface inside the vehicle. In some cases where seatbelts weren’t used, a person was thrown from the car and landed onto the pavement.
As a result, victims can be left with multiple cuts and lacerations on the face. One or more of the 14 bones in the face could be broken, including those in the nose or above the eyes. Glass or debris could also become lodged in the eyes, resulting in vision problems. If there was a fire just after the crash, people can suffer burns on the face.
As a result of their physical injuries, victims of facial trauma may need diagnostic imaging tests, surgery, hospitalization, medication, and multiple follow-up visits with doctors. Their injuries could cause disfigurement such as scarring, and reconstructive surgery may also be needed to help restore a person’s former appearance.
Facial injuries can also affect victims emotionally. Their self-esteem and self-confidence can suffer if they believe their appearance has been altered.
Then there is the financial impact. Medical and mental health treatment can be expensive. Expenses can add up quickly and become overwhelming.
If a negligent driver caused the crash that left you with facial injuries, you shouldn’t have to pay. However, the process of recovering financial compensation can be complicated.
Holding negligent drivers accountable
Drivers who cause crashes may refuse to accept responsibility and deny doing anything wrong – even if they were speeding, driving recklessly, or texting behind the wheel.
Insurance companies aren’t on your side after an accident. They are more concerned about their bottom line than giving you fair compensation. They may question the seriousness of your injuries or try to blame you for the accident. Or they’ll offer you a settlement that falls far short of covering your damages.
That’s why you need an experienced car accident lawyer who knows how to get results. Attorney Jeff Weinstein has been fighting for the injured in Athens and throughout East Texas for more than 20 years. He knows how to build strong cases and take on insurance companies to get the financial compensation you deserve.
If you suffered facial injuries in an accident, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Learn what your legal options and are and get your questions answered. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.