Car crashes are scary events. Broken glass, flying objects, and sudden impacts are not only terrifying in the moment but can cause extensive, slow-to-heal injuries as well. One all-too-common injury after a crash? Corneal abrasions or scratches to the eye.
A corneal abrasion is a scratch or trauma to the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the clear area of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil. The cornea protects the iris and pupil, allowing you to see clearly. It also plays a critical role in helping your eyes focus. When something happens to the cornea, not only does it cause tremendous pain and suffering, it can also negatively impact vision, sometimes permanently.
When treated correctly and promptly, a simple corneal abrasion can heal quickly—usually within one to three days. However, complex or severe injuries can take more time to heal, and avoiding treatment altogether can lead to complications in the future.
Eye Injuries Are Common During a Car Crash. Here’s What to Do if One Happens to You
According to the National Institute of Health, car crashes are one of the most common causes of eye injuries in the United States. The abrupt change in speed, broken glass, airbags going off, and other flying objects make crashes a uniquely dangerous risk that sends thousands of people to the emergency room every year.
According to the National Institute of Health, car crashes are one of the most common causes of eye injuries in the United States. The abrupt change in speed, broken glass, airbags going off, and other flying objects make crashes a uniquely dangerous risk that sends thousands of people to the emergency room every year.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a corneal abrasion, scratched cornea, or another eye injury after a crash, you should know the steps to take to protect your health and your case.
- Call the Police: Once everyone is out of immediate danger, call the police. They’ll respond to the crash and create a report with the details of what happened. This report also includes who caused the accident and other information that can help protect you later should you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Go to the Doctor: If your eye is injured, don’t wait to get medical attention. Calling an ambulance, going to the emergency room, or visiting an urgent care after an accident can make a difference in your vision. And if you’re worried about paying for medical care, remember that you can include the cost of your treatment in any claim you file.
- Keep Track of Your Damages: You should never have to pay for the cost of an injury that wasn’t your fault. When you work with a skilled car crash lawyer in Mobile, they can help you prepare a case and demand compensation for the ways you’ve suffered. Save all your medical bills, make a note of the days you weren’t able to work because of your injury, your pain levels, and the days when your pain and suffering keep you from taking care of your family or enjoying life.
- Call an Attorney: Filing a successful insurance claim is a notoriously difficult process. To give yourself the best chance possible, it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced lawyer who knows how to investigate a crash, handle bills and other documents, and prepare a successful claim. And if the insurance company won’t give you a fair settlement, they can help you demand a fair amount by taking your case to trial.
RELATED: 5 Signs You Need to Hire a Lawyer After a Crash
You Shouldn’t Have to Suffer Because of Someone Else’s Mistake
Eye wounds and other injuries after a crash can change your life forever. If this happened to you or someone you care about, you don’t have to fight alone.
At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we’re proud to support people who need to put their lives back together after a terrible accident. We’ve won over $500 million in verdicts or settlement for clients just like you and are ready to hear your story.
Injured After a Crash? Andy Citrin Is Ready to Win for You
To learn more about your legal options, the best next steps, and how our team of dedicated attorneys can support you, please don’t hesitate to request a free, confidential consultation. We’ll meet with you to discuss what happened and offer advice about how to proceed. Our team has fought and won on behalf of injured people across Alabama and Mississippi and are ready to speak with you.
Plus, when you choose to work with Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, you don’t pay a dime unless we win for you—that’s our promise. Get started today by calling our office at 251-888-8888 or sending us a message using our online form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
References
Armstrong, G. W., Chen, A. J., Linakis, J. G., Mello, M. J., & Greenberg, P. B. (2014). “Motor Vehicle Crash-Associated Eye Injuries Presenting to U.S. Emergency Departments.” The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, 15(6), 693–700. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2gp2m8h7
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
Andy is the owner and CEO of Citrin Law Firm, P.C. He founded the firm in 1995 with the goal of helping injured people put their lives back together. His passion for protecting injured people has only grown since he opened the doors of Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, and he has a history of winning numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients.