Almost all of us know someone who has been affected by the aftermath of a car accident. Injuries are common, especially in more serious accidents and these vary drastically in seriousness.
Cuts and bruises are commonplace, as is pain in muscles and shock. One particular type of injury that’s less common but can still occur is temporary or permanent vision loss. How does this happen?
Facial trauma caused by glass and airbag deployment
A car accident may cause the car windscreen (or other car windows) to shatter. If this gets into the eyes it can cause serious vision damage or even blindness. There may also be other debris in the air that can hit a driver, or passengers, directly in the face upon impact.
Deployment of the vehicle’s airbag happens quickly and quite violently. While this is its intention to make sure it provides the support you need, it can cause injuries as a result. It may result in black eyes which, when swelled, may affect the vision in a significant way.
Head injuries or traumatic brain injury
In the most serious of cases, an accident can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These can be temporary but may also have long-lasting, life-changing consequences.
Common side effects of a TBI can include dizziness, blurring and loss of vision, both temporary and permanent. This is because of the damage caused to the brain by the trauma. It can mean that the part of the brain responsible for vision no longer functions as it should.
Damage to your eyesight, or even total vision loss after an accident in a vehicle is devastating. When this accident was due to another driver’s negligence, you have the right to claim compensation for your injuries.