Car accidents have been known to cause various debilitating injuries to those involved. However, the face is seldom mentioned when talking about car accident injuries.
During a car accident, the victim’s face could suffer different types of injuries such as the following.
1. Fractured bones
The face is made up of several delicate bones, including the jawbone, cheekbones and nasal bones. In a car accident, the heavy impact can cause these bones to fracture, leading to severe pain, swelling and difficulty in breathing or eating. Fractures in the facial bones often require surgical intervention to realign the bones and restore facial symmetry. In some cases, these fractures can also damage surrounding soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels, complicating the recovery process and potentially causing long-term facial disfigurement or dysfunction.
2. Soft-tissue injuries
If the face is caught up in the violent motion of a car accident, soft tissues such as the skin, muscles and ligaments can sustain significant damage. Abrasions, lacerations and contusions are common soft-tissue injuries resulting from impact with various objects inside the vehicle or from being thrown against surfaces. Severe lacerations may require reconstructive surgery to minimize scarring and restore normal function and appearance to the affected areas.
3. Facial avulsion
While not a very common occurrence, facial avulsion can result from the extreme forces involved in high-speed car accidents. Facial avulsion refers to the partial or complete tearing away of facial tissue from its underlying structures, including muscles, blood vessels and nerves. This type of injury is often associated with significant trauma and can lead to severe disfigurement and functional impairment.
Facial injuries can result in diminished enjoyment of life along with other losses, and legal guidance can help establish accountability and pursue compensation.