Car Accident Face Injuries

The Lasting Impact of Facial Injuries After a Crash: Scars, Disfigurement, and Emotional Trauma

Road traffic accidents can result in serious physical injuries, but their effects often go far beyond visible wounds. One of the most devastating consequences is facial injuries, which can range from minor cuts to permanent disfigurement. Car accident face injuries not only change a person’s appearance but also severely impact their emotional well-being, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.

Victims of facial injuries from vehicle collisions often face a long and painful recovery process, sometimes with lifelong consequences. Unfortunately, many people overlook their legal right to seek compensation for both their physical suffering and the financial losses that follow.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common types of face injuries, their physical and psychological effects, and why hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is crucial to getting the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered facial injuries in a car crash, don’t wait to take action. Call us today at (800) 310-1606 or submit your case on our website for a free consultation.

Statistics on Facial Injuries in Car Accidents

Facial injuries from motor vehicle collisions can result from various causes and range in severity. These injuries not only affect a person’s appearance but can also have a profound impact on their quality of life. Since road traffic accidents are a leading cause of serious facial injuries, understanding the key statistics is essential.

Here are some important statistics related to head and facial injuries in car accidents:

• A study by the Medical College of Pennsylvania found that 51% of car crash victims requiring medical attention suffered facial trauma, including lacerations, open wounds, and friction burns.
• According to the National Library of Medicine, the most common facial fractures involve the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) and the ocular orbit (eye socket).
• Head-on collisions are the type of accident most likely to cause face injuries.
• The most common facial injuries include abrasions, contusions (bruises), lacerations (cuts), and bone fractures.
• The lack of seatbelt use significantly increases the severity of facial injuries. Less than 20% of victims hospitalized for serious injuries were wearing a seatbelt.
• The mid-face area (nose, cheeks, and eyes) is the most commonly affected region in facial trauma.
• Bone fractures occur in 22% of people who suffer facial injuries in a crash.
• Suffering both face and head injuries is highly prevalent in a car accident.

Common Face Injuries 

After examining the impact of traffic accidents on facial injuries, it is crucial to understand their specific causes and the most common types. In most cases, face injuries are not isolated to a single area. They often involve a combination of abrasions, deep cuts, bone fractures, and even intracranial bleeding.

Among facial bone injuries, the nose and cheekbones are the most commonly broken bones in motor vehicle accidents. These areas are particularly vulnerable in a collision. While some injuries may seem minor at first, many can present serious health risks if left undiagnosed or untreated. Swelling or numbness can sometimes mask the true extent of the damage, leading to delayed treatment and an increased risk of complications.

The most frequent facial injuries resulting from a car crash include:

Soft Tissue Injuries

These injuries affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that support and protect the bones of the face. The most common types are cuts, scrapes, abrasions, and deep wounds. A severe injury can damage the facial nerve, potentially causing long-term numbness, weakness, or loss of function in certain face areas.

Facial and Oral Injuries

While most facial and oral injuries do not cause permanent damage, they can be extremely painful and significantly impact daily life. Car accidents frequently result in jaw dislocation and dental injuries.

Burns and Facial Abrasions

These facial injuries often result from friction with asphalt, direct contact with fire, or exposure to hazardous chemicals during a car crash. Burns are particularly severe, as they can penetrate multiple layers of skin, damage underlying tissues and bones, and leave permanent scars. In the most extreme cases, they may require reconstructive surgery to restore function and appearance.

Facial Fractures

The face is made up of 14 delicate bones, making it highly vulnerable to fractures in car accidents. The most commonly affected bones include the orbital bone, the zygomatic bone (cheekbone), the nasal bone, and the frontal bone. A facial injury can cause significant pain, swelling, and numbness in the face after a head impact. If not treated promptly, facial bone injuries can lead to long-term complications, including permanent disfigurement.

Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Violent blows to the head and face can cause concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). When the brain is jolted inside the skull due to the force of the impact, victims may experience symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, and headaches. Additionally, these injuries can cause facial numbness and affect the nervous system. TBI is the most severe potential complication of a facial injury.

Contusions and Intracranial Bleeding

A contusion occurs when a hard blow damages the muscles and tissues beneath the skin, causing a hematoma. These injuries often happen when the face hits the steering wheel, window, or airbag. In severe cases, contusions can lead to life-threatening intracranial bleeding if not treated immediately. This can lead to additional complications that require urgent medical attention to prevent further damage.

Symptoms of Facial and Head Injuries After a Car Accident

• Severe pain and sensitivity in the face.
• Swelling and bruising.
• Nasal or oral bleeding.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Blurred vision or extreme sensitivity to light.
• Dizziness, disorientation, and confusion.
• Vomiting.
• Balance problems.
• Difficulty breathing if there are nasal fractures.
• Facial paralysis.
• Slow pulse and weakness.
• Headache.

Consequences of Face Injuries from Car Accidents

Facial injuries not only affect a person’s physical appearance, but can also leave lasting emotional and psychological scars. Victims must cope with both the visible damage and the emotional toll, which can significantly impact their quality of life. In the United States, where traffic accidents are common, facial injuries are often underestimated, making them critical to address because of their potential for serious, long-term consequences.

Physical and Aesthetic Impact

Visible damage is undoubtedly one of the most obvious consequences of facial injuries. Broken noses, cuts, burns, or permanent scars are just some of the lasting effects these injuries can leave behind. In more severe cases, these injuries can lead to a loss of facial mobility, making it difficult to express emotions and engage in social interactions. What was once a natural expression often becomes, for many, a constant reminder of the trauma they have endured.

Emotional and Psychological Aftermath

Physical changes to the face can be emotionally devastating. Visible scars not only change the appearance of the face, but can also undermine a victim’s self-esteem and confidence. The recovery process after an accident can be long, and many people experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These psychological struggles can be just as challenging as the physical pain.

Functional Issues

Suffering face injuries after a car accident can affect vital functions. If the injury affects the jaw or teeth, the person may experience difficulty speaking or eating properly. In more severe cases, injury to the facial nerves can result in partial or total paralysis, affecting the ability to smile, speak, and eat naturally.

Recovery and Treatment

The healing time for a facial injury is often lengthy and complex. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may need specialized medical care, multiple doctor visits, and, in some cases, reconstructive surgery. Treatment for soft tissue injury on the face may include psychological and physical therapy to restore facial mobility, along with rehabilitation to recover lost functionality.

Compensation Options for Face Injuries in Car Accidents

In the event of a car accident, victims who sustain face injuries are entitled to seek compensation for the damages they have endured. In California, personal injury law protects the rights of these individuals and allows them to pursue legal action to secure a fair settlement. The amount of compensation you may receive will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the specific details of the collision.

Here are some of the key factors that can affect the compensation you may be entitled to in a facial injury lawsuit following a road traffic accident:

• Medical Expenses: This covers all costs associated with medical care, including hospitalization, surgeries, therapies, rehabilitation, doctor’s visits, and medications necessary for recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: This refers to the emotional and psychological distress caused by the injuries and how they affect the victim’s overall well-being and quality of life.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to missed work, whether the absence is temporary or permanent.
• Disability: In severe cases, such as facial paralysis or vision loss, victims may receive compensation for permanent disabilities that limit their ability to perform daily activities and profoundly impact their lives.
• Loss of Quality of Life: Any injury that significantly alters the victim’s lifestyle, restricting their ability to engage in previously enjoyed social, work, or family activities, can be considered into the compensation.

Contact Adamson Ahdoot for Justice Today

Don’t let the impact of facial scarring or disfigurement stand in the way of getting the justice you deserve. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers is here to support you, fight for your rights, and help you secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

With over 100 years of combined experience, Adamson Ahdoot is one of California’s leading personal injury law firms. Call us today at (800) 310-1606 for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and find out how we can help you navigate your legal options.