How Often Do Eye Injuries Occur in Car Accidents?

Imagine driving home, your mind a mix of the day’s events and what’s for dinner. In a blink, everything changes. A sudden crash, and the world blurs into a whirlwind of confusion and pain. Car accidents are a stark reality on New Jersey roads, leaving thousands injured each year. Among these injuries, those to the eye are particularly devastating, yet they often go unnoticed in the immediate chaos. The impact on victims and their families can be profound, affecting not just their health but their emotional well-being and financial stability. This blog post aims to shine a light on eye injuries from car accidents, exploring their frequency, the legal landscape in New Jersey for victims, and how Gelman Law, LLC stands ready to guide and support personal injury victims.

Understanding Eye Injuries in Car Accidents

The Reality of Eye Injuries

When we think of car accident injuries, we often consider broken bones or whiplash, but the eyes, those delicate windows to the world, can also suffer greatly. Eye injuries can range from minor irritations that heal with time to severe traumas that may result in permanent vision loss. Understanding these injuries is the first step toward prevention and treatment.

Common Types of Eye Injuries

• Corneal Abrasions: Airbag dust and debris can scratch the eye’s surface, causing pain and sensitivity to light.
• Orbital Fractures: The bones around the eye can break under the force of a collision, leading to swelling, bruising, and sometimes more serious vision complications.
• Retinal Detachments: A severe condition where the retina, the eye’s inner layer, is lifted or pulled away from its normal position, risking permanent vision loss if left untreated.

How These Injuries Occur

The forces at play during a car accident are immense. An airbag, while lifesaving, can deploy with such velocity that it causes more than just a bruise; it can scratch or even rupture the eye. Shattered glass can act like shrapnel, piercing the eye. The blunt force trauma from hitting the dashboard or steering wheel can fracture the bones around the eye or cause the delicate tissues within to tear or detach.

The Long Road to Recovery

Recovering from an eye injury can be a long, challenging journey. Beyond the immediate pain and fear of losing one’s sight, victims may face surgeries, ongoing treatments, and the reality that their vision may never be the same. This can affect not just their ability to work, but how they see the world and interact with their loved ones.

Legal Rights and Options for Victims in New Jersey

Understanding New Jersey’s No-Fault Insurance

New Jersey operates under a “no-fault” insurance system. This means that if you’re injured in a car accident, your own car insurance policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical treatment up to the limit of your policy, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. It’s a system designed to ensure that victims receive medical care promptly. However, PIP may not cover all the costs associated with a serious eye injury, such as long-term care, full loss of wages, or pain and suffering.

Stepping Outside the No-Fault System

For serious injuries like significant eye trauma, New Jersey law allows victims to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver. This is where understanding the concept of negligence becomes crucial. To claim compensation beyond PIP coverage, you must prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries. This can include speeding, distracted driving, or any other behavior that falls below the expected standard of care on the road.

Compensation You Can Seek

When pursuing a claim against the at-fault party, you may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Medical Expenses: Costs not covered by PIP, including future medical care related to your eye injury.
• Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured because of the accident and your injuries.

The Importance of the Statute of Limitations

In New Jersey, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit for personal injury. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation, making it crucial to act promptly.

Steps to Take if You’ve Suffered an Eye Injury in a Car Accident

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your first priority should be your health. Visit an emergency room or an eye specialist as soon as possible. Immediate diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and start your road to recovery.
• Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any damage to your vehicle. Request copies of any medical reports and bills related to your treatment. This documentation will be vital for your insurance claim and any legal action.
• Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident but be cautious about providing statements or accepting settlements before speaking with a lawyer. Also, ensure the accident is reported to the police, as their report will be an important piece of evidence.
• Keep a Diary: Start a journal documenting your injuries, medical treatments, how the injury affects your daily life, and its impact on your emotional well-being. This can be powerful evidence when seeking compensation for pain and suffering.
• Reach Out for Legal Help: Contact a lawyer who specializes in car accident and personal injury cases in New Jersey. They can advise you on your rights, help you navigate the insurance claims process, and determine if you can seek additional compensation for your injuries.

Contact Car Accident Attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC Today For a Free Consultation To Discuss Your Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you’ve suffered an eye injury in a car accident, navigating the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. At Gelman Law, LLC, we understand the profound impact such injuries can have on your life and the importance of securing the compensation you deserve. Our dedicated team of New Jersey personal injury attorneys specializes in helping victims like you. With a deep understanding of New Jersey’s legal landscape and a commitment to personalized, compassionate service, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

Don’t let the complexity of insurance claims and legal proceedings add to your burden. Let Gelman Law, LLC take the lead. We’ll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our goal is to allow you to focus on what’s most important: your recovery and well-being.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we can explore your options and start the journey toward justice and healing.