7 Glass-Related Car Accident Injuries

Broken glass has the potential to cause severe injuries in a crash

It’s well-known that the force of impact in a car accident can cause a wide array of serious injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. However, what often receives less attention is the danger posed by car accident debris—especially broken glass- a common and hazardous result of crashes.

In collisions, car windows and windshields frequently crack and shatter, turning glass into dangerous projectiles. Sharp fragments and tiny shards can be propelled through the air, leaving jagged edges on window frames and scattering hazardous pieces around the crash site. These can cause a variety of injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries such as deep lacerations, eye damage, internal injuries, nerve damage, and even limb loss.

Despite the apparent severity of injuries from broken glass, claims and lawsuits involving such injuries can become complicated to navigate without the help of an attorney. If you’re considering legal action after suffering a glass-related injury in a car accident, here’s what you need to know.

Common glass-related car accident injuries

Lacerations

Depending on the speed of the collision and the size of the glass shards, lacerations can range from scratches to deep and severe wounds. The jagged edges of broken glass can easily penetrate clothing and skin, leading to bleeding, nerve damage, and potential scarring.

Skull injuries

When glass fragments penetrate the skull, they can cause two distinct types of injuries. The first type is a penetrating head injury, where the object directly punctures through the skull and enters the brain tissue. This type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is especially severe and can result in life-altering consequences.

Nerve damage

Damage to the nerves that run throughout the body can occur when glass fragments penetrate or compress nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or loss of function. Spinal cord injuries, which can result from glass shards impacting the spine, may cause paralysis or loss of sensation below the wound.

Eye injuries

The sharp edges of glass can cause significant damage to the delicate tissues of the eye, including the cornea, iris, and retina. These injuries can range from minor scratches to severe lacerations and penetrating injuries. Minor injuries may result in irritation, redness, and discomfort, while more severe cases can lead to corneal abrasions, cuts, or even penetration of the eye structures. Immediate medical attention and care reduce the risk of complications such as infections, vision loss, or permanent damage to the eye.

Severe shock

Glass can strike a blood vessel, causing the site to bleed nonstop, either inside or outside the body. The bleeding can be severe and potentially lead to shock. Shock occurs when the body loses significant blood, depriving organs of the oxygen and nutrients they require to function correctly. This lack of blood supply can result in organ failure and permanent damage if not promptly treated. Without intervention, shock can progress rapidly, causing a decline in blood pressure, potential loss of consciousness, organ damage, and even death.

Penetrating neck wound

Sharp pieces of glass can lead to deep lacerations that penetrate the skin and underlying tissues of the neck. Medical professionals must immediately assess and stabilize the patient to control bleeding, maintain a clear airway, and address any internal injuries. Surgical intervention may be required to repair damaged tissues and prevent further complications.

Amputation

Injuries caused by broken glass, especially deep cuts or lacerations, pose a significant risk of infection that can lead to severe complications, including the need for amputation. When glass fragments penetrate deep into tissues, they create an environment where bacteria can thrive, increasing the likelihood of infection. If these infections are not promptly and effectively treated, they can spread rapidly, affecting surrounding tissues and potentially causing the tissue to die. In severe cases where infection and tissue damage are extensive, amputation may become necessary to prevent the spread of infection to vital organs or to save the person's life. Amputations due to infected glass injuries are not only physically traumatic but also emotionally and psychologically challenging for the individual and their loved ones.

How much is my broken glass injury worth?

The value of a car accident-related glass injury case depends on factors like injury severity, required medical care, and impact on daily life. Severe injuries needing extensive treatment and causing long-term effects generally result in higher compensation than minor injuries.

Key elements affecting the value of a claim include permanent scarring, emotional distress, and long-term disability, alongside clear negligence like reckless driving or defective vehicle parts. An experienced attorney can assess all the details of the claim to determine fair compensation for the victim’s losses.

Get the compensation you deserve with a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer

Glass-related car accident injuries can leave a victim fighting for their life. At Romanow Law Group in Pittsburgh, we understand what’s at stake. That’s why our attorneys fight hard for glass injury victims across Pennsylvania. Our legal team is experienced and well-versed in handling complex car accident cases. We fight for the compensation our clients deserve. And if the insurance company won’t make a fair settlement offer, we are prepared to take them to court.

Our commitment is to secure the best possible outcome for your glass injury claim. With an experienced car accident attorney by your side, you can navigate the legal process with confidence and focus on your recovery. To learn more about how we can help you with your potential legal case, contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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