This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Ruben Davidoff following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Ruben Davidoff ,the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a New York personal injury attorney.
Eye injuries from car accidents can lead to lasting problems, including blurred vision, light sensitivity, or even permanent blindness. These injuries can affect your ability to work, drive, or simply enjoy life. Many accident victims don’t realize how serious eye damage can be until symptoms appear days later. That’s why getting medical attention quickly is very important.
Davidoff Law helps injured victims understand their rights and take legal action against the at-fault driver or other responsible parties. If your eye injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Our Queens car accident attorneys work with medical professionals, review your medical records, and gather evidence to support your case.
We understand how hard it is to deal with vision loss and medical bills at the same time. That’s why we work to secure fair compensation for your pain, lost wages, and ongoing care.
Table of Contents
What Are Car Accident Eye Injuries?
Eye injuries from car accidents happen more often than people think. They can range from minor scratches to permanent vision loss. A simple impact during a crash can send broken glass or debris into the eyes. Airbags, while helpful, can also cause burns or pressure damage. In more serious cases, accident victims may suffer from even partial blindness or full vision loss.
These injuries may not always be visible right away. Some symptoms appear later and worsen without treatment. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after any car accident. Eye injuries are serious injuries that can lead to long-term problems, expensive medical bills, and loss of independence.
The Importance of Legal Representation for Eye Injuries After a Car Accident
Getting legal help after an eye injury is important, especially when the accident wasn’t your fault. An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, speak with your doctors, and build a strong case for compensation. Eye injuries often involve high medical expenses and future treatment needs. If your injury stops you from working or affects your quality of life, you may be owed damages.
Davidoff Law has a legal team that understands how to handle these complex personal injury cases. We work to prove fault, deal with the insurance company, and help you recover full compensation. Whether you’re facing partial blindness, high medical costs, or emotional distress, a Queens car accident eye injury lawyer from our firm is ready to help.
Common Causes of Eye Injuries in Car Accidents
Eye injuries often happen during motor vehicle accidents due to sharp objects, forceful impact, or harmful chemicals. These injuries can be caused by many things inside or outside the car. Knowing how they happen can help victims understand who may be legally responsible.
Some of the most common causes of car accident eye injuries are:
Broken Glass from Windows and Windshields
When a crash happens, shattered glass from windows or windshields can fly into the air and hit the face. Even tiny pieces can scratch the surface of the eye or cause serious cuts. This can lead to vision loss or the need for extensive medical treatment, including surgery.
Airbag Deployment and Eye Trauma
Airbags are meant to protect you, but when they inflate quickly, they can hit the eyes with great force. This sudden impact can cause bruising, scratches, or even damage to the eye’s structure. Some airbags also release dust or chemicals, which may irritate or burn the eyes.
Impact from Debris and Shrapnel
During car crashes, loose items inside the vehicle or broken parts from the car itself can become dangerous projectiles. These sharp objects may hit the face or eyes, causing deep cuts, punctures, or lasting eye damage. Even a small foreign object can cause a serious eye injury if it enters or scrapes the eye.
Blunt Force Trauma from Steering Wheel or Dashboard
In a high-speed crash, the driver or passenger may hit their face against the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat in front of them. This direct blow can lead to blunt force trauma around the eyes, causing bruising, swelling, or fractures. In some cases, it can damage the eye socket or lead to partial or permanent vision loss.
Chemical Exposure or Irritation from Airbags or Other Substances
Some airbags contain chemicals or powder-like substances that may irritate or harm the eyes when released. If the eyes are exposed to these materials, the result could be redness, burning, or corneal damage. Other sources of chemical exposure in crashes include leaking fluids or battery acid from the vehicles involved.
Types of Eye Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to many types of eye injuries, some mild and others very serious. Damage may affect the outer surface of the eye or deeper parts like the retina. Whether from blunt force, sharp objects, or chemical exposure, each eye injury needs proper medical attention and may require legal action to recover fair compensation.
Corneal Abrasions and Scratches
Corneal abrasions are painful scratches on the clear surface covering the front of the eye. They often occur when broken glass, dust, or debris comes into contact with the eye during a crash. These injuries can cause light sensitivity, redness, and a gritty feeling. If not treated quickly, they may lead to infection or longer-term vision issues.
Retinal Detachments and Tears
A retinal detachment or tear happens when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Trauma from a car accident, such as a blow to the head or face, can cause this condition. Retinal injuries may not show signs right away but can result in floaters, flashing lights, or even sudden vision loss. Prompt medical treatment is critical to save vision.
Blunt Trauma and Contusions to the Eye
Blunt trauma occurs when something hits the eye without breaking the skin. This often happens in car crashes when the face strikes the dashboard, steering wheel, or airbag. The force can cause bruising, swelling, and damage to the eye’s internal structures. These injuries may result in blurred vision, double vision, or long-term damage to the eye.
Penetrating Eye Injuries (Foreign Objects in the Eye)
Penetrating eye injuries are among the most dangerous. They happen when sharp debris, like glass or metal, pierces the eye during an accident. These injuries can lead to severe damage, infection, or even permanent blindness.
Emergency medical care is needed to remove the object safely and prevent further harm. Prompt treatment and documentation also help support a strong personal injury claim.
The Physical, Emotional, and Financial Impact of Eye Injuries
Eye injuries from car accidents can deeply affect every part of a person’s life. Beyond the pain and vision problems, they can cause serious emotional stress and create heavy financial burdens. These injuries often lead to long-term care, lost income, and changes in how a person works or lives each day.
Physical Limitations: Vision Impairments, Blindness, and Pain
Car accident eye injuries can lead to vision loss that ranges from mild impairment to complete blindness in one or both eyes. Even partial blindness can make simple tasks like reading, driving, or using a phone much harder. Many people also deal with lasting pain, sensitivity to light, or pressure behind the eye, all of which reduce comfort and quality of life.
Psychological Effects: Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD
Losing part or all of your vision after a crash can be emotionally overwhelming. Some accident victims face anxiety about their future, depression from feeling limited or dependent, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the trauma of the crash itself.
These emotional effects can be just as difficult as the physical damage and may require counseling or long-term mental health support.
Impact on Daily Life Activities (Driving, Reading, Work)
Eye injuries from car accidents can make everyday tasks extremely hard. Driving may no longer be safe or even possible, which affects independence and travel. Reading, whether for work or pleasure, can become slow or painful.
Many injured victims also struggle to return to their jobs, especially if their work requires good vision or focus, forcing them to change careers or stop working altogether.
Financial Consequences Due to Medical Treatment, Loss of Work, and Ongoing Care
The financial burden of eye injuries can be very heavy. Medical treatment often includes emergency care, surgeries, follow-up visits, and sometimes extensive medical treatment or vision therapy. Many people also miss weeks or months of work, which leads to lost wages.
In more serious cases, ongoing care (like assistive devices, special accommodations, or home adjustments) adds to the costs, making it even more important to seek full compensation.
How to Prove Fault in Car Accident Eye Injury Cases
To receive compensation for an eye injury after a car accident, you must prove who was at fault. This means showing how the injury happened and who caused it. It could be another driver, a vehicle defect, or poor road conditions. Proving fault clearly helps support your personal injury claim and strengthens your case for compensation.
Determining Liability
Liability depends on who caused the crash. If a driver ran a red light, drove distracted, or failed to follow traffic rules, they could be responsible. If a defective airbag or windshield caused the injury, the vehicle manufacturer might be to blame.
In some cases, third parties like road contractors or rideshare companies may also be involved. Your lawyer will review all facts to identify the legally responsible party.
Understanding the Role of Negligence and Recklessness in Eye Injury Claims
Negligence happens when someone fails to act with care, such as by texting while driving or ignoring stop signs. Recklessness goes a step further and includes dangerous behavior like drunk driving or speeding in heavy traffic. Both can lead to car crashes that cause eye injuries. Proving these actions helps show that the other party is legally responsible for your damages.
Compensation Available for Eye Injuries in Car Accidents
If you suffered an eye injury in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Damages are often split into two main types: economic and non-economic. Both are important to help cover medical costs, missed work, emotional distress, and other losses. Queens car accident attorneys can help you seek the full amount you deserve based on your injuries.
Economic Damages
- Medical Bills: Covers all costs related to treatment, including emergency care, eye surgery, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments.
- Lost Wages: Pays for income missed due to time away from work while recovering from your injury.
- Future Medical Expenses: Accounts for ongoing care, such as vision therapy, future surgeries, or corrective procedures.
- Property Damage: Reimburses you for damage to your car or personal items due to the crash.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain caused by the injury, such as chronic discomfort or sensitivity to light.
- Emotional Distress: Covers the mental and emotional strain, including anxiety, depression, or trauma caused by the accident.
- Vision Loss: Includes the impact of partial or permanent blindness on your daily life and future independence.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensates for no longer being able to enjoy hobbies, social activities, or normal routines due to the injury.
How a Queens Car Accident Eye Injury Lawyer Can Maximize Your Claim
Getting full and fair compensation after serious car accident injuries can be challenging. A lawyer who understands these cases can make a big difference. Queens car accident lawyers know how to handle the legal process, deal with the insurance company, and fight for the maximum compensation available in your car accident case.
Investigating the Cause of the Injury and Proving Fault
An experienced personal injury attorney will closely review how the crash happened. They’ll collect police reports, accident scene photos, and witness statements.
In many personal injury lawsuits, this kind of strong evidence helps prove who was responsible. Whether the injury was caused by a reckless driver or a faulty airbag, proving fault is key to building a strong case.
Working with Medical Experts
Your attorney will also work with doctors and specialists to understand the full impact of your eye injury. These medical experts can explain how your vision has changed, what treatment is needed, and how your life will be affected long-term. This information is essential in helping you recover the maximum compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and medical care.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement with Insurance Companies
Queens personal injury attorneys understand how insurance companies often try to lower payouts, especially in cases involving serious eye injuries. NYC eye injury attorneys can handle all communication with the insurance adjusters and push back against low offers.
Their goal is to seek compensation that truly covers your medical costs, lost income, and long-term care needs. A fair settlement helps you move forward without extra financial stress.
Representing You in Court
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, Queens personal injury attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to court. In some New York City cases, a trial is the only way to seek compensation that reflects the true cost of your injury.
Your lawyer will present strong evidence, expert opinions, and clear facts to show how the accident changed your life. A trusted attorney fights for justice every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can an eye injury from a car crash be linked to other serious injuries?
Yes. Eye injuries in auto accidents often happen alongside other severe injuries like head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or even internal organ damage. In some intersection accidents, debris or sudden impact may also lead to a traumatic brain injury. It's important to be fully evaluated by a medical team to check for all possible complications.
How does personal injury law handle claims involving long-term effects like vision loss?
Under personal injury law, victims can seek damages not only for immediate medical treatment but also for long-term effects. If your eye injury limits your future earning capacity or causes ongoing pain, you may be eligible for compensation. Experienced attorneys in New York City can help prove how the accident impacted your life, both now and in the future.
What if the driver who caused the accident was distracted?
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents caused in busy areas like New York City. If the at-fault driver was texting, eating, or not paying attention, that can be used to prove negligence. Injury victims can work with an experienced attorney to collect evidence such as phone records or witness statements to strengthen the case.
Are punitive damages possible in car accident eye injury claims?
Yes, in some cases. Punitive damages may be awarded if the driver’s actions were especially dangerous or reckless. For example, drunk driving or repeated violations of safety rules. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future, especially in cases involving debilitating injuries.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my eye injury case?
Most NYC eye injury attorneys and Queens personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay upfront. Your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. This setup makes it easier for accident victims to get legal help, even when dealing with high medical costs, job loss, or disease control concerns after serious crashes.
Contact Our Queens Car Accident Eye Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered an eye injury in a car accident, getting the right legal help is important. Eye injuries can affect your sight, job, and everyday life. You shouldn’t have to deal with the financial stress alone. That’s where an experienced personal injury lawyer can step in and help protect your rights.
Davidoff Law offers free initial consultations to help you understand your options. Our team has a proven track record of helping clients across Queens and New York City recover the compensation they deserve. Whether your case involves serious trauma, vision loss, or long-term care, we are here to help you every step of the way. We’ll fight for full compensation so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today to speak with a lawyer who understands how to build strong personal injury claims.
