Facial injuries resulting from car accidents can be expensive to treat and may require long-term care.
According to recent research, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of facial injuries in the US. In fact, nearly half of all accident-related facial injuries are the result of car crashes. This high rate of facial injuries is due, in part, to the fact that the face is one of the most exposed parts of the body during a collision. Additionally, the major blood vessels and nerves in the face are located close to the surface, making them more susceptible to damage.
This article will discuss some of the most common facial injuries that occur in car accidents.
Facial Fractures
One of the most serious types of car accident face injuries is a fracture. The force of a collision can cause bones in the face to break or shatter. The most common type of fracture is a nose fracture, which can occur when the nose is hit by a steering wheel, dashboard, or another object. A broken nose is usually fairly easy to spot, as it’ll often be swollen and misshapen. However, other types of fractures, such as those involving the cheekbones or jaw, may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms of these fractures can include pain, numbness, and difficulty moving the affected facial feature.
Treatment: Treatment for fractures typically requires surgery and often includes placing metal plates or screws to hold the bones in place while they heal.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Accident victims can also suffer from soft tissue injuries to the face. These types of injuries occur when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments are damaged. Soft tissue injuries can range from mild strains and bruises to more severe injuries such as whiplash or torn ligaments. In some cases, soft tissue injuries can lead to long-term pain and disability. These injuries typically occur when the face comes into contact with a hard object, such as a steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag.
Treatment: Treatment for soft tissue injuries often includes rest, ice therapy, compression, and elevation. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissues.
Facial Contusions
Otherwise known as bruises, contusions occur when small blood vessels are damaged, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. Facial contusions are common in motor vehicle accidents and can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage. Mild contusions may cause only minor swelling and bruising, while more severe contusions can lead to extensive swelling, bruising, and even broken bones. In some cases, facial contusions can also cause internal bleeding and damage to nerves or other tissues.
Treatment: Treatment for contusions typically involves ice therapy and pain medication. In severe cases, however, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged blood vessels.
If you have sustained any type of facial injury in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to ensure a successful outcome.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Facial injuries resulting from car accidents can be expensive to treat and may require long-term care. If you’ve been in a car accident, the experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffmann Law Firm are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.