All of our senses are precious, but many people value their sight more than anything else. Unfortunately, this is something that can easily be damaged during a road traffic collision.
How do visual injuries occur during a crash? Can you make a claim for compensation if your eyesight has been damaged when driving?
Lacerations
Vehicles are generally made of some pretty hard components. Metal, plastic and glass surround the driver and passengers. During a collision, larger pieces of hard material can fragment and become airborne. If a small shard of glass, metal or plastic comes into contact with the eyes, it can do serious damage.
Even a more minor scratch to the eye can be extremely uncomfortable, and you may have to take some time off of work. Severe abrasions can leave lasting damage. You might even require surgery to get your vision back on track.
Detached retina
Retinal detachment is one of the more severe eye injuries that can occur during a crash. Your visual system relies on the components of the eye to work together and send messages to the brain. If one of these components is damaged, your visual system could falter.
In many cases, the damage from a detached retina is repairable through surgery and other treatments. Nonetheless, there are occasions where permanent blindness is a real possibility.
If your eyesight has been damaged because of someone else’s recklessness, you may be entitled to legal compensation. This won’t undo the accident, but it will help you during the recovery period. Having a knowledgeable support network behind you will help to ensure you get the justice you deserve.