Shattered glass has the potential to cause severe and sometimes fatal injuries.
In the aftermath of a severe car accident, shards of shattered glass can inflict devastating injuries on drivers and passengers. The force of impact can cause windshields, rear windows, and door windows to shatter, sending large chunks of glass flying through the vehicle and scattering razor-sharp particles throughout the scene of the accident.
These dangerous shards of glass can embed themselves in the skin of those involved in the crash, causing immediate and severe injuries. Even those who manage to escape the initial impact may suffer cuts and lacerations as they try to extricate themselves from the wreckage.
In rollover accidents, where a vehicle lands on its roof or side, victims may be forced to crawl out through broken windows, exposing themselves to a ground covered in jagged glass.
At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, our attorneys have seen first-hand how devastating broken glass injuries can be for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of broken glass in a Maine car accident, we are here to help. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation with a Maine car accident lawyer dedicated to helping you seek the compensation you deserve.
How do broken glass injuries happen?
In a car accident, broken glass can be a significant source of injury for drivers and passengers. There are typically three ways in which these injuries occur.
The first is through high-velocity impact. As the force of a collision transfers to the car's windows, they can shatter, turning shards of glass into high-speed projectiles that can penetrate people's skin and, in some cases, bone. The greater the speed of the vehicles involved in the crash, the more force is exerted on the frame and the greater the risk of severe broken glass injuries.
The second way glass injuries can occur is through ejection from the vehicle. If a person is not wearing a seatbelt or the belt is loose or broken, they may be thrown from the car. Glass can embed itself into their body as they crash through the window or land on glass shards and other debris scattered on the road.
Finally, glass injuries can also happen when a person rubs against, falls on, grabs, or steps on broken glass at the crash scene. In the immediate aftermath of a serious car accident, a person's first instinct is usually to get out of the damaged vehicle and away from danger. They may grab the inside of a broken window, climb out of it over jagged shards, or crawl through a window and over the glass-littered ground, exposing themselves to the risk of cuts and glass embedding. In all these situations, broken glass can lead to deep cuts and serious injuries that can have long-lasting effects on a person's health and well-being.
Types of broken glass injuries
Broken glass injuries resulting from a car accident can take many forms, each with its own unique set of dangers and potential complications.
- Lacerations. These are cuts to the skin that can range from minor scratches to deep gashes. They can be caused by shards of glass striking the body or someone coming into contact with broken glass as they extricate themselves from the vehicle.
- Penetrating injuries. These occur when a piece of glass pierces the skin and enters the body. These can be particularly dangerous as they can damage internal organs and lead to severe infections.
- Punctured and severed arteries. When a shard of glass pierces or severs an artery, the result can be rapid and severe blood loss. Without prompt medical attention, the injury can lead to serious complications and, in some cases, death.
- Embedded glass. This occurs when a piece of glass becomes lodged in the skin and is not easily visible or removable. This can lead to ongoing pain and inflammation and an increased risk of infection.
- Broken bones and fractures. These are fractures of the bones that occur as a result of impact with the glass. These types of fractures can be severe and require prompt medical attention.
- Eye injuries. These can occur when shards of glass strike the eye, causing damage to the cornea, lens, or retina. Eye injuries can lead to vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly.
- Glass inhalation. This occurs when a person inhales small glass particles, which can cause damage to the lungs and the rest of the respiratory system.
In all of these situations, prompt medical attention is crucial to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome for the victim. The severity of a glass wound can vary widely, with some injuries appearing minor on the surface but causing significant damage internally. That's why you should always take broken glass injuries seriously and seek immediate medical attention, as even a small puncture can have life-threatening consequences.
Treatment for broken glass injuries
Doctors use various techniques to treat broken glass injuries, depending on the nature and extent of the injury. Some common ways to treat broken glass injuries include:
- Surgical intervention: In some cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to remove the embedded glass, repair damaged tissue, or control bleeding. This can include debridement, where the doctor removes damaged tissue and debris and repairs lacerations or puncture wounds.
- Wound dressing: The wound will be cleaned and dressed to prevent infection and promote healing. This may include using sterile bandages, antibiotic ointments, and sutures.
- Antibiotics: If there is a risk of infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection.
- Pain management: Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage the pain associated with the injury.
- Physical therapy: If the injury affects the patient's mobility, physical therapy may be prescribed to help the patient regain strength, range of motion, and function.
- Observation: In some cases, the doctor may want to monitor the injury to ensure it is healing correctly and to watch for signs of infection or complications.
A doctor will consider the location, size, and depth of the wound and the patient's overall health when determining the best course of treatment.
Our car accident lawyers fight for injured Mainers
A serious car accident can be devastating, leaving victims injured and facing mounting medical expenses. In addition to physical injuries, the resulting loss of income from being unable to work can add to the stress and financial burden.
Insurance companies aren't much help because their primary concern is protecting profits. As such, an insurance adjuster may try to pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement offer that doesn't even come close to covering the cost of the damages suffered.
Under these circumstances, it's important to seek the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney who can help you navigate the process and fight for the compensation you're entitled to under Maine law.
At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, our attorneys have been protecting the rights of injured Mainers since 1979. We've recovered over $100 million for our clients and understand what it takes to get real results in Maine. To see what our law firm can do for you, contact us today for a free consultation. We have offices in Portland and Waterville, Maine.