Vision issues are not just physically painful; they can be life-altering. If you or someone you love is experiencing eye problems after a car accident, what happens next can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Whether you are suffering from blurred vision, chronic eye pain, or partial blindness, your health and future could be at risk. That is why it is critical to understand your legal rights and how to seek the compensation you need to support your physical recovery.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we fight for the full and fair compensation our clients deserve after an accident. From negotiating with insurance companies to helping connect you to medical experts, we are relentless advocates for your immediate and long-term well-being.
Common Types of Eye Injuries After a Car Accident
High-impact collisions often lead to head trauma, and since the eyes are among the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of the head, they are frequently at risk of serious injury in a crash.
Common eye injuries after a car accident include:
- Orbital fractures (broken bones around the eye socket),
- Retinal detachment,
- Corneal abrasions,
- Optic nerve damage,
- Chemical burns from airbag deployment, and
- Foreign objects embedded in the eye.
According to data from a recent study, an average of 11,200 people annually suffered eye injuries in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. over the past two decades. Some of the factors that lead to eye injuries in these accidents include sudden deceleration, air bag deployment, broken glass, and ejection from the vehicle. These injuries can result in blurred vision, double vision, intense pain, or even permanent vision loss.
Dealing with Eye Pain After a Car Accident
It is not uncommon to feel eye pain after a car accident, even if you did not experience direct trauma to the eye. This pain may be a sign of internal damage, such as a concussion, orbital fracture, or injury to the optic nerve, and should never be ignored. What may seem like minor discomfort or irritation can often signal more serious conditions, including retinal detachment or a slow-developing hemorrhage inside the eye.
Seeking immediate medical attention is essential, not just for your comfort, but to protect your long-term vision. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the progression of conditions that might otherwise lead to permanent vision loss. For example, retinal tears caught early can sometimes be repaired before full detachment occurs. Similarly, pressure-related injuries may be managed to prevent optic nerve damage if addressed in time.
If you experience any of the following symptoms after an accident, see an eye specialist or emergency care provider right away:
- Persistent burning, aching, or sharp pain in the eyes;
- Light sensitivity;
- Vision changes or loss of peripheral vision;
- Swelling or bruising around the eyes; or
- A sensation of pressure or a feeling of a “foreign object” behind the eye.
Beyond protecting your health, early medical intervention also creates a strong record of your injury. This documentation will be critical in any legal claim or insurance negotiation related to your eye problems after a car accident. Without a timely diagnosis, insurers may try to argue that your injury was not accident-related or downplay its severity.
Eye Problems After a Car Accident: Your Legal Options
If you are suffering from eye problems after a car accident, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries and follow-up visits;
- Vision therapy and rehabilitation;
- Prescription lenses or vision aids;
- Lost wages from missed work;
- Loss of future earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Under New York’s no-fault insurance laws, you may initially turn to your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses. However, serious injuries, including vision loss or permanent impairment, often qualify you to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
To meet the “serious injury” threshold under New York law, you must experience one of several types of severe injuries, including conditions that involve:
- “a significant limitation of use of a body function or system,” or
- “permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system.”
Loss of vision or function in one or both eyes typically meets this threshold.
What Impacts a Car Accident Eye Injury Settlement?
The value of a car accident eye injury settlement can vary widely based on the severity of the injury and its long-term effect on your quality of life. Vision loss or permanent impairment typically results in higher settlements due to the lifelong consequences and financial burdens involved for victims.
An experienced attorney can help estimate the potential value of your claim by evaluating your medical records, lost income, future care needs, and how the injury has impacted your daily life.
We Do Not Just Represent You—We Fight for Your Recovery
Eye injuries are traumatic: not just physically, but emotionally and financially. That is why the legal team at Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers is committed to more than just winning your case. We work to help you receive the medical care, rehabilitation, and support you need to rebuild your life.
Our attorneys do not just file paperwork and wait. We take swift, relentless action to negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, bring your case to trial. We create a personalized strategy that includes managing your medical bills, recovering lost wages, and striving to safeguard your rights every step of the way.
Get Help from a New York Attorney Who Understands Eye Injuries
Whether you are dealing with persistent eye pain or a severe injury like retinal detachment, navigating the legal system alone can be risky. A skilled attorney can help you understand the scope of your case and the potential for a car accident eye injury claim.
At Greenspan & Greenspan, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you explore your legal options. We listen to your experience, answer your questions, and create a legal strategy that fits your needs and goals.
Talk to Us About Eye Problems After a Car Accident
Eye problems after a car accident can change your life, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Let our experienced legal team stand by your side and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Since our founding in 1959, Greenspan & Greenspan has made it our mission to bring high-quality and accessible legal representation to New York residents. Our seasoned attorneys and dedicated staff are prepared to fight to support your recovery and preserve your future.
Call Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers today or complete our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.
