Eye injuries can occur in a variety of ways during a crash, including impact with shattered glass, force from airbag deployment, or sudden changes in speed and direction. Common eye injuries after a car accident include:

• Black eye (periorbital hematoma)
• Corneal abrasions and lacerations
• Retinal detachment
• Orbital fractures (broken eye socket)
• Hyphema (bleeding between the cornea and iris)
• Traumatic optic neuropathy
• Traumatic maculopathy
• Partial or total blindness

Some injuries may not be immediately obvious after a crash but can worsen over time. Any changes in vision, eye pain, or sensitivity to light should be treated as a medical emergency.

How Eye Injuries Happen in Motor Vehicle Collisions

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic eye injuries. These injuries often result from:

• Flying glass or debris
• Airbag deployment striking the face
• Blunt force trauma to the head or eye
• Rapid deceleration causing internal eye damage
• Objects inside the vehicle becoming projectiles

While a black eye may heal with minimal treatment, more severe injuries—such as retinal detachment or optic nerve damage—can cause permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Compensation for Eye Injuries After a Car Accident

If someone else caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensatory damages designed to restore you as closely as possible to the life you had before the injury.

These damages may include:

• Medical bills (including surgery, specialists, and ongoing care)
• Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
• Costs of adaptive equipment or assistive technology
• Replacement services for tasks you can no longer perform
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

For example, if you are an artist, mechanic, or professional driver and suffer permanent vision loss, the impact on your career and quality of life can be substantial. Our attorneys work with medical experts and vocational professionals to fully document how your eye injury affects your life now and in the future.

Proving Liability in an Atlanta Eye Injury Case

To recover compensation, we must establish that another party was legally responsible for your injuries. Most eye injury claims arise from driver negligence, such as:

• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
• Drunk or impaired driving
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield or follow traffic signals

If the at-fault driver violated a traffic law, your case may qualify under negligence per se, which can strengthen your claim.

Georgia Comparative Fault Rule

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule:

• You cannot recover damages if you are 50% or more at fault
• If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility

Example:
If your eye injury damages total $250,000 and you are found 20% at fault, you may still recover $200,000.

Why Hire Van Sant Law for an Eye Injury Claim?

Eye injury cases are complex and often heavily disputed by insurance companies. Our firm provides:

• Experience with serious injury claims, including blindness and permanent vision loss
• Detailed damage documentation using medical and economic experts
• Aggressive insurance negotiations to fight low settlement offers
• Trial-ready representation if the insurer refuses to pay fairly
• No upfront fees — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation

We represent clients throughout Georgia and can handle your case electronically or in person, including home or hospital visits if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Injuries After Car Accidents

Can I recover compensation for vision loss after a car accident?
Yes. If another party caused the accident, you may recover compensation for medical care, lost income, and long-term vision impairment.

What if my eye injury gets worse over time?
Delayed complications are common. Seeking legal help early allows us to account for future medical needs and vision loss.

How long do I have to file an eye injury claim in Georgia?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

What is the average settlement for eye injuries after a car accident?
Settlements vary widely depending on severity, permanence, and impact on your life. Serious eye injuries and blindness typically result in higher compensation.