Common facial injuries sustained in car accidents

Most people think of whiplash and back injuries occurring during motor vehicle accidents. However, facial trauma can also happen upon the impact of a Washington car crash. The following types of facial injuries are common in this situation.

Facial fractures

Facial fractures can affect any bones in the face. Which ones suffer depends on which part of the face experiences impact from a car accident. However, a broken nose is one of the most common types of facial fractures. It can happen when your head is violently whipped forward and your face hits the steering wheel or dashboard. Other types of facial fractures common in crashes include broken jaw, broken cheekbones and orbital bone fractures. Teeth can also be cracked or broken, requiring restorative dental procedures.

Soft tissue injuries

During a car accident, soft tissue injuries can affect the face. These facial injuries include cuts and scrapes, bruising, nerve damage and lacerations that could lead to infection if not promptly addressed. Some victims experience injuries to their eyes, mouth or tongue and suffer additional problems. In some cases, a person might require plastic or reconstructive surgery to repair the damage caused by these injuries.

Facial burns

Among the most catastrophic of these injuries are facial burns. These types of facial injuries can occur in a car crash that results in a fire. Victims often need multiple reconstructive surgeries to recover, but some are left disfigured for life.

Bruises and intracranial hemorrhage

Bruises to the face can occur when a person makes facial contact with a window, steering wheel, dashboard or airbag. These facial injuries lead to pain as damage is done to the underlying muscle and tissue without skin breakage. Unfortunately, they can also lead to hemorrhage inside the head, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not treated in time.