Were you injured in a car accident in Lawrenceville? Did you suffer cuts, lacerations, and other injuries due to broken glass caused by the impact? If so, you could be owed significant compensation if someone else’s careless or otherwise negligent actions caused the crash. Find out more about broken glass injuries and what types of compensation you could be eligible to seek below:
How Broken Glass Injuries Happen
First, here is a brief primer on automotive glass. There are two types of glass used in car windows. The first type, laminated glass, is used for the windshield. It consists of two layers of thin glass, with a layer of plastic between them. The layers are heated so they bond together. This creates a thin, tough “sandwich” of glass that will not shatter if struck. Laminated glass is designed to bend before it breaks, hence the “spiderweb” appearance of windshields after accidents.
Tempered glass is made by rapidly heating glass to more than 1000oF, and then rapidly cooling it to room temperature. This process changes the glass structure so that the glass is very strong, and breaks into small pieces, when struck, called “pebbling.” Side and rear windows are made of tempered glass, so that passengers can break the windows if they need to escape from the car.
Broken glass injuries happen because tempered glass can still be broken—in fact, it is meant to break under pressure. At high speeds or high impact, the “pebbling” effect may not completely work, and the large aggregates have a saw-like edge. Also, the fragments of tempered glass may still be driven into passengers’ bodies by the force of the crash, causing as much injury as any glass fragment.
Types Of Broken Glass Injuries
Broken glass injuries range from a few splinters of glass under the skin to deep slicing injuries caused as a body was hurled across a broken edge of safety glass. The wounds will always need careful inspection and treatment.
- Splinters and shards. Glass splinters may work themselves out in a few days, but if they become red and swollen, they should be seen by a doctor. If the splinter is buried deeply or beneath the skin, you should not try to remove it yourself.
- Cuts and lacerations. Slicing injuries may appear clean when made by glass, but any wound from an accident is probably filled with bacteria and dirt. Ragged lacerations should be treated by a physician, since they will need cleaning and stitching.
- Deep-tissue trauma. Deep lacerations involving the arteries, veins, or internal organs are more likely to be caused by the accident itself than by glass, but glass in the wounds can make things worse. Glass fragments can continue shredding tissue deep within the body with every movement, and in the worst cases can puncture veins and arteries far from the point of entry.
- The pain and blood loss caused by glass lacerations can lead to shock, a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition.
Because of the complacency caused by thinking “windows are made of safety glass,” it is easy to overlook the fact that even safety glass breaks, and all glass can cut. Be aware of the possibility that accident victims can be cut as well as injured by the force of the accident.
Treatment For Broken Glass Injuries
Glass injuries can be hard to notice after an accident. Small bits of glass may be embedded in your skin and not be noticed until they start to hurt hours or even days later. Tiny cuts from flying glass might not become apparent until you wash the dirt off your face. Deeper glass injuries may be masked by other wounds.
It is imperative that you see a doctor after any vehicle accident and have your injuries evaluated by medical personnel. Even if you aren’t treated the same day, you should go as soon as possible and let the doctor know if anything is wrong.
Deeper injuries, like cuts, lacerations, and other wounds, should be treated immediately. Follow the doctor’s instructions for after care.
Compensation For Broken Glass Injuries
If your broken glass injury was due to an accident caused by another person’s careless or negligent driving, you have the right to expect compensation for your injuries. You can make a claim for the same compensation as in any personal injury case, no matter what the cause of your injuries.
- Medical bills, including hospitalization, reconstructive surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and income, including future wages or earning ability
- Pain and suffering, mental trauma, and loss of enjoyment
Broken glass injuries may cause severe disfigurement and result in psychological trauma as well as physical harm. You should not have to suffer because of this additional damage.
Contact a Broken Glass Injury Attorney
If another person’s negligence or carelessness caused you to suffer severe broken glass-related injuries, contact an experienced car accident attorney right away. The Lawrenceville car accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers have seen the harm that broken glass can cause vehicle occupants in the event of a crash, and we’ll be ready to demand the full and fair compensation you’re owed.
Remember, you have a limited time to make your case. In Georgia, the statute of limitations on a personal injury case is two years from the date of injury. Don’t wait until it is too late to get the justice you’re owed.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact our offices or fill out our intake form, and a member of our team will be ready to discuss your rights and legal options in detail.
