If you are in a motor vehicle accident, you may expect to experience some soreness. In serious accidents, you may even break a bone or suffer an internal injury. Unfortunately, your ability to see also may be in jeopardy.
In the U.S. most vision loss comes from either age or disease. Beyond these, trauma to both the brain and the eyes remains a leading cause of blindness. A motor vehicle accident may put these vital parts of your body at risk.
Traumatic brain injuries
According to Johns Hopkins University, the occipital lobe is the part of the brain that controls your ability to see. This lobe is in the back part of your brain.
During a traffic accident, your head may move forward and backward rapidly. If your skull collides with the headrest in your car, truck or SUV, you may suffer a serious enough injury to lose your vision.
While it certainly is possible to have immediate vision loss after a car accident, it may take some time for your vision loss to become noticeable. That is, your vision loss may happen slowly because of brain bleeding or swelling. Even if you have few symptoms, it is advisable to go to the hospital for a full evaluation.
Eye injuries
Naturally, if you sustain an injury to any part of your eyes, you may lose your ability to see clearly. From broken glass to inflated airbags, motor vehicle accidents are often replete with eye hazards. Because of your discomfort, you are likely to notice an accident-related eye injury immediately.
Ultimately, whether your vision loss stems from a brain or eye injury, you may be eligible for substantial financial compensation from the driver or drivers who caused the accident.