The Dangers of Broken Glass in an Atlanta Car Crash

Car accidents are seen on highways and roads throughout Atlanta daily. While some are minor, others are more serious and result in more serious injuries and damages.

While most people think of broken bones, whiplash, and similar injuries in car accidents, another source of injuries is broken glass.

Think about it – there’s a lot of glass in your vehicle. The glass may shatter or break when you collide with another vehicle or stationary object. If this happens, the potential for serious and even devastating injuries is high.

If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, an Atlanta car crash lawyer from the Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines could help you file a lawsuit to recover compensation.

Along with filing a lawsuit to recover damages, you should understand the dangers of broken glass and the steps you can take to protect your health and your right to recover compensation. Keep reading to learn more.

What Causes Broken Glass Injuries in an Atlanta Car Crash?

Car manufacturers use two types of glass for car windows. The windshield is made with laminated glass, and it is made with two layers of thin glass and a layer of plastic between them. The layers are heated to bond them together.

This creates a thin, tough glass stack that won’t shatter if it is hit. A unique feature of laminated glass is that it will bend before it breaks. Therefore, you often see breaks that look like spiderwebs in windshields after an accident occurs.

The other type of glass used in modern vehicles is tempered glass. It is made by quickly heating the glass to over 1000oF and then cooling it quickly to room temperature. This rapid heating and cooling process changes the structure of the glass, making it extremely strong.

When struck, the glass will break into small pieces, and the effect is known as “pebbling.” Your rear and side windows are made using tempered glass. This is intentional. In a car wreck, the back and rear windows will break, allowing passengers to escape if the doors aren’t accessible.

With this information, you may wonder how broken glass injuries even occur. After all, car manufacturers seem to have used materials that help keep drivers and passengers safe.

The danger lies in the fact that tempered glass can break. It’s specifically designed to break when put under pressure. Also, if you are involved in a high-speed accident, the “pebbling” effect that tempered glass is designed with may not work.

In these situations, you may have large aggregates with almost a saw-like edge. The tempered glass fragments can become lodged in your body after a crash. They can cause serious injuries and lead to life-threatening infections.

Common Types of Broken Glass Injuries in Car Crashes

Injuries caused by broken glass vary. They can include several splinters of shattered glass under the skin to deeper, slicing injuries resulting from shards of glass flying in an accident.

You should seek medical treatment immediately regardless of the type of broken glass injury you experience. A doctor must carefully assess the injury, clean it, and wrap it to protect against infection.

Some of the most common ways that broken glass injuries occur in car accidents are detailed here:

Shards and Splinters

If glass splinters become embedded in your skin, they may come out on their own after a few days. However, if the area gets swollen and red, you need to see a doctor. If the shard or splinter of glass is embedded deep in the tissue or under the skin, you shouldn’t attempt to get it out yourself.

Lacerations and Cuts

If you experience a slicing injury, it will likely seem like a “clean” cut. However, if the wound is caused by a car accident, dirt and bacteria are likely present. You may also experience ragged lacerations. If this happens, you need to get to a doctor to have the cut cleaned and stitched.

Deep-Tissue Trauma

The broken glass may cause deep lacerations in more severe accidents involving high speeds and large vehicles. While the collision likely causes injuries to your organs, veins, and arteries, broken glass can worsen bad wounds. If glass fragments get into the wounds, they can shred the tissue deep in your body every time you move. It may even start to puncture arteries and veins as the glass moves through the body.

It’s important to note that the pain and blood loss associated with glass lacerations can cause shock. This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition.

Many people think that since windows are made with safety glass, it is easy to assume they won’t cause additional injuries in an accident. However, as you can see from this information, accident-related broken glass injuries are possible, and many can be severe.

Seek Treatment for Broken Glass Injuries After a Car Accident

Sometimes, you may not notice injuries caused by broken glass right after a car accident. There could be small pieces and fragments of glass embedded in your skin that aren’t noticed, nor do they hurt for several days after the accident.

Smaller cuts caused by flying glass may not be noticed until you get a shower or wash your face. Other wounds could hide deeper injuries.

It is important to see a doctor after an accident and get your injuries evaluated. If you don’t seek treatment on the same day of the accident, try to go as soon as you can to ensure there are no hidden injuries that require treatment.

Any deep injury, like a laceration, cut, or another wound, requires immediate treatment. You should also follow all treatment instructions to avoid complications.

Potential Compensation for Broken Glass Auto Accident Injuries

Was your broken glass injury caused by an accident that occurred because of someone else’s negligence? If so, it may be possible to recover compensation for your injuries.

With the help of our Atlanta personal lawyer, you can file a claim to receive compensation for all injuries, including those caused by broken glass. Some of the types of compensation you can receive include:

Accident-related medical costs related to hospitalization, treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages from work due to accident-caused injuries.
Future wages if you are unable to return to work.
Loss of enjoyment of life, mental trauma, and pain and suffering caused by the accident.

Broken glass injuries can cause severe disfigurement. It may also cause psychological trauma along with physical injuries. There’s no reason to suffer due to this damage.

Common Questions About Broken Glass Injuries in Car Accidents

Because broken glass injuries aren’t thought of as much as others, you may have some questions about them. Our Atlanta car crash lawyer has taken the time to answer some of the most common questions here.

What are the types of broken glass injuries in car crashes?

You can experience several injuries due to broken glass in a car accident. It may cause small cuts or deeper lacerations. With deeper lacerations, significant bleeding is possible, which may be life-threatening. Without proper treatment, serious infections may occur, too.

Can financial compensation be recovered for broken glass injuries in a car accident?

It is possible to recover financial compensation for broken glass injuries. If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, then damages will apply.

What types of damages can you recover from broken glass injuries in an accident?

It’s possible to receive economic and non-economic damages arising from an accident and broken glass injuries. While medical costs and lost wages are obvious types of compensation, you can also receive damages for your pain, suffering, and emotional anguish.

How can you tell how extensive your injuries are after an accident involving broken glass?

Since injuries caused by the broken glass can be minor to severe, it’s smart to have a doctor evaluate you. A doctor can find all your injuries and ensure you receive the proper treatment.

Do Not Wait to Call for Help from Our Atlanta Car Crash Lawyer

Being involved in an Atlanta car accident can be a scary and overwhelming experience. If you sustain injuries, you may wonder what options you have to cover the medical costs and treatment needed.

If the accident was caused by someone else, it’s possible to recover compensation. Our Atlanta car crash lawyer from the Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines can review the facts of your case and help you get a fair settlement from the at-fault party.

The first step is to contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation. We can learn about your situation and begin the process to help you get the settlement you deserve.