The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2010 nearly 2 million people were injured in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. It is not uncommon for vehicle occupants to sustain lacerations in a vehicle crash. Lacerations are caused by the tearing of soft body tissue; severe lacerations can leave an accident victim with permanent scarring.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe lacerations in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact a Knoxville car accident lawyer today to learn about the legal rights available to accident victims.
For additional information about filing a lawsuit in regards to a motor vehicle crash, complete the Free Case Review form on this page.
Types of Car Crash Lacerations
Cut Lacerations
A cut laceration is the most common type of laceration. These lacerations occur when a sharp object contacts and breaks through the first layer of skin. Sometimes these lacerations can break through the underlying tissue too.
Grinding Compression
These lacerations occur when an object hits the skin in a brushing motion or at an angle and lifts the skin and peels it back. When the top layer of skin is peeled back, the epidermis is compromised and the tissue underneath is crushed.
Over-Stretching
Over-stretching lacerations are not that common; these injuries occur when an object strikes the skin at an angle and pushes or pulls the skin, causing the skin to completely break or stretch.
Split Lacerations
These lacerations take place when two objects crush a portion of the body. Once the compression has occurred, the skin and tissues tear.
Treatments for Lacerations
The severity of the car crash lacerations will determine how the injuries are treated. Minor lacerations can be treated at home. Follow the steps below to properly treat a laceration:
- Apply direct pressure to the laceration to stop the bleeding.
- Clean the cut with soap and war water
- Put an antibiotic ointment on the laceration to prevent it from becoming infected.
- Put a sterile bandage over the wound.
You may remove the bandage after a few days. If you notice that your laceration is not healing or that it appears to be infected, you need to contact a healthcare professional.
Injured individuals should seek immediate medical attention if:
- The laceration is over a joint or its deep.
- You cannot get the laceration clean.
- If the laceration is deep and the individuals has not a tetanus shot or booster in the past five to 10 years.
An injury victim may have to receive stitches for the bleeding to stop; this will protect the underlying tissues and lessen the scarring. In most cases, a physician will remove the stitches after 4-14 days, except if the stitches are on the face or hand. The hand takes longer to heal, so stitches may be left in longer than 14 days. However, facial stitches may be taken out after four days and no later than seven days, because the face heals faster than other parts of the body. Also, the stitches are removed earlier to reduce scarring on the face. A doctor will tell you when to schedule a follow-up. Typically, it takes six weeks for the injury to reach 80 percent of its healed strength.
Injured? Contact a Licensed Attorney Today
If you or loved one has sustained lacerations from a car wreck, you may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages and other losses associated with the accident. Contact a Knoxville personal injury attorney at Greg Coleman Law to discuss your legal options. During your initial consultation, a lawyer will advise you on the best course of action to pursue.
Our lawyers have the knowledge and resources to help our clients receive favorable outcomes or their claims. We have helped many clients receive the justice that they deserved.
To schedule a free and confidential case evaluation, complete the contact form on the page.
