Blindness Caused by a Car Accident

Colburn Law

Posted by Greg Colburn in Car Accidents on June 13, 2025

Greg Colburn

personal injury lawyer

Losing your vision can be one of the most devastating outcomes of a serious collision. When that injury involves blindness caused by a car accident, the impact reaches every corner of your life, your ability to work, care for your family, enjoy daily activities, and maintain your independence. At Colburn Law – Accident and Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how overwhelming and isolating these changes can be. If you’re coping with vision loss after a crash in Washington, you may be eligible to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and the lasting effects this injury has had on your daily life.

Vision Loss After Eye Injury From a Car Accident

When a vehicle collision leads to trauma near the face or head, the eyes are particularly vulnerable. Vision loss might not be immediate—it can develop over hours or days as swelling, hemorrhaging, or brain swelling impact the optic system. In other cases, the injury is instantly visible: a penetrating wound, globe rupture, or detached retina can result in partial or complete blindness.

There’s no universal recovery path. Some individuals regain some vision with surgery and therapy. Others may face permanent impairment. We understand how uncertain and frightening this process can be, which is why pursuing fair compensation is vital in helping you adapt and rebuild.

Common Causes of Vision Loss from Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause eye injuries in several ways. The severity of damage often depends on how fast vehicles were moving, whether airbags deployed, or if broken glass was involved. According to Optometrists, over 90% of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients report some form of vision disruption following trauma, many of which are linked directly to vehicle collisions.

1. Blunt Force Trauma

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), blunt force trauma is one of the most common causes of vision impairment following a serious car crash. If an object inside the vehicle, such as a steering wheel, airbag, or dashboard, strikes the face or head, it can cause orbital fractures, optic nerve damage, or a ruptured eyeball.

2. Shattered Glass Injuries

When a windshield or side window breaks, glass shards can enter the eye, causing corneal abrasions, lens damage, or even total ocular penetration. Emergency surgery may be necessary to remove debris or preserve vision. Unfortunately, scarring and nerve damage from these types of injuries often result in partial blindness.

3. Airbag Deployment

While airbags save lives, they can also contribute to facial and eye injuries. High-speed deployment has been known to cause blunt trauma, chemical burns from the propellant, or sudden pressure changes that damage the retina. If you weren’t wearing a seatbelt at the time of deployment, the chance of injury increases significantly.

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What to Do If You Lose Vision After an Accident

In the aftermath of a crash, things move quickly. But if your eyesight is affected, even slightly, there are a few steps you should consider immediately to protect both your health and your legal claim.

1. Get Immediate Medical Attention

Any sign of blurry vision, double vision, or dark spots in your sight field should be treated as an emergency. Go to the ER or an ophthalmologist immediately. Early intervention can sometimes prevent further deterioration and ensure that your condition is medically documented.

2. Document Your Injury

Photographs, medical records, and personal accounts from the scene of the accident can become valuable in demonstrating the extent of your injury. If you’ve missed work or needed assistance with basic tasks, keep a log. The better you document the impact, the stronger your case will be later.

3. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Washington state law may entitle you to compensation if your vision was harmed due to someone else’s negligence. But time is limited. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer promptly allows you to gather evidence, understand your rights, and begin the process of recovery and justice.

Is Vision Loss Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

Yes, vision loss is generally regarded as a catastrophic injury under Washington law because it significantly impacts your ability to live and work independently. Catastrophic injuries are those that result in permanent disability, long-term suffering, or substantial financial hardship.

In legal terms, blindness affects more than your sight; it can limit your capacity to earn a living, navigate daily routines, and engage in the things that once brought you joy. It is not uncommon for victims of partial or complete blindness to require mobility training, psychological support, or long-term caregivers.

Compensation for Vision Loss After Eye Injury in a Car Accident

Every case is unique, but if you’ve lost vision due to a collision in Washington, you may be eligible for several types of compensation:

• Medical expenses: surgeries, hospital stays, and long-term care
• Rehabilitation costs: occupational therapy, mobility training, or visual aids
• Lost income: both immediate and projected future earnings
• Pain and suffering: emotional trauma, reduced quality of life
• Disfigurement: if your injury involved noticeable facial damage

In Washington, economic and non-economic damages are both recoverable in personal injury lawsuits. There are no caps on these damages, which can be significant in cases involving permanent impairment like blindness.

Why Insurance Companies Downplay Eye Injuries

Insurers may argue that partial vision loss is “not as severe” or may suggest that your symptoms are exaggerated. Eye injuries can also be difficult to prove without detailed medical evidence, which insurers might use as a tactic to reduce your settlement.

They may even imply that your vision was already compromised before the accident. We’ve worked with many clients who were shocked at how quickly a legitimate injury was downplayed or dismissed by adjusters. We understand how to push back against these strategies and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Seattle WA Personal Injury Lawyer

Send Message Call Us: 206-919-3215

How Colburn Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Colburn Law – Accident and Injury Lawyers, we help Washington residents whose lives have changed due to serious injuries, including blindness caused by a car accident. We work with medical experts, gather documentation, and build strong cases that reflect the true impact of your injury. Whether you’re recovering long-term or adapting to permanent sight loss, you shouldn’t have to fight for justice alone.

We take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Call 206-823-4953 for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Washington.

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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Sean S.

1 months ago

If you only contact one lawyer after an accident I would tell you to contact Greg Colburn

What Can I Say – Greg put in a vast amount of effort to accomplish what I thought would be an impossible feat . He was able to get the result I wanted and the settlement I could have only dreamed of – If you only contact one lawyer after an accident I would tell you to contact Greg Colburn and you wont be sorry !!!! Thank you So very Much

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