Eye Injuries from a Car Accident in New York City
Experienced New York City Car Accident Lawyers Protecting Victims of Vision Loss and Eye Injuries Across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx & Staten Island
When Vision Is Lost, Everything Changes
Your eyes are priceless – and when a New York City car accident damages them, the impact can last a lifetime. From painful treatment and lost income to emotional trauma and permanent vision loss, eye injuries affect every part of your life.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC car accident lawyers represent victims across all five boroughs who have suffered serious eye injuries caused by negligent drivers, commercial vehicles, or defective airbags. We fight to recover the maximum compensation you deserve for medical care, lost wages, and long-term suffering.
You pay no legal fees unless we win – guaranteed.
How Car Accidents Cause Eye Injuries
Even with seatbelts and airbags, your eyes are highly vulnerable during a crash. Eye injuries often occur due to:
- Airbag deployment: Airbags inflate at speeds up to 200 mph and can release chemicals that burn or damage the eyes.
- Flying debris or shattered glass: Broken glass and metal fragments can cut, puncture, or embed in the eye.
- Blunt trauma: The steering wheel, dashboard, or headrest can cause orbital fractures or optic nerve damage.
- Chemical exposure: Leaking fluids such as battery acid or antifreeze can burn eye tissue.
- Head or brain injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can impair vision or cause double vision and dizziness.
- Penetrating injuries: Sharp debris or metal fragments can pierce the eye, often resulting in permanent blindness.
Even a “minor” collision can cause severe damage to the eyes or optic nerve – making immediate medical care essential.
Common Eye Injuries After a Car Accident
Corneal Abrasions and Lacerations – shattered glass or debris can scratch or cut the cornea, causing severe pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. Without prompt care, these injuries may lead to infection or scarring.
Orbital Fractures (Broken Eye Socket) – A powerful impact can break the bones around the eye, leading to swelling, bruising, and double vision. Surgery may be required to prevent permanent deformity or vision impairment.
Retinal Detachment or Tears – The retina can separate from the back of the eye after trauma, a medical emergency that can lead to blindness if not treated with immediate surgery.
Optic Nerve Damage – Pressure, swelling, or blunt trauma can damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. Optic nerve injuries often cause permanent vision loss.
Hyphema and Vitreous Hemorrhage – Internal bleeding inside the eye can increase pressure, leading to glaucoma or blurred vision.
Chemical Burns – Airbag propellants and leaking vehicle fluids can cause burns or scarring to delicate eye tissue. Immediate flushing and emergency care are critical.
Traumatic Cataracts and Macular Damage – Trauma may cause the lens to become cloudy or damage the macula (responsible for central vision), resulting in distorted or blurred vision.
Globe Rupture and Penetrating Injuries – Severe collisions can rupture the eyeball itself, a catastrophic injury that typically results in total vision loss.
Eyelid and Cosmetic Eye Injuries – Lacerations or burns may require reconstructive surgery and can cause lasting scarring or disfigurement.
Warning Signs of Eye Injury After a Crash
If you notice any of the following symptoms after a car accident, seek immediate medical care:
- Blurred or double vision
- Pain, redness, or swelling near the eye
- Flashes of light or floating spots
- Sensitivity to light
- Unequal pupils or difficulty focusing
- Blood in or around the eye
- Pressure or fullness behind the eye
- Partial or total loss of vision
Quick treatment can mean the difference between recovery and permanent blindness.
Diagnosing and Treating Eye Injuries
Proper diagnosis by an ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist is essential. Standard diagnostic tools include:
- CT or MRI scans for fractures or nerve injury
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to detect retinal tears or swelling
- Fluorescein angiography to assess eye blood flow
- Visual field testing to evaluate blind spots or reduced range
- Ocular ultrasound for internal bleeding or detachment
Treatment options may include:
- Laser repair or corneal surgery
- Retinal reattachment (vitrectomy or scleral buckle)
- Orbital reconstruction using titanium plates
- Chemical burn decontamination or corneal transplant
- Vision therapy or assistive devices for partial blindness
Please always make sure that you document every medical visit, test, and procedure; this evidence strengthens your personal injury claim.
The Long-Term Impact of Vision Loss
An eye injury can permanently alter your life. Victims often face:
- Partial or total blindness
- Chronic pain and light sensitivity
- Loss of employment or career limitations
- Psychological distress or depression
- Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Disfigurement or loss of independence
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we ensure that your compensation reflects every aspect of your loss-financial, physical, and emotional.
Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident in New York
New York’s no-fault insurance (Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) covers basic medical expenses. However, severe eye injuries typically qualify as “serious injuries” under New York law – allowing victims to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
You may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our New York City personal injury lawyers build every case with expert medical testimony and detailed documentation to prove the full extent of your losses.
Proving Negligence in a New York Car Accident Eye Injury Case
Our firm investigates every detail to hold all responsible parties accountable, including:
- Negligent or distracted drivers
- Commercial vehicle owners and employers
- Manufacturers of defective airbags or car parts
- Municipal entities for unsafe roadway conditions
We utilize police reports, video evidence, accident reconstruction, and medical expert analysis to construct a compelling case for maximum compensation.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Over 30 years of experience in NYC personal injury and car accident cases
- Proven success in catastrophic injury and vision loss claims
- No fees unless we win – you pay nothing upfront
- Bilingual legal services available
- Convenient offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- Recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for excellence in personal injury law
At Greenstein & Pittari, we don’t just handle claims – we help rebuild lives.
Contact Our New York City Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered vision loss or eye trauma in a New York City car accident, act quickly. Evidence fades fast, and your recovery depends on both timely medical and legal action.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
Schedule your free consultation online.
The call is free. The consultation is free.
You don’t pay us unless we are successful – that’s our Fee Guarantee.
Don’t be a victim twice. Let our team fight for your sight, your security, and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can airbags cause serious eye injuries?
Yes. Airbags deploy at high speeds and can cause corneal abrasions, burns, or retinal trauma due to chemicals and impact force.
Can a concussion or brain injury cause vision loss?
Yes. Head trauma can damage the optic nerve or the visual processing areas of the brain, leading to blurred or double vision.
Is vision loss a “serious injury” under New York law?
Absolutely. Permanent or significant vision loss meets the serious injury threshold, allowing you to pursue full compensation beyond no-fault coverage.
How much is an eye injury case worth in New York City?
Compensation depends on medical expenses, vision impairment, and long-term effects. Severe cases can result in six- or seven-figure settlements.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under New York’s comparative negligence rule, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault – but you can still collect compensation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in New York?
Most personal injury cases must be filed within three years of the accident. If a government vehicle was involved, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days.
Protecting Your Vision. Restoring Your Future.
Your sight is priceless – and so is your right to justice.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City car accident lawyers provide trusted, compassionate representation to victims of serious eye injuries.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
Please don’t hesitate to contact us today for your free case evaluation.
We’ll fight for your vision, your recovery, and the future you deserve.