Generally, the windshields of most vehicles are made from laminated safety glass. This means that there are two sheets of glass with a layer of laminate in between them.
This glass is sometimes also referred to as safety glass. The glass of a windshield is designed so that it does not break into big shards, but rather, it shatters into tiny crystals.
Nevertheless, tiny crystals of glass are still sharp and they can cause injuries. Outlined below are some of the more common injuries associated with broken windshields.
Lacerations
Many accidents occur at high speeds with tremendous amounts of force being generated. In such a scenario, any object that flies through the air can be dangerous. Small pieces of glass that travel at high speeds can do serious damage. For instance, pieces of glass can penetrate the skin and cause deep lacerations that may scar.
Eye injuries
As mentioned, small pieces of glass essentially become missiles during a collision. If crystals end up in the eyes of the driver or passengers, they can cause cuts and corneal abrasions. In some cases, the eye damage sustained from glass crystals can be severe, meaning that the victim has to undergo surgery and rehabilitation.
Severe injuries
Of course, even when the windshield is smashed, the laminate will generally keep large parts of it in place. In the event that a driver or passenger should be launched from their seat, the windshield is a solid object for them to hit.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was the result of another driver’s negligence, it’s important to think about your medical needs and your rights. Seek legal guidance to find out if you may be entitled to personal injury compensation.