Car crashes can leave behind more than bodily injuries—they can leave behind permanent, visible scars that damage a person’s looks, self-esteem, and quality of life. Car crash facial scars are some of the most traumatic and psychologically debilitating results of a crash. While internal injuries can heal and go unseen, facial scars are permanent reminders that can bring about emotional distress, social unease, and long-term pain.
In this article, you will find out how facial scars form as a result of auto accidents, what can be done to treat them, and how you can be legally compensated for physical and emotional damages.
Common Causes of Facial Scars in Car Accidents
Facial scarring can occur in a wide variety of crash scenarios. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Broken Glass
Shattered windshields and windows often send jagged glass fragments flying through the cabin. These shards can cut the face, leading to deep lacerations and long-term scarring.
2. Airbag Deployment
While airbags save lives, the force of their deployment can cause abrasions, burns, or impact injuries to the face—especially in high-speed collisions.
3. Blunt Trauma
The face may hit the dashboard, steering wheel, or side windows, resulting in contusions, fractures, and tears that require stitches or surgery.
4. Burns
Fires or explosions during severe crashes may cause first-, second-, or third-degree burns, which often leave discolored or raised scars on the face.
5. Road Rash or Ejection
In motorcycle crashes or rollovers, victims may be ejected and dragged along pavement, resulting in serious abrasions or “road rash” that causes permanent facial damage.
Types of Facial Scars
Not all facial scars are the same. The type of scar you suffer from affects both your treatment options and your potential compensation.
- Hypertrophic Scars: Raised scars that remain within the boundary of the original wound.
- Keloid Scars: Thicker, raised, and often itchy scars that extend beyond the original injury.
- Contracture Scars: Often caused by burns, these tighten the skin and may affect facial muscles or movement.
- Atrophic Scars: Depressions or pits in the skin, commonly seen with deep lacerations or puncture wounds.
Facial scars may also vary in size, visibility, and impact based on where they occur—such as near the eyes, lips, nose, or forehead.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Facial scars are not merely cosmetic. They can have profound psychological consequences, especially for those who previously took pride in their appearance or who work in fields that emphasize facial presentation (e.g., media, sales, or entertainment).
Common emotional effects include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Social withdrawal
- Loss of self-esteem or confidence
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Body image issues
These impacts are particularly severe for children and young adults, who may face bullying or social exclusion due to their appearance. Courts and insurance companies may consider the emotional toll when calculating damages.
Treatment Options for Facial Scarring
Treatment depends on the severity and type of scar, as well as the individual’s age and skin type. Common options include:
1. Scar Revision Surgery
Plastic surgeons can attempt to minimize the appearance of scars through procedures that reposition or remove damaged tissue. This may require multiple surgeries.
2. Laser Therapy
Laser treatment can reduce pigmentation and smooth the texture of raised scars. It’s non-invasive but often costly and not always fully effective.
3. Dermabrasion or Chemical Peels
These procedures remove the outer layers of skin to reduce superficial scarring, though results vary and may not address deep scars.
4. Microneedling and Fillers
For atrophic or pitted scars, cosmetic dermatologists may use fillers or microneedling to restore volume and reduce uneven skin.
5. Prescription Creams or Injections
Topical steroids or silicone gels may help flatten scars over time, especially hypertrophic and keloid types.
Many of these treatments require out-of-pocket expenses and ongoing care. That’s why pursuing legal compensation can be so important.
Legal Options for Compensation
If your facial scar was caused by another party’s negligence in a car accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to recover damages. Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Establishing Liability
To recover compensation, you must prove that another party caused the accident due to negligence, recklessness, or unlawful behavior (e.g., drunk driving, distracted driving, running a red light).
2. Documenting the Injury
Photos of the injury at different stages of healing, along with medical records and expert evaluations from dermatologists or plastic surgeons, can serve as critical evidence.
3. Evaluating Damages
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Surgeries, medication, therapy, and follow-up care
- Lost income: Time off work for treatment or reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional trauma
- Disfigurement or permanent injury: Visibility and permanence of the scar
Loss of enjoyment of life: Due to social withdrawal or reduced confidencedent due to negligence, recklessness, or unlawful behavior (e.g., drunk driving, distracted driving, running a red light).
4. Settlement vs. Lawsuit
Most claims settle with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, if a fair offer isn’t made, your attorney may file a lawsuit to seek compensation through the court system.
Factors That Affect the Value of a Facial Scar Case
Several elements influence the potential compensation in a facial scar claim:
- Age of the victim: Younger individuals often receive higher awards due to the long-term impact.
- Visibility of the scar: Scars on the nose, cheeks, or forehead are typically more noticeable and valued higher.
- Severity and permanence: Deep, discolored, or raised scars often command greater compensation.
- Gender and occupation: Victims in appearance-based professions may be more financially affected.
- Impact on mental health: Psychological reports and therapy notes can show how the scar has changed the victim’s life.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Facial scar cases require detailed documentation, expert analysis, and a strong understanding of both medical and legal aspects. An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Gather evidence of liability and damages
- Coordinate with medical experts to assess long-term treatment needs
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters for fair compensation
- File a lawsuit and take your case to trial if necessary
Many lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win.
What to Do If You Suffer a Facial Scar in a Car Accident
What to Do If You Suffer a Facial Scar in a Car Accident
If you or someone you love suffers a facial scar in an auto crash, take the following steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Timely care can reduce scarring and establish a medical record of the injury.
- Photograph the Injury
Take photos throughout the healing process to document the scar’s severity and visibility.
- Get a Plastic Surgery Consultation
Even if you’re not planning cosmetic treatment, a consultation helps assess long-term outcomes.
- Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
Don’t negotiate with insurance companies alone. An attorney can ensure your rights are protected and advocate for maximum compensation.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
