Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. While generally, an accident victim will suffer more visible injuries such as broken bones, cuts, and bruises, dental injuries are a common yet often overlooked consequence of car accidents. These injuries can be painful, costly to treat, and may have long-term impacts on a person's health and well-being. If you have suffered a dental injury in a car accident in New York, it's important that you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.

Dental injuries may include chipped, fractured, or knocked-out teeth, damage to dental work like crowns or bridges, and injuries to the jaw or soft tissues of the mouth. These injuries may require immediate medical attention, extensive dental treatment, and long-term care, which can result in significant financial burden. Knowing the steps to take is important. We offer an overview of the most important information to know in the following article.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our team of NY car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve.

Types of Dental Injuries from Car Accidents

Common Dental Injuries

1. Chipped or Fractured Teeth: The impact of a car accident can cause teeth to chip or fracture, which may require bonding, crowns, or even root canals to repair.
2. Knocked-Out Teeth: Teeth that are completely knocked out (avulsed) may be re-implanted if treated promptly, but often require prosthetics such as implants or bridges.
3. Jaw Injuries: Fractures or dislocations of the jaw can result from the force of a collision, requiring surgery and extensive recovery time.
4. Soft Tissue Damage: Lacerations and bruising to the gums, lips, and tongue can occur and may require stitches or other medical interventions.
5. Damage to Dental Work: Existing dental work such as crowns, bridges, or braces can be damaged or dislodged in an accident, necessitating repairs or replacements.

Impact of Dental Injuries

Dental injuries can have both immediate and long-term effects. In addition to the physical pain and discomfort, victims may face difficulties with eating, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene. The cosmetic impact of dental injuries can also affect a person's confidence and social interactions. Furthermore, dental treatments are often expensive and may not be fully covered by insurance, leading to substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

Legal Options for Victims of Dental Injuries

Seeking Medical Attention

The first step after experiencing a dental injury in a car accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment can prevent further complications and improve the chances of successful recovery. It's also important to document all medical treatments, as these records will be important for your legal claim.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Victims of dental injuries caused by car accidents may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. In New York, personal injury claims can cover a variety of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical treatments related to the dental injury, including emergency care, surgeries, dental work, and follow-up visits.
• Lost Wages: If the dental injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for any damage to personal property, such as dental appliances, resulting from the accident.

No-Fault Insurance

New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that your own insurance company is responsible for covering your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, for more serious injuries that exceed these limits or for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Proving Liability

To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must prove that the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused your dental injury. This involves demonstrating the following elements:

• Duty of Care: The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely.
• Breach of Duty: The at-fault driver breached this duty by acting negligently, such as by speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the car accident and resulting dental injury.
• Damages: You suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as a result of the injury.

Suffer a Dental Injury? Brandon J. Broderick Can Help

After suffering a dental injury in a car accident, the victim may be overwhelmed, but you are not alone. The lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can offer the support you need to get through what may be a stressful situation. We will guide you through every step of the way, allowing you to focus on what is the most important: your health.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dental injury in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation.