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A steering wheel can cause serious injuries 

On Behalf of | Jul 24, 2024 | Firm News

There are numerous ways that a car accident can cause injuries. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, one component of a vehicle that can cause severe injuries is the steering wheel. 

How exactly can a steering wheel cause injuries? 

Facial trauma 

In high-impact collisions, the steering wheel is often the first part of the car to come into contact with the body. Unfortunately, the head and facial area can end up taking the brunt of the impact. This can result in a fractured nose, broken orbital bones, broken cheekbones and other types of severe facial injuries. 

Injuries to the chest 

Sometimes, the seating position of the driver means that the head and face may not come into contact with the steering wheel during a crash. However, the chest can be exposed. Blunt force to the chest can result in very serious injuries because the internal organs are underneath the rib cage. At the very least, a driver may experience rib fractures and severe bruising. However, the driver must be carefully assessed for internal injuries that manifest through delayed symptoms. 

Wrist fractures 

Often, the driver will brace themself for impact by holding on tightly to the steering wheel. This can prevent them from traveling forward at speed toward the steering wheel. However, the force of the collision can travel through the steering wheel and the vibrations can fracture the wrists. 

If your crash was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Seek legal guidance to find out more about personal injury claims.