Steering Wheel Injuries

Drivers face a specific risk that other occupants do not: steering wheel injuries in a car accident. A collision can send them head- or chest-first into the steering wheel with enough force to break bones and damage soft tissue.

Has this happened to you? If so, you may file an insurance claim to seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses. If your injuries are severe enough, you may also file a separate claim along with the one you file with your no-fault policy. Let Finz & Finz, P.C. help you do both. Our nationally recognized attorneys are advocates for personal injury victims, and we’ve achieved record-breaking results for clients in New York and nationwide.

Our team is ready to explain your legal options and seek the compensation you deserve for your suffering. Let us provide the dedicated representation you need so you can focus on your recovery. Contact our New York City car accident lawyers today to discuss your steering wheel injuries case.

Why Do Steering Wheels Cause Injuries?

Steering wheel injuries occur for many reasons. The following are common types of collisions that may result in a steering wheel auto injury:

• Front-end collisions
• Rear-end collisions
• Side-impact collisions

A driver may be more likely to sustain steering wheel impact injuries if they experience whiplash during a crash, or if the driver’s head hits the wheel with strong force. In addition, the following can increase the odds that a car accident results in steering wheel injuries:

• Airbag failure
• Sitting too close to the steering wheel

Common Steering Wheel Injuries Caused in Car Accidents

Colliding with a steering wheel in an accident can cause serious injuries like:

• Eye and facial injuries
• Friction burns
• Internal injuries like internal bleeding
• Neck injuries
• Rib fractures
• Steering wheel car accident face injuries
• Steering wheel injury in the chest
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Skull fracture

That’s not an exhaustive list of all potential steering wheel impact injuries. Factors such as the position of a driver’s seat, the speed of the vehicle, and the angle of impact can influence the nature and severity of injuries resulting from impact with a steering wheel. Injuries may not be immediately apparent after the crash. Seek medical attention and monitor symptoms closely.

Signs You Might’ve Suffered a Steering Wheel Injury After a Crash

Common signs of steering wheel injuries include:

• Breathing troubles
• Difficulty chewing or speaking
• Numbness in the affected areas
• Pain or discomfort in or near areas that might have come into contact with a steering wheel during a collision

It’s also important to monitor for signs of a concussion or similar traumatic brain injury. Per the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of a concussion are:

Don’t ignore these symptoms. Always see a doctor after a motor vehicle collision, even if you don’t present any serious injury symptoms. You may have sustained a steering wheel auto injury or other such injury without realizing it.

What To Do After Suffering from Steering Wheel Impact Injuries

Seeing a doctor after an accident is essential for two reasons. First, if the doctor does find any injuries, they can provide treatment right away. Doing so boosts your chances of making a smooth and fast recovery.

Second, going to a doctor immediately allows you to establish a clear link between the collision and your injuries. Your documentation of the connection between the crash and your injuries makes it harder for an insurance company to suggest your injuries resulted from an unrelated incident.

Other steps you should take in the immediate aftermath of a wreck that may have caused injuries include:

• Reporting the accident
• Getting the names and contact information of witnesses at the scene
• Photographing your injuries
• Writing down your recollection of events while your memory is fresh

Save all medical bills, documentation of lost wages, and related documents in the days and weeks after a crash. Other tips to keep in mind during this time include:

• Don’t say anything to anyone indicating the crash might have been your fault
• Don’t say your injuries aren’t serious
• Don’t post on social media until you have resolved your case

It’s also wise to avoid working with the insurance company directly. A claims adjuster may try to convince you to settle for less than your claim is worth. Instead, consider reviewing your case with a personal injury attorney to learn more about potential legal options.

Who is Liable For a Steering Wheel Injury?

New York is a no-fault car crash state. Per the New York State Department of Financial Services, drivers in New York must purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance when registering vehicles in the state. This form of insurance is the primary source of compensation for injuries suffered in car collisions in New York.

That’s true regardless of who causes a crash. Even if the collision that caused your steering wheel injuries was someone else’s fault, you would still seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim with your insurance.

However, under New York law, an injured person may file a separate third-party claim against a liable party after a car crash if their injuries are serious. The liable party in these circumstances is likely to be another motorist. When a steering wheel injury results from a defect or design flaw, the at-fault party may be the manufacturer or designer.

Compensation You Might Recover After Your Car Accident

If you’ve suffered a serious steering wheel injury, you could be owed compensation for your:

• Diminished quality of life
• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Contact an Experienced New York City Injury Attorney Today

Seeking the compensation for which you’re eligible after sustaining steering wheel impact injuries isn’t a task you need to handle alone. A New City York car accident attorney at Finz & Finz, P.C. may assist you by:

• Documenting your losses
• Calculating the potential value of your claim
• If necessary, investigating to determine liability
• Filing your claim
• Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement

Learn more about what a New York steering wheel injuries lawyer can do for you by contacting or calling us today for a free case review.