Can I Get Compensation for Permanent Scarring From Car Accidents?

Posted on: October 25, 2025

Permanent scarring from car accidents can affect your physical appearance, emotional well-being, and quality of life for years to come. These lasting marks may result from broken glass, impact with vehicle components, road rash, or burns. Beyond the visible damage, scars can lead to reduced self-confidence, psychological distress, and limitations in personal and professional situations. If another driver’s negligence caused that lasting harm, you may have legal grounds to pursue compensation.  

What Types of Scars Qualify for Compensation?

Most kinds of permanent scars resulting from car accidents may qualify for compensation, including keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, contracture scars, and atrophic scars. The location and visibility of scarring significantly impact claim value. Facial scars typically command higher settlements than those on areas normally covered by clothing; disfigurement affecting appearance or function strengthens your case.

How Is Scarring Damage Calculated?

Scarring damages include medical expenses for treatment, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing care. Non-economic damages account for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Factors considered include scar size, location, permanence, your age, occupation, and psychological impact. Courts also evaluate whether scarring limits social interaction or employment opportunities. Economic losses from missed work during treatment also factor into total compensation amounts.

When Should I Document My Scarring Injuries?

Document scarring immediately after the accident and throughout your recovery. Photograph injuries from multiple angles in good lighting at regular intervals, and keep all medical records, treatment plans, and doctors’ notes describing the scarring. Also, ask for written statements from your medical providers about permanence and prognosis. This evidence establishes the connection between the accident and your injuries while demonstrating the full extent of harm.

Can I Receive Compensation If Scars Start Fading?

You can still receive compensation even if scars fade partially over time. The key factor is whether scarring remains visible and permanent. Medical professionals can testify about the expected long-term appearance based on wound characteristics and healing patterns. Even faded scars that cause psychological distress or require ongoing treatment support compensation claims. Early documentation showing initial severity strengthens your position regardless of later improvement.

What Role Does Disfigurement Play in My Claim?

Disfigurement significantly increases claim value, particularly when scars affect visible areas like the face, neck, or hands. Courts recognize that disfigurement causes ongoing psychological harm, social anxiety, and reduced quality of life. The permanence of disfigurement justifies higher non-economic damages. Expert testimony from mental health professionals can establish the emotional distress your disfigurement causes, potentially supporting larger settlement amounts or jury awards.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Freehold?

New Jersey imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from car accidents, and the deadline begins on the date of the incident. Missing this window typically bars you from recovering compensation. However, discovering latent injuries or delayed scarring complications may affect timing in limited circumstances. Filing promptly protects your rights while evidence remains fresh and witnesses maintain clear memories of the incident.

Do I Need Medical Evidence for Scarring Claims?

Yes, medical evidence forms the foundation of scarring claims. Physicians must document injuries, treatment, and prognosis in official records. Plastic surgeons or dermatologists can provide valuable testimony about scarring permanence and treatment options; psychological evaluations demonstrate emotional impact. Without proper medical documentation linking scarring to the accident, insurance companies will likely dispute or deny claims. Remember, consistent treatment history strengthens your position during negotiations or trial.

Our Freehold Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Help Clients Pursue Accountability for Their Injuries

If you are seeking compensation for permanent scarring caused by a motor vehicle crash, contact our Freehold car accident lawyers at Ellis Law. Call 732-308-0200 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in New Jersey and New York, including Freehold and Monmouth County, and serve clients in the surrounding areas.