Possible Long-Term Effects From A Car Accident
Car accidents can be traumatic events, and victims may struggle for a long time to recover physically and emotionally after such an event. Some people might underestimate the possible long-term effects of a car accident, making them susceptible to accepting lesser compensation offers while pursuing a claim.
However, you should never settle for less than what you deserve, especially if another person’s negligence or misconduct caused the accident. If you feel you’re receiving a lowball offer from an insurance company, you can receive help from an injury lawyer.
A personal injury lawyer can consider all the aspects of your accident and how it occurred. They will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and all your damages are assessed during your compensation claim. Here are some possible long-term effects of a car accident that victims may strive to overcome:
Severe Physical Injuries
Various severe injuries can occur in car accidents that will have long-term effects, such as decreased strength or mobility, chronic pain, flexibility issues, or permanent disabilities. Among the most common long-term injuries in car accidents are traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal organ damage.
These injuries come with their own complications and long-term treatment plans, which will affect a victim’s life even further.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Victims of car accidents can experience significant emotional and psychological trauma and mental disorders such as depression, mood swings, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, and phobias. Most commonly, individuals develop a fear of driving.
Some may give up on driving entirely, while others may take long detours to avoid the road where the accident occurred so as not to remind them of the incident. These psychological effects can take time and expensive therapy sessions to resolve, but until individuals heal, their relationships, daily life, and overall well-being will be affected nonetheless.
Cognitive Impairment
The most severe injuries, such as TBIs, can lead to long-term cognitive impairment. For instance, car accident victims with mild or severe TBIs may experience difficulty focusing, memory issues, and problem-solving issues. These cognitive impairments will directly affect an individual's work, education, daily activities, and interpersonal relationships. In such instances, ongoing support and accommodations are necessary.
Chronic Pain or Disability
Whiplash or nerve damage takes a long time to heal and can result in chronic pain that persists long after the accident. Chronic pain will impact an individual’s quality of life, limiting their ability to perform their work, complete their daily activities, or engage in recreational pursuits.
Financial Consequences
Car accidents usually result in long-term effects that create substantial financial burdens. For example, medical expenses will accumulate along with rehabilitation costs, ongoing therapy, and the need for assistive devices.
Apart from this, the long-term effects of a car accident can make an individual temporarily or permanently unable to work, resulting in lost wages and causing further financial strain and other interpersonal relationship problems.
Ultimately, the long-term effects of a car accident result in a domino effect, substantially impacting an individual’s life. This is why car accident victims must ensure that they receive proper compensation for their injuries and other losses. Consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case and understand your rights and legal options.