Car accident victims often focus on the physical damage they have sustained in the crash. However, emotional and mental impairment can persist long after the accident and affect a victim’s quality of life. The inability to carry out routine activities, pain and discomfort, sleep issues, decreased enjoyment of life, changes in eating and weight, and depression maybe some of these impacts.
Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries, which can happen in car accidents, can occasionally result in terrible pain and serious impairment. Physical therapy, continued symptom management, and long-term medical care are frequently needed for many injuries. Even if the victim walks away from a crash with only minor bruises, they can still suffer significant mental or emotional harm that impacts their quality of life and ability to work and enjoy activities.
Symptoms can include depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep problems, changes in appetite and weight, irritability, irrational fears, and a lack of interest in hobbies or socializing. When an accident victim’s injuries prevent them from working, it can result in substantial out-of-pocket expenses for medical bills and other needs.
In addition, the loss of income can put victims in financial debt that may take years or decades to repay. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer Greenville NC can assist victims in comprehending the entire range of expenses they are likely to incur and ensure their damages adequately reflect them.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
The force and impact of a car accident can cause severe injuries to a person’s back and spine. Spinal cord injuries, ranging from mild to catastrophic, can lead to loss of control in certain body areas, partial or total paralysis, and a lack of feeling in certain body parts.
Other back injuries resulting from car accidents include neck strains, whiplash, rotator cuff tears and strains, and soft tissue damage. These injuries can significantly affect a person’s ability to work, engage in physical activities and even live independently.
High medical costs from a car accident’s long-term effects might also follow, and most wounds can take weeks or months to heal. It can put victims in serious financial debt and limit their ability to participate in normal activities, which could have long-term effects on their lives and quality of life.
Burns
Many individuals concentrate on the physical harm a vehicle collision causes. While a thorough medical examination is important for your health and to prove your legal rights, you should not ignore emotional or mental injuries that can linger long after your physical injuries have healed.
Chemical burns are some of the most serious injuries that result from a car accident. Various chemicals are used to build cars and run on gasoline, oil and other corrosive fluids. Airbags require chemicals to deploy, and they can spray irritant or caustic substances on the skin of accident victims. Different types of burns include first-degree burns, which only affect the top layer of skin. These can occur when skin touches hot steam or fluids, such as radiator coolant.
Some burn injuries may also be caused by electrical problems, such as when a downed high-voltage power line strikes a vehicle. Suppose another driver or car manufacturer is liable for your accident-related burn injuries. You are then entitled to compensation for past and future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Depression
Many car accident victims experience psychiatric complications as a result of their crash. It can result from the emotional trauma, injuries, and pain in a collision. Still, it can also be due to the stress and anxiety of adjusting to life after a crash, including medical bills, insurance payments, and worry about how a person will support themselves and their family when they are not working. It can lead to depression, often exacerbated by sleep disorders and feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.
Victims can have long-term PTSD and other mental health conditions that cause problems with mood, memory, and personality. It can require specialized therapy and regular treatment, which can be just as expensive as a person’s physical injuries. Fortunately, talking about your emotions with a trusted loved one or therapist can help ease these symptoms.
