Understanding the Physical and Emotional Toll of Car Accidents on Victims
Every year, millions of people are seriously injured in car accidents across the country. Physical injuries are difficult to recover from and tend to bring emotional woes too.
Here’s a look at the physical and emotional tolls of car accidents on victims.
Physical Tolls on Car Accident Victims
Cuts, bruises, and burns are some of the most common physical tolls faced by car accident victims. These are easily visible and are often inflicted by broken glass, metal, or other debris. Sharp debris can leave lasting scars that serve as a lifelong reminder of the crash.
While these physical injuries are easy to spot, many other physical injuries may not be revealed without a full medical examination. Tissue damage and fractures are an example of these kinds of hidden physical injuries. You may not even realize you’re hurt until you get an X-ray.
Back and spine injuries are also common and tend to vary in severity. Simple sprains will heal quickly, while damaged nerves may result in temporary or permanent paralysis. Back pain should be immediately checked because it can become worse if left untreated.
In catastrophic collisions, you may face the loss of limbs. This can affect your mobility and put you at risk for blood clots and infections. It can also be a constant source of pain. Some injuries are so extreme that car accident victims never recover. Traffic fatalities leave behind grieving loved ones who may have physical injuries of their own if they were in this car accident.
Emotional Tolls on Car Accident Victims
Physical tolls from an accident are usually easy to notice. Emotional tolls can be just as devastating and may last long after your physical injuries heal.
Anxiety is one of the most common emotional tolls for those who undergo a traumatic experience. You may also have physical symptoms, such as panic attacks. You may be afraid to get in a car again, and the fear may be so strong that you don’t even want to leave your home.
Depression is another common mental health issue after a car crash. You may feel sad or lose interest in the things you once loved. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause you to be hyper-aware of your surroundings, making it difficult for you to relax or sleep.
You may also have behavioral changes that could be caused by a traumatic brain injury. This is why you need to seek medical treatment after an accident to determine the severity of your physical and emotional tolls.
The Consequences Of a Car Accident
In addition to recovering from physical and emotional upset after an accident, you will also have extensive financial burdens. These consequences are not something you should face on your own.
With the help of a car accident attorney, you will have someone standing up for your legal rights and fighting to make sure you are compensated for all of your damages.