A car accident can have lasting effects that go way beyond the actual crash itself. In fact, the long-term effects of car accident injuries can last for months, years, or even the rest of one’s lifetime.
And these effects extend beyond physical struggles, which can be debilitating on their own. They include emotional and financial challenges as well.
So if you’re dealing with the overwhelming aftermath of a car accident injury and unsure where to turn next, you may want to seek legal counsel from an experienced Southfield auto accident attorney. This could make all the difference in your long-term well-being.
The Long-Term Effects of Car Accident Injuries
Sustained and prolonged injuries from a car accident can change your life in an instant. They can impact your independence and lead to profound changes in your ability to perform job duties, drive, cook, clean, etc. These life changes, in tandem with the trauma of the accident itself, can cause emotional distress and result in you isolating yourself and not seeking support.
There are several ways you might be struggling with injuries after your accident.
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Pain and Physical Limitations
Car accidents can cause significant injuries to the back, neck, and joints, leading to chronic pain that can last for months or years. These can greatly increase your physical limitations and make it more difficult to perform regular activities of daily living.
For example, a case of whiplash can result in long-term neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and prolonged discomfort. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) can develop after the impact of a car accident, causing jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and headaches they may require medication and physical therapy.
Severe injuries to the joints can impair mobility and flexibility. In addition, these injuries can develop into more chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, that could require ongoing medical treatment.
Herniated discs or other spinal injuries may require long-term physical care too in the form of therapy, pain management, and possibly surgery to restore mobility.
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Cognitive Impairments
Head injuries are also prevalent in serious car accidents. In many cases, a crash can leave victims with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that cause long-term cognitive impairments.
Victims of a car crash may have difficulty remembering new information, recalling past events, trouble focusing on tasks, or maintaining attention. These are all symptoms of a TBI and they can significantly impact one’s ability to maintain daily, professional, and academic responsibilities. Having a TBI typically results in the need for physical and occupational therapy.
In cases of more severe TBIs, there might be lasting cognitive decline that affects one’s ability to plan, make decisions, and solve problems. This, in turn, negatively affects independence and the ability to effectively manage daily life.
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Psychological and Emotional Trauma
While it’s often easy to see the physical impact a serious car accident causes, it’s more difficult to ascertain the emotional trauma.
Many victims experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, and severe anxiety relating to the accident. Some victims develop hypervigilance as a traumatic response to the accident, detecting threats in even the most benign situations. They become excessively aware of their surroundings, startle easily, and feel constantly on edge – making it difficult to function in daily life.
For those experiencing chronic pain and financial stress along with the physical changes from their injuries, there can also be an increased likelihood of anxiety and depression. It’s not unusual for a car accident victim to experience a feeling of helplessness, sadness, and frustration. Professional mental health support is often required.
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Financial Stress
The long-term and ongoing care required by the above conditions is costly. And the stress of medical debt can make it even harder to recover.
This is where it’s helpful to consult with a car accident lawyer who can help you file an accident claim based on the losses you’ve suffered. As a general rule, the more losses a victim has suffered, the more his or her accident claim could possibly be worth.
Get Experienced Car Accident Attorneys on Your Side
You know all too well how your car accident affected you. But when it comes to seeking financial compensation, it can be an involved process to demonstrate the full extent of the long-term effects of car accident injuries. The experienced car accident attorneys at Kajy Law can help.
We just got a $1.25 million settlement for an injured client who was only offered $100,000 from the insurance company. And we will gather expert testimony from medical professionals, economists, and life care planners who will quantify your lost earning potential, future medical needs, and the overall impact on your quality of life to ensure you get the justice YOU deserve too.
So call us today at 877-KAJY-CARES or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. You have nothing to lose, and so much to gain.
