Even the most minor of car accidents can leave lasting physical and emotional effects on the parties involved. No one is ever prepared to deal with the long-term effects associated with a traumatic event. Still, it’s important for those affected to seek physical therapy or psychological aid if necessary. Let’s look at some of the ways you may be affected by a collision.
The Long-Term Physical Effects Of Car Accidents
While most car accident victims who receive physical injuries will recover, others will have complications that stay present for the rest of their lives. Regardless of how bad your injuries seem at the time of the accident, you should get the help of a professional car collision lawyer who can fight for compensation. Even soft tissue injuries can affect your mobility.
Head Injuries (Found in 17.3% of Car Accident Victims)
The most deadly physical injury that can occur from a collision involves head trauma. Concussions, contusions, penetrating head wounds, coup-contrecoup (brain jerking), and diffuse axonal (head rotation) injuries may happen if the driver slams or turns their head after an accident. Victims of a head injury are often left with a diminished mental or physical capacity.
Other Common Physical Car Accident Injuries
Besides head injuries, a car crash victim could experience the following physical injuries.
- Whiplash (85% of accidents)
- Neck Strains or Fractures (90-100% of accidents)
- Soft Tissue Injuries (70-80% of accidents)
- Damage to Spinal Discs (40-70% of accidents)
- Headaches (50-90% of accidents)
- Back pain (35% of accidents)
- Blurred Vision (20-45% of accidents)
- Dizziness (20-70% of accidents)
- Tingling in the Hands or Shoulders (10-45% of accidents)
- Insomnia (35% of accidents)
- Nonspecific Weakness of Fatigue in Joints (60% of accidents)
It’s common for severe car accident victims to have long-term chronic pain, memory issues (from head trauma), diminished mobility, and cognitive problems.
Because of this, seeking immediate medical attention after a car collision is essential, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some physical injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not become immediately visible. By getting prompt medical care, you can receive the treatment you need to prevent long-term complications.
Thankfully, many medical professionals specialize in car accident treatment for those injured. They conduct a full-body assessment to rule out more serious injuries and tailor a specific treatment plan for your injuries.
The Long-Term Emotional Effects Of Car Accidents
The emotional trauma from a car accident is often dismissed, especially if the driver didn’t seriously harm or kill another person. However, a car accident can have long-lasting effects on our confidence, driving ability, and mood regulation and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Depression (Found in 45% of Car Accident Victims)
Major depressive disorder is often tied to the physical injuries incurred in the crash, but it can also develop due to financial stress or worry over the other injured (or deceased) party. Many victims who experience PTSD and anxiety might also struggle with depression.
Anxiety (Found in 45-50% of Car Accident Victims)
Mild anxiety is normal, but persistent worry that lasts weeks or months after the accident can develop into a disorder. Anxiety can affect every aspect of a person’s life and prevent the driver from operating a vehicle. Panic attacks, sleep disorders, and phobias can also develop.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Found in 39.2% of Car Accident Victims)
PTSD occurs when a person becomes traumatized by an experience to the point they have recurring flashbacks of the accident, emotional numbness, and practice avoidance behaviors. Untreated PTSD can lead to anger issues, loneliness, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Other Common Emotional Car Accident Disorders
Most of the following disorders develop due to depression, anxiety, or post traumatic stress disorder, as these mental illnesses can worsen their emotional distress and mental anguish.
- Embarrassment (40% of accidents)
- Weight Fluctuations (70-80% of accidents)
- Sexual Dysfunction (7% of accidents)
- Mood Swings (85% of accidents)
- Loss of Appetite (10% of accidents)
- Fear (70-100% of accidents)
- Shock (80-100% of accidents)
- Anger (20% of accidents)
- Lack of Energy (50% of accidents)
Traumatic incidents are difficult to handle on your own, and the emotional impact of the accident could profoundly affect you and those around you. Please seek professional help from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist to help relieve some of your emotional distress.
Aside from professional assistance, you can consider some useful tips as well that can help you cope with the long-term emotional and physical effects of a car accident. For instance, you can join a support group that’s available for individuals who have been injured in a car crash. Talking to other people who have similar experiences to yours can be helpful for your healing and recovery.
Moreover, you should take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly to improve your mental and physical health. Lastly, the long-term effects of a car accident can be tough. But it’s essential to remember that you’re not alone. With adequate support and time, you can heal and rebuild your life in no time.
Conclusion
Dealing with the physical and mental effects of a car accident can be challenging and frustrating. Therefore, if you’ve been injured in a car collision, keep the information mentioned above in mind to know how to deal with the injuries more effectively and ensure proper recovery.
