(235+)Car accidents can have a devastating impact in the immediate aftermath, but many people do not realize that the effects can linger for months, years, or even a lifetime. At the law offices of Gibbons & Crichton in Philadelphia, we know the long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial toll that car crashes take on victims and their families. This guide examines the various long-term effects of car accidents and discusses what you should do if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a crash.
The Physical Aftermath
Some of the most apparent long-term effects of car accidents are the physical injuries and impairments that can persist long after the initial recovery period. Depending on the severity of the crash, common long-lasting injuries include:
- Chronic pain: Many car accident victims suffer from ongoing pain, especially in the neck and back. Whiplash, spinal cord damage, and herniated discs can lead to chronic pain that makes daily activities and work difficult.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions and more severe TBIs can cause cognitive issues, headaches, sleep disorders, memory problems, and personality changes that affect a person for years.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Deep lacerations, burns, and other injuries can leave victims with permanent scars and disfigurement. These after-effects of car accidents can impact self-esteem and require ongoing treatment.
- Reduced mobility and paralysis: Damage to the neck, back, or limbs can reduce a person’s range of motion and lead to paralysis in severe cases. Victims may need mobility aids, home modifications, and ongoing physical therapy.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: The physical trauma from a serious car crash can damage joints and lead to early-onset arthritis, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility over time.
While some injuries from car accidents heal completely with time and treatment, other aftereffects of car accidents cause permanent disabilities that completely alter a person’s abilities, career, hobbies, and quality of life. Seeking immediate medical attention, following through with treatment, and consulting with an experienced car accident attorney can help protect your health and your right to compensation.
The Psychological Impact
Not all injuries from car accidents are visible. Many victims struggle with mental health issues triggered by the trauma of the crash. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common aftereffect of car accidents. Symptoms may include severe anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of driving or riding in vehicles, and hypervigilance.
Depression is another major psychological effect faced by many car accident victims, especially those dealing with life-changing injuries, chronic pain, an inability to work, or the loss of a loved one in a crash. Survivors may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, have trouble sleeping, struggle with feelings of hopelessness, and have thoughts of harming themselves.
Mental health issues in the wake of a serious car wreck should not be ignored or downplayed. The psychological effects can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries. Treatment from a mental health professional is crucial and can be included as part of an injury claim or lawsuit.
Financial Devastation
The financial impact of a serious car accident often extends far beyond the initial medical bills. Victims may be unable to work for weeks, months, or permanently, depending on the severity of their injuries. The loss of income combined with ongoing medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other accident-related bills can quickly drain a family’s savings and push them into debt.
Some of the potential long-term financial impacts of a car accident include:
- Lost wages and lost earning potential if injuries affect the victim’s ability to work
- Ongoing costs for medication, doctor visits, physical therapy, and mental health treatment
- The need to hire help for household tasks and childcare that the injured person can no longer perform
- Costs associated with long-term care or nursing homes in the case of permanent disability
- Home and vehicle modifications to accommodate disabilities
- Increased insurance premiums
- Costs for repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance can help cover some of these losses, but $5000 in PIP coverage does not stretch very far.
Catastrophic injuries can lead to thousands or even millions of dollars in economic losses over a lifetime. Pursuing a legal claim against the at-fault party may be necessary to avoid financial ruin.
Impacts on Family and Relationships
The long-term effects of serious car accidents go beyond the victim. Spouses, children, and extended family members often face upheaval in the months and years following a crash. If a parent or spouse suffers debilitating injuries, the family may need to adjust to a new way of life and a shifting of household roles and responsibilities.
Personality changes from a TBI, the stress of new financial pressures, and the strain of caring for an injured person can also take a heavy toll on marriages and family relationships. Studies have found that couples are more likely to divorce following a serious car accident.
For families who lose a loved one in a fatal crash, the grief can be overwhelming. Spouses and children must grapple with the sudden loss of companionship and financial support. Parents who lose a child often face a long and difficult healing process.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Philadelphia
It is critical to take swift action to protect yourself from the long-term effects of car accidents and your legal rights. If you have been injured in a crash in Philadelphia, the car accident attorneys at Gibbons & Crichton recommend taking these key steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. This will give you the best chance at maximum medical improvement.
- Keep records of all crash-related expenses, including medical bills, pay stubs showing lost wages, and receipts for out-of-pocket costs.
- Contact a knowledgeable Philadelphia car accident attorney to discuss your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
We Are Here for You
At Gibbons & Crichton, we understand the massive impact that car accident injuries have on victims and their families. As experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyers, we are committed to helping clients recover the full compensation they need to cope with the long-term effects of car accidents. While we cannot erase the trauma you have suffered, we can aggressively advocate for your rights and work to secure a better future for you and your family. Contact us for a free consultation. Our skilled legal team is ready to fight for you.
