Car accidents occur with alarming regularity but the impact on victims is often overlooked.
In Florida alone, there are almost 400,000 car accidents each year, with approximately 250,000 injuries being caused by crashes and collisions.
To ensure victims are properly supported after a car accident, it's important to understand the effects a car crash can have, such as
1. Physical Injuries
Physical injuries are, perhaps, the most obvious type of harm to arise due to a car accident. When a vehicle collides with a stationary object or another moving vehicle, the impact can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal damage
• Cuts and lacerations
• Whiplash
The severity of physical injuries caused by car accidents can range from minor to life-threatening, which is why it's so important that anyone involved in a collision seeks medical help to ensure their injuries are properly diagnosed.
2. Emotional Harm
A traumatic incident, like a car accident, can cause people to suffer significant emotional harm. This can manifest in many ways, such as anxiety, flashbacks, or panic attacks. Although it's natural to feel this way in the days or weeks following a crash, the emotional harm that can arise shouldn't be overlooked.
In some instances, car accident survivors can develop more long-term emotional injuries. Car accidents are a leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder in the U.S., for example, and can cause a range of symptoms, including:
• Intrusive thoughts
• Avoidance behaviors
• Heightened emotions
• Mood changes
• Anxiety and panic
• Self-harm
• Difficulty concentrating
Fortunately, the emotional effects of car accidents are now more understood, and people can access specialist help to assist them in overcoming these symptoms.
3. Financial Difficulties
When you're involved in a car accident, it can have a substantial effect on your finances. As well as repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle, you'll need to fund the cost of the medical treatment you need.
However, these aren't the only costs associated with car accidents. If your injuries mean you're unable to work, you may lose your income or suffer a drop in income. Similarly, if you need practical assistance while you're recovering from your injuries or in the long-term, you may need to find extra funds to cover these expenses.
Should You Take Legal Action After a Car Accident?
Making a car accident claim for compensation after an accident can help to mitigate some or all of the financial difficulties you experience after the incident. By making sure that you're properly compensated, your legal team can ensure that you don't sustain economic damages due to a loss of income or increased expenses, for example.
In addition to this, you can obtain compensation for your non-economic damages, such as the physical and emotional injuries you sustained as a result of the crash. While financial compensation cannot minimize the pain and suffering you've experienced, it can help you to overcome a challenging situation and may give you a sense that justice has been done.
Due to this, many people find it extremely helpful to take legal action following a car accident. Giving you access to the financial support you need, making a claim for compensation can mitigate the effects of a car accident and help you on the road to recovery.
