Did you know that nearly 2.5 million people are seriously hurt or disabled in car accidents every year? Being involved in a car accident can cause physical, emotional and financial difficulties.
You may not even realize it at the time but being the victim of bad car accidents can have long-term effects. If you have been in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, here are some of the physical and emotional signs to look out for.
Physical Damage
Some physical damage can be seen straight away, like cuts and bruises, whereas other types of damage may not be noticeable until after the accident. Take a look at what to do after a car crash.
Cuts and Burns
Cuts and burns are common during car crashes. Depending on the severity of the crash, there may be broken glass, shards of metal, or debris that can easily cause cuts. Car parts are likely to get hot during a car crash and can burn when they are touched.
It’s also possible for combusted fuel tanks or fuel lines to explode in a car crash which can cause severe burns to those close enough. It’s important to have all cuts and burns treated in order to avoid skin infections.
Tissue Damage and Fractures
Tissue damage and fractures can sometimes be difficult to diagnose without seeking medical attention. After being in a car accident, some people get an increase of adrenaline and are fooled into thinking they’re physically okay.
You may not realize you’ve fractured a bone until you’re in pain or you’re given an x-ray. Tissue damage often appears like severe bruising on the skin a few days after an accident. Tissue damage can be a long-term problem for some.
Back and Spine Injuries
The extent of back and spinal injuries after a car accident can vary dramatically. From simple sprains that heal quickly to damaged nerve networks that result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
If you suffer any type of pain in your back after an accident, it’s vital you visit your doctor to be checked. Many people who have back or spine injuries suffer from recurring pain many years after an accident.
Loss of Limbs
Fortunately, the loss of limbs because of car accidents is a rare occurrence. However, it does happen. Losing a limb can also lead to other complications, like mobility difficulties, blood clots, infection, and constant pain.
Death
In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s data showed that 102 people died in car crashes every day in the US. In the UK, road traffic collisions are the leading cause of death in people aged between 15 and 29.
It’s also known that the majority of people who die because of a car accident are passengers. Many of these collisions can be avoided by following road safety rules.
Emotional Damage
Often, the physical damage of a car accident is more obvious than the emotional. Emotional damage can last far longer than physical damage and may interfere with your everyday life.
Anxiety
Anxiety is something that can slowly creep up on you. It’s common for people who have been through traumatic events to develop some anxiety. Anxiety may come in the form of physical symptoms, like panic attacks or nausea.
You may become anxious about being a passenger in a car again, or you may not want to go back to driving yourself. You could also develop social anxiety or you may become more prone to certain phobias.
Depression
It’s important to give yourself time to get over the traumatic events of a car crash. However, it’s also important to move forward with your life. Some people find it difficult to take that step forward.
If you’re finding it difficult to sleep, you constantly feel sad and have no interest in taking part in daily activities, it could be time to see your doctor. Diagnosing depression is the first step towards regaining control.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
It’s common for people who have been through traumatic events to develop PTSD. People with PTSD may be hyper-aware of their surroundings and react quickly. They may also seem emotionally numb and difficulty relaxing and sleeping.
It’s vital that someone with PTSD is seen by a doctor. People who aren’t treated for PTSD often end up self-medicating and eventually become addicted to their medication of choice, which can lead to other problems.
Behavior Changes
Everyone handles traumatic events differently but behavior changes are often noticeable. Someone with behavior issues after a car accident may seem confused or may believe in realities that aren’t true.
Hallucination and disorganized speech are also common. Changes in behavior can result in different types of disorders that can be addressed via therapy and counseling.
Financial Difficulties
There are many people who suffer financially after a car accident. Being injured in an accident could mean you’re unable to work for a period of time which can dramatically decrease your income.
If you fall into financial difficulty while recovering from an accident, it’s best to get advice from a financial advisor, rather than bury your head in the sand.
The Consequences of Bad Car Accidents
Bad car accidents can have bigger consequences than you can ever imagine. The physical, emotional, and financial damage that’s left along the wreckage can be shocking and devastating.
We offer both work conditioning and hardening programs to return your independence as soon as possible. If you need help getting back to work after an on-the-job injury, contact the workers’ comp doctors by requesting an appointment online or calling 210-342-2777 today.
