Getting involved in a vehicular accident is believed to be one of the most traumatic events a person may experience in their lifetime. One never knows when it might occur which makes it tricky for people to be fully prepared in facing its possible physical and emotional consequences.
Victims injured from an Albuquerque car accident, or any motor-vehicular accident may suffer from minor wounds and cuts to life-threatening internal bleeding and disabling injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may need a long rehabilitation period to attain full recovery. During this time, car accident lawyers try to gather substantial evidence to prove who’s at fault and ensure the victim will receive the right compensation for the sustained damages and injuries.
The recuperation process after an accident typically starts once the collision or crash undergoes investigation. While seeking medical care, authorities may continue to gather relevant documents, collect related evidence, and the like to determine the party that’s ultimately liable for the tragedy.
Lasting Impacts Of Car Accidents To Its Victims
Sadly, the effects of a vehicular accident can often result in potentially lasting or permanent effects. With this in mind, it’s said to be one of the main reasons why one should vehemently seek just compensation to cover damages, emotional suffering, and possible future expenses on accident-related injuries.
In most cases, some forms of physical damage are evident right away, such as bruises and cuts, while other types of damage aren’t noticeable until days or weeks after the accident. In the aftermath, it’s said that emotional damage can last longer than physical damage and even disrupt daily life. Here are some of the potential long-term consequences of a vehicular accident you should know about.
- Neck And Back Injuries
The severity of neck and back injuries after a vehicular accident may vary. The injury can range from a trivial sprain that rapidly heals to whiplash or extensive damage to the nerves leading to temporary or permanent paralysis.
When you start to experience any discomfort or pain in the neck or back after getting involved in an accident, it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately for further assessment. There are some individuals who sustain neck or back injuries that end up experiencing recurring pain for years as a result of the ordeal. If you’re experiencing nagging neck pain after a vehicular accident, check out this post to learn more about the issue.
- Cuts And Burns
Cuts and burns are said to be among the most common injuries after a vehicular crash. Depending on the seriousness of the accident, it might involve metal shards, shattered glass, or debris that can easily cause wounds.
In addition, there are parts or components of the vehicle that are likely to heat up during a crash and can cause burns when a person comes in contact with them. When the fuel tank or lines sustain damage, an explosion is likely to occur. It can result in severe burns to those who are close to the explosion site. These types of injuries require immediate medical treatment to prevent infection and permanent damage.
When cuts and burns are too severe, the doctor may recommend surgery. Burn wound surgical treatment include fascial excision, tangential excision, or amputation. These surgical procedures will remove necrotic tissues to preserve viable skin layers. On the other hand, reconstructive burn surgery can help improve both the appearance and function of burn scars.
- Tissue Damage And Fractures
In most cases, tissue damage and broken bones are hard to diagnose without consulting a medical professional. For after a vehicular accident, some individuals are under an adrenaline rush in which they feel physically okay.
A person will not realize a potential fracture until the pain starts to manifest or when an X-ray result shows it. As for tissue damage, it often manifests as severe bruising on the skin a few days after the accident. In some cases, tissue damage can be a long-term concern.
Victims need to stay in the hospital for fracture treatment. The doctor immobilizes the victim’s bone with a plaster cast. For severe fractures, the surgeon inserts metal rods, screws, or plates to keep the bone pieces together.
Complicated fractures require surgical traction. Most fractures heal from six to eight weeks. However, severe fractures may take longer, and the full recovery differs for each person, especially for those who have pre-existing medical conditions. Old age is another factor that may slow down the recovery process of a person.
- Limb Loss
It’s rare to lose a limb after a car accident. Nevertheless, it can happen and may result in a series of permanent changes to a victim’s waking life. In addition, when you lose a limb, it can lead to other complications such as infection, blood clots, constant pain, and mobility issues.
- Anxiety And Depression
People who experience a traumatic event like a car accident are said to likely develop anxiety. The condition can manifest as physical symptoms such as nausea or panic attacks. For example, one might feel anxious being a passenger in a car or might not want to drive anymore after they have suffered from a car accident.
After a vehicular accident, it’s best to allow yourself time to get over and heal from the event’s negative effects. However, it’s also crucial to continue with your life. Sadly, some find it hard to take that step forward. If you find it difficult to sleep, constantly feeling sad, or lacking interest in activities you previously enjoyed, it’s best to see a medical expert right away. Proper diagnosis of mental health concerns is the initial step to regain control of your life.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Experiencing a traumatic event will make a person likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. A person with the condition might be hyper-aware of their surroundings and respond rapidly. However, some seem emotionally numb and have difficulty sleeping and relaxing.
But unfortunately, some people often self-medicate and later become addicted to a medication that can lead to further problems down the road. Consulting a healthcare professional for proper treatment of PTSD is the right move to make.
- Behavioral Changes
Each people handle traumatic events differently, but behavioral alterations are said to be oftentimes evident. For instance, an individual with behavioral issues after a vehicular accident might appear confused or even believe in false realities. It’s essential to note that these cases can often result in various disorders that require therapy and counseling. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed medical professional for help.
- Death
Auto accidents occur yearly and road collisions have been said to be one of the leading causes of death among young adults. Additionally, it’s believed that the majority of those who die in car accidents are passengers. Most of these collisions can be avoided by strictly observing road safety rules and following the different etiquettes in driving. You can potentially save lives by not exceeding the speed limit or having your vehicle’s safety lights on at all times.
Conclusion
Any traumatic event, including a vehicular accident, can result in both physical and emotional effects. Although most of these are said to only last briefly and eventually subside over time, some may continue to pester a victim for a while or even permanently. Depending on the seriousness of the auto accident you were in, along with the impact it made on your life, timely action, treatment, and self-determination can significantly help put your life back on the right track again.
