The Lasting Impact of Car Accidents

A doctor's hands touching a woman's back as she appears to be in pain

 

When you’re involved in a serious car accident, it can feel like the world has suddenly come to a screeching halt. But even seemingly minor traffic collisions can disrupt your life in ways you never expected, leaving both physical and emotional scars that can linger for years. 

In this post from Oklahoma personal injury attorney Tim Gilpin, we’re taking a closer look at the lasting effects of an automotive collision and what it can take to regain control of your life. 

The Physical Aftermath of a Car Accident

When you’ve suffered bodily injury after a car accident, the cost of managing those injuries can begin to add up right away. And far too often, insurance companies pay out for immediate medical expenses before car accident victims have the time and space to fully understand the extent of their often lasting injuries. 

Any of these conditions can result in lasting pain and suffering:

  • Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when your neck and head are suddenly jerked in a whip-like motion, usually after a vehicle is hit from behind. The sudden rapid movement that this causes can leave victims with limited range of motion, stiffness, and even chronic pain conditions. 

  • Head Injury

Car accidents can result in a number of head injuries that dramatically impair a victim’s ability to function including concussion, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), skull fracture, intracranial hemorrhage, and more. Lasting conditions like dizziness, headache, blurred vision, cognitive impairment, emotional changes, clouded thinking, or nausea and vomiting could be an indication of something serious and should be thoroughly assessed by a doctor as soon as possible. 

  • Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Injuries

Common injuries resulting from car accidents can include broken bones, fractures, dislocations, strains, sprains, and joint damage. What can seem minor after an accident can turn out to be more serious, especially when a spinal injury or herniated disc is involved. 

Chronic Pain from a Car Accident

Car accidents can result in lasting chronic pain that interferes with a victim’s ability to work or enjoy their daily life. Whether a victim is suffering from chronic discomfort or daily debilitating pain, the impact on your life may require intervention. 

Common interventions after a car accident can include the need for one or more of the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Massage
  • Injections 
  • Pain management

All of this can add up in terms of medical bills and time away from work. But for many car accident victims, the hardest part is the impact of lasting pain on their ability to enjoy their lives and spend time with their families. 

When chronic pain and health conditions take you away from things you love like enjoying your children or grandchildren or participating in your favorite sports or hobbies, it can seriously impact your quality of life. 

PTSD: Lasting Emotional or Psychological Trauma

Even if your scars have all healed, sometimes car accidents can leave victims with lasting damage that can’t be seen on the outside. And if these conditions are left untreated, the impact on your life can become serious or even debilitating. 

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can start to develop in the wake of a traumatic event or incident such as an assault, natural disaster, harassment, or car accident.  

The effect of PTSD on an individual’s overall health can extend to every aspect of that person’s life, including:

  • Social and familial relationships
  • Overall sense of well-being
  • Physical health
  • Work performance and ability to earn an income
  • Executive function 
  • Fear of operating or riding in a vehicle

Individuals who suffer from PTSD may experience anxiety, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and other signs of lasting emotional trauma.

Getting Back in the Driver’s Seat

Overcoming the fear of driving after a car accident can be difficult. If you find yourself struggling to get back behind the wheel, professional therapy and defensive driving courses can go a long way in helping you face your fears and take charge of your life once more. 

Call Tim Gilpin for Car Wreck Legal Assistance

On top of all the physical and emotional challenges car accident victims can face, the financial burden can be significant and include lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and medical expenses including treatment, medication, mental health, and rehabilitation services. 

Have you been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident? When you’re already facing the challenges that come with a car accident, you need someone in your court to help you get life back on track. Tim Gilpin can help you understand your rights after an Oklahoma car wreck — give Tim a call today!