The Lasting Impacts a Car Accident Could Have On Your Life
What are your chances of getting into a car accident?
The odds of experiencing an auto accident are much higher than we’d like to believe, with 77% of drivers having been in at least one crash.
And insurance companies estimate that a driver will file a claim about once every 18 years. If you receive your driver’s license at age 16, you will likely have a crash by the time you are 34. The average person may endure 3-4 car accidents over the course of their lifetime.
Hopefully, if you are involved in a collision, it will have little effect on your life.
At the very least, an accident may result in a fear of driving. A survey of 1,500 by The Zebra found roughly 66% of Americans experience driving anxiety, with 62% of Americans reporting involvement in a traumatic driving incident.
But what about the long-term cost?
Car Accidents Can Have Lasting Impacts On Your Life
The effects of a car, truck, or motorcycle accident can linger long after the initial collision. Some injury victims struggle with severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges for months or even years.
Drivers should always be aware of the long-term impact of a severe crash. Over a quarter of adults present with PTSD symptoms following a motor vehicle accident.
In some instances, the challenge of getting over a car accident may be more complex.
Ways a Car Accident Can Impact You or a Loved One
Typically, the calculable costs of motor vehicle crashes are wage and productivity losses, medical expenses, administrative expenses, vehicle damage, and employers’ uninsured costs.
The reality is that a car accident can negatively impact your health, emotional well-being, finances, and quality of life in the following ways:
Physical Injuries
Common injuries with lasting consequences include:
- Spinal injuries: Damage to the spine can cause persistent pain, limited mobility, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and behavioral changes.
- Soft tissue injuries: Ongoing muscle or ligament pain can become chronic, impacting daily life.
- Internal bleeding: If left untreated, internal bleeding can result in significant complications and chronic health issues.
Emotional Trauma
For some, the psychological scars can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. This trauma may present in a variety of forms, such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and/or Depression
- Insomnia
- Anger
- Fear of driving
Financial Impact
The financial impact of a car accident can be wide-ranging. Common costs include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income or reduced earning potential
- Vehicle repairs
In 2022, the average auto collision claim in the United States was $5,470.
Lifestyle Changes
In some cases, injury victims may need long-term medical treatment, physical therapy, and counseling, adding further expenses for years. This can disrupt their lifestyle in these ways:
- Restricted mobility: Injuries to the spine, legs, or arms may result in limited or permanent disability, requiring mobility aids like wheelchairs or crutches or relocation to a more accessible living situation.
- Loss of employment: Serious injuries might prevent a person from continuing to work in their profession, particularly if it’s physically demanding. This may necessitate a career change, retraining, or early retirement.
- Loss of hobbies: A severe injury could make hobbies and recreational activities difficult or impossible.
- Relationship strain: A car crash’s emotional and physical toll can stress relationships with family and friends.
If you are injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle crash, you deserve fair compensation to help cover these losses. An experienced car accident lawyer can advise you on your rights and appropriately address your long-term needs. Contact us today to discuss the specifics of your case in a free consultation with an experienced Tucson personal injury lawyer.