Aside from the occasional fender bender, getting into a car accident can lead to serious injury and even death. Even if you believe that you only sustained minor injuries, they can develop into something much worse over the course of a few days.
That’s why it’s imperative that you see a doctor as soon as possible following a car accident. You may not realize that the damages you experienced during the car accident may haunt you for a long time to come. Here are some of the most common long term impacts of car accidents.
Brain Damage
Most people think of brain damage occurring during an accident from a high impact collision. However, a car accident can result in a brain injury even at a low speed. All it takes is hitting the steering wheel or dashboard at just the right angle.
Many drivers don’t even realize that they’ve suffered a concussion because they’re in shock following the crash. This is why it’s important to stress again the importance of seeking medical care, even if you don’t think you’ve sustained any injuries. Brain damage can cause long term memory loss and even physical disabilities.
Burn Scars
Burns are not uncommon in a car accident which involves an explosion due to a ruptured gas tank. If the burns are severe enough, it will result in permanent burn scarring.
People may also experience friction burns if the car is dragged along the road following impact.
Loss Of Body Parts
In extreme car crashes, victims may lose an entire limb, such as a leg or arm. In fact, over half of the people that you’ll meet with a missing limb is a result of a car accident.
Not everyone has the budget to be able to afford a prosthetic, so this can be detrimental for being able to work or get around themselves without assistance.
PTSD
Because a car accident can be so frightening, it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder for years down the road. Survivors may have extreme anxiety in cars and may be easily triggered by situations which remind them of the car accident. Their jobs and personal relationships may be affected as a result.
If you were a victim of a particularly traumatic car accident, you should consider talking to a professional therapist as a preventative measure.
The long term effects of a car accident can vary from person to person. There’s no way to guarantee how someone will be affected by the experience compared to another.
However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential extreme adverse long term effects of an accident. As a result, you will understand the importance of avoiding a car accident as much as possible by taking the right preventative measures.
Originally posted on July 9, 2019 @ 8:24 pm