The Long-Term Impact of Car Accident Injuries
In an instant, your life can change from a car accident. Car accidents are often traumatic and unpredictable. While addressing immediate physical injuries is critical, the long-term physical consequences can be just as impactful.
The damages you suffer from a car crash do not always go away quickly. You could be suffering from physical effects for months or even years.
Physical Consequences That May Persist
Car accidents can cause injuries that extend far beyond the initial recovery period. Even after surgeries, therapy, or medication, many survivors live with conditions that affect their mobility, independence, and daily comfort. Some of the most common long-term physical consequences include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head trauma can impair memory, concentration, balance, and communication skills. In severe cases, TBI may cause permanent cognitive deficits or personality changes that make independent living or employment difficult.
- Spinal cord damage. Depending on the level of injury, victims may suffer partial or complete paralysis. This can require lifelong use of wheelchairs, mobility aids, or full-time care. Even less severe spinal injuries may cause chronic pain and reduced flexibility.
- Chronic neck and back injuries. Herniated discs, whiplash, and degenerative changes from impact can lead to ongoing stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion. Many patients require ongoing physical therapy, injections, or even additional surgeries.
- Fractures and orthopedic complications. Severe breaks can cause lasting instability in the joints, arthritis, or deformities that impact walking or lifting. Repeated surgeries and hardware implants may be needed, with some victims never regaining full function.
- Loss of a limb not only alters physical mobility but also brings secondary complications, such as phantom limb pain, difficulty adapting to prosthetics, and higher risks of infection.
- Burns and disfigurement: Thermal or chemical burns from crashes can lead to scarring, contractures (tightening of skin and muscles), and painful skin grafts. Beyond physical suffering, burn injuries often require reconstructive surgeries.
- Soft tissue injuries. Severe muscle, tendon, or ligament damage may heal incompletely, leaving victims with reduced strength, persistent swelling, or vulnerability to reinjury.
These conditions make it harder to work, exercise, or enjoy activities once taken for granted. Chronic pain is a particularly common outcome, affecting sleep quality, emotional health, and overall quality of life.
Obtaining Future Damages
Even years after a crash, survivors may face ongoing expenses and loss. When seeking compensation, it’s critical to account for:
- Future medical costs. Expect continued therapy, prosthetic replacements, in-home care, or specialist visits. Medical expert testimony helps estimate these expenses.
- Lost future income. If your ability to work is reduced, occupational and economic experts can help calculate how much income you’ll likely lose over time.
- Future pain and suffering. This includes compensation for permanent disability, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. This is not easy to calculate, though, so lawyers often collaborate with experts to properly evaluate its value.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
A car accident can cause significant injuries. Sometimes these injuries can last many years or even the rest of one’s life.
A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can help you get compensation for all your damages after a crash. Schedule a consultation today by calling (281) 347-3247 or filling out the online form.
Source:
physiciansgroupllc.com/how-can-car-accident-injuries-impact-your-daily-life/#:~:text=What%20Are%20The%20Long%2DTerm,independence%20and%20improve%20well%2Dbeing.
