Let us suppose that you are running a few minutes late and want to reach the office on time. There is an important meeting, and you have to rush. A split second later, everything has changed. You have met with an accident and are lying on the road. For more information on panel beating be sure to check out NRC Group.
Well, this road crash could have a bigger impact than you expected. According to WHO, there are more than 20-50 million road accident cases with non-fatal injuries.
While the physical injuries caused by these accidents can’t be controlled, the crash can have some serious consequences on your lifestyle. This article walks you through a few immediate impacts of a road crash. You’ll also learn how to seek help and improve your quality of life.
Immediate Physical and Emotional Impact
It’s quite common to feel confused with an adrenaline rush right after you meet with an accident. The impact can be felt in two different ways:
1. Physical Consequences
A road crash can have serious physical consequences, depending on how bad the crash is. Here are some common injuries:
A. Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that happens because of the sudden head and neck movement during the crash. Post this injury, one would experience symptoms like neck pain and headaches with little but no movement.
Well, the injury is so common that you might suffer whiplash without a road accident. A few weeks back, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suffered a minor whiplash injury. She was attacked by a random man in Copenhagen Square. This one particular incident shows how frequently the neck area gets exposed to injury.
B. Broken Bones
Bones could get fractured or even break, depending on the impact force. The recovery time for a broken bone depends on the severity of the accident and the impact area.
C. Cuts and Bruises
These are the common, less serious injuries one would sustain after a road crash. However, it can be painful and should be treated immediately.
These injuries mentioned above often need to be treated immediately and require long-term physical rehabilitation. Recovery time usually depends on the doctor’s orders.
2. Emotional Toll
The emotional impact could be as impactful as the physical pain. The post-trauma could trigger various emotional responses, including:
A. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a psychological disorder that can be seen after one goes through a stressful time in one’s life. The American Psychiatric Association claims that 1 in 11 people will have PTSD at some point in their lives.
Speaking of symptoms, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety attacks, etc, are some of the post-traumatic symptoms one could experience.
B. Anxiety & Depression
There could be various reasons for anxiety and depression. Usually, the uncertainty surrounding the recovery process and potential financial issues could be the reasons. The injuries and the changes to your daily routine can make you feel hopeless and depressed.
The Financial Strain
1. Medical Expenses and Lost Income
It can be overwhelming to pay your medical bills after a road crash. The cost of ambulance rides, emergency room visits, doctor appointments, medications, and physical therapy can increase quickly.
These costs can rise with ongoing care needs, especially for serious injuries. However, luckily, the latest survey done by Martindale-Nolo shows that car accident victims get compensated with $29,700 on average for their injuries.
Just a month ago, a woman from Rogers lost her life due to a one-vehicle road accident on Interstate 49. It was quite unfortunate because you never know when and where the accidents could happen.
So, if you are one of those residents of Rogers, who have met with an accident, consult a personal injury lawyer in Rogers, Arkansas. That’s because it can be hard to get the person at fault to pay for the damages they caused. Hence, getting through this process is easier with a personal injury lawyer.
A local lawyer knows state laws and can help you deal with financial burdens and get compensation for lost wages and medical bills. Knowing the post-effects of a road crash and seeking professional help makes coping easier.
2. Legal Help: Securing the Compensation You Deserve
Road accident laws vary from state to state. Therefore, dealing with the legal system can feel like a challenging task.
As an example, let’s look at Arkansas again. The state has a modified comparative negligence system. So, as per Arkansas Code Section 16-64-122, the compensation you receive differs based on the percentage of fault you share in the accident. During situations like these, a local personal injury lawyer will have a solid understanding. The lawyer will consider every factor and how they may affect your case.
According to Keith Law Group, an experienced road accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options if you’ve been hurt in a road accident. The lawyer would know how to negotiate and can help you get fair compensation.
Speaking of Arkansas, the state holds the second spot in the number of deaths per 100,000 people in each state.
All in all, the key to a complete recovery is tackling all the challenges mentioned above holistically. A personal injury lawyer can help you deal with financial burdens and get compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
It’s easier to deal with the consequences of a road crash if you understand the post effects and get professional help.