How to Handle Long-Lasting Car Accident Injuries

The physical and psychological trauma a car accident victim experiences can last a significant period of time, especially if the bodily injuries are severe. As a result, many victims may need to take long periods of time off work. Medical expenses can quickly pile up and devastate a family financially. If you’ve suffered because of another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible for more compensation from your insurance company than you realize. Our Cincinnati car accidents lawyers are prepared to get it for you.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Ohio 

According to Ohio’s Traffic Crash Facts Report, in 2016 there were nearly 306,000 auto accidents. As a result, 112,331 individuals sustained injuries. If you break that number down, more than 300 people were injured in auto wrecks every single day throughout the year. As you can probably imagine, the severity of the injuries varied greatly; however, there are some car accident injuries that are more common than others.

• Soft Tissue Injuries. Soft tissue injuries affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body. These tissues are susceptible to sprains, strains, bruising, and other damage. Injuries like this can be incredibly painful and long-lasting.
• Neck Injuries. The most common neck injury sustained after a car accident is whiplash. Victims can also suffer from disk injuries and dislocations. Whiplash is an injury that can take days or weeks to surface.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Car accidents are the leading cause of TBI. A TBI occurs when the head is struck hard enough to damage the brain. Depending on the severity, individuals who do survive a TBI are often on disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries. If a crash impact results in spinal damage, the consequences can be life-changing. In the most severe instances, a person may become paralyzed partially or totally – depending on the location of the injury.
• Broken Bones. Broken arms, collar bones, ribs, legs, and ankles are common in auto wrecks. While some fractures are simple enough to only require a cast, other breaks may require surgery.
• Burns. If a vehicle in an accident catches on fire or if the driver or a passenger comes into contact with chemicals or fluids, the risk of burns is significant. Burn injuries are often severe and complicated to treat. Some burns may be treated with proper cleaning and bandaging; however, serious burns may require skin grafts. Burns can take months or longer to heal.
• Disfigurement and Scarring. Facial injuries from broken glass or impact often lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement. Surgical corrections are often required.

Recovering from Physical Pain After a Car Accident

Immediately following a car accident, it’s a wise idea to seek medical treatment – even if you feel okay. Some injuries can take time to develop, which is why it’s a good idea to get checked out as soon as possible.

The severity of your injury will likely determine what your recovery will look like. Accident victims who have to undergo surgery will likely have a prolonged recovery time, compared to someone who walked away with bumps and bruises.

After you seek emergency medical attention, it’s imperative to make a follow-up appointment with your primary care physician. They’ll be the one to help you develop a treatment plan. Your treatment plan will establish what you need to do to recover from your injuries. You may need to take time off work, rest, avoid strenuous activities, attend physical therapy, and more.

Dealing with Psychological Trauma After an Auto Collision

After you’ve focused on your physical injuries, it’s important to acknowledge what you’ve been through from a mental standpoint. You may or may not have completely accepted what you’ve been through. You also may or may not realize the impact the accident has had on you psychologically.

You may be suffering from emotional trauma if you’re experiencing nightmares, social withdraw, depression, sleep loss or disturbances, anxiety, nervousness, or weight fluctuations – just to name a few common symptoms. If you feel as though you are suffering from psychological trauma after a wreck, you may benefit from seeking the help of a licensed mental health professional. They’ll be able to help you identify your trauma and help you cope with it.

If you’ve experienced physical, mental, or financial damages after a car accident, our attorneys are prepared to help you recover compensation to ease your burdens, so you can focus on what matters most – your recovery. For more information on your rights and legal options, contact us today for an evaluation of your case.