People generally acknowledge that car crashes can be expensive and frustrating. Collisions can prevent drivers from getting to work on time. They can leave motorists without a vehicle.
Those involved in collisions often become so focused on the immediate or short-term consequences of car crashes that they may overlook the likely long-term impact a wreck could have.
People involved in crashes may need help handling the aftermath in all three of the different areas outlined below.
Long-term physical consequences
Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of severe injury in the United States. Crashes can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They can cause spinal cord injuries, amputations and crush injuries that produce permanent symptoms.
Not only do those involved in crashes need to think about the immediate care costs of their injuries, but they may also need to consider accommodation costs for their homes and vehicles. Their injuries may also mean that their long-term care needs during their golden years are more intensive and therefore more expensive.
Long-term emotional consequences
Motor vehicle collisions can put people in fear for their lives. Those who sustain major injuries or who witness serious injuries to others may be at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may have a hard time getting back behind the wheel again in the future.
Others might be at risk of developing anxiety symptoms after a car crash. They may become very nervous whenever they drive, which could have a negative impact on their performance in traffic.
In scenarios where other people sustained injuries because of a crash, the person driving may also experience a profound and challenging sense of guilt related to the incident. Guilt can lead to depression and lower self-esteem.
Long-term financial consequences
As mentioned above, people may experience long-term medical consequences. The cost of medical care and psychological support can quickly become overwhelming. Those with long-term injury symptoms could also face a noticeable reduction in their long-term earning potential.
A drop in wages and less generous employment benefits can put a lot of financial pressure on the person involved in the crash and their family members. People who sustain injuries in car crashes may need help estimating the financial consequences of the crash and securing an appropriate amount of compensation.
Personal injury lawsuits are sometimes necessary to supplement the compensation provided by insurance coverage. Discussing the circumstances surrounding a recent car crash can help injured people evaluate their options. With the right support, it may be possible to recoup the financial costs of a crash by pursuing compensation from the party at fault for the wreck.