Did you know that the number of deadly car accidents in the U.S. rose by 16% from 2018 to 2022? Car and motor accidents cause millions of injuries and fatalities every year, like a global epidemic. Collateral damages aside, these unfortunate incidents leave devastating consequences in their wake.
These incidents completely change the lives of victims, and their impact extends far beyond the visible physical injuries. In this article, we will delve into the significant consequences victims face.
Physical Injuries
Victims of car accidents end up with a wide range of injuries, varying from minor scratches or bruises to severe or fatal health issues. In more severe cases, victims might end up with traumatic brain injuries, severe spinal cord damage, disfigurement, etc.
These health issues caused by road traffic accidents lead to a drastic reduction in the victim’s quality of life. Moreover, these injuries tend to hinder daily activities, leading to emotional distress. Recovering from these injuries is an arduous task, one that involves multiple surgeries, extensive medications, and therapy.
A massive number of victims end up losing their lives, leaving their loved ones in distress. WHO reports that around 1.19 million lives are cut short yearly because of road traffic accidents.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
The emotional trauma caused by the accident can be equally profound. Victims have to deal with a smorgasbord of emotions like fear, anxiety, shock, etc. Apart from this, nearly 17% of people involved in severe accidents tend to develop PTSD.
The emotional damage of accidents can manifest itself in many ways. Victims may experience depression, irregular sleep, irritability, and more. These conditions obstruct the normal functioning of the victims and reduce their quality of life.
Legal Challenges
Traffic accidents often result in legal action if the other driver is at fault. The victim or their loved ones must collect evidence, inspect witnesses, and deal with insurance companies. Victims must then sue the responsible party to recover damages—financial, lost wages, and pain and suffering— when they should focus on regaining their health.
Let us give an example in this context. A 68-year-old woman was severely hurt recently in a two-vehicle collision in Edwardsville. In this case, the other driver was held responsible for felony driving under the influence (DUI).
After being charged, the culprit was released from custody and remains innocent until proven guilty. According to TorHoerman Law, the victim could benefit from a skilled attorney to help her understand the legal process, protect her rights, and fight for compensation.
In this case, a skilled Edwardsville personal injury lawyer can help the victim navigate the local regulations while she focuses on her recovery. While the entire legal process can be overwhelming, at least the financial blow will be softened. A skilled professional’s expertise can help you get a favorable court verdict. This will allow the victim to recoup medical bills, ongoing care, and other accident-related costs with the help of the right attorney.
Financial Burden
Medical treatment in road accident cases can lead to a mountain of financial burden. Medical expenses include surgeries, hospital stays, medications, therapy, and ongoing care for chronic conditions. There’s also the loss of wages and income because of the inability to work during rehabilitation or the injuries.
This is a catch-22 situation for victims, where they cannot earn for the same reason, which leads to a financial burden in the first place. The accumulation of these financial strains leads to overwhelming debt. This is evident in the fact that American citizens owe a minimum of $220 billion in medical debt.
Additionally, a whopping 3 million people have medical debt of over $10,000. Debts of this magnitude add to the stress as victims struggle to make ends meet in an already challenging situation.
Social and Lifestyle Impacts
In most cases, car accident victims tend to experience social reclusiveness or isolation. This is because the physical injuries and emotional trauma caused by the incident often prevent victims from participating in social activities or pursuing hobbies or sports they once enjoyed.
Moreover, the need for ongoing therapy or loss of mobility results in increased dependence on others, which might further fuel the isolation tendency in victims. All of these can cause severe loneliness and impact the mental health of the victim.
Car or motor accidents are unfortunate yet significant events that completely alter the course of life. From crippling handicaps to life-long medical debts, they can be overwhelming for anyone. However, seeking professional help, leaning on support systems, and hiring legal experts will ensure you don’t have to go through the whole experience alone.
