Although some car accidents are temporary inconveniences, others leave lasting impacts. At the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika, we have worked with clients injured in all sorts of crashes, from minor fender benders to devastating T-bone collisions. For many victims, this is a stressful time financially. But there are other repercussions of car accidents, which we discuss in more detail below.
You Can Feel Chronic Pain
Very minor soft-tissue injuries might heal in a couple of weeks, but many injuries will cause intense pain. Painkillers usually blunt the pain but not for very long. Trying to sit up, sleep, stand, or work can become impossible for long periods because the pain is just too great.
Even physical therapy is painful. For example, stretching and strengthening torn muscles is often extremely uncomfortable, but the only way to get better is to struggle through.
You Need Help Getting Around
If your car was damaged, you’ll be without wheels as it sits at the body shop. Unfortunately, major repairs can take months. You might need to ask family and friends for rides or else take an Uber or Lyft. Public transportation is an option in some parts of California, but not all.
You Might Struggle Emotionally
Many people involved in accidents will struggle with emotional problems like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Studies have shown that most people will recover emotionally following an accident within 12 months. Unfortunately, others will continue to struggle for years and might develop phobias, such as a fear of riding in a vehicle again.
Accident victims should treat emotional distress much as they would physical injuries. Talk to a doctor. You might benefit from behavioral therapy or counseling. A doctor can also prescribe medications to help with anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
Your Credit Tanks
Accidents are expensive. Many of our clients cannot work following an accident, and very few of them have short-term disability insurance to replace lost income. At the same time, accident victims have an explosion of bills, from medical care to car repairs.
Unsurprisingly, many car accident victims are unable to keep up with debt payments, which will negatively impact their credit. Some credit card or medical care accounts will go to collections, which will hamper your score even more.
If you hire a lawyer, you can seek a settlement from the at-fault driver, which can relieve some of the financial pressure. But settlements often take months—and you’ll need to tide yourself over before then.
Relationships Become Strained
Physical and psychological stress takes a toll on relationships. For example, sexual intimacy could completely stop because you don’t feel well. Your shorter temper or depression could anger your spouse or partner, who spends less time with you or moves out of the house altogether.
Many people who feel chronic pain stay at home, which means friendships wither away. You might even stop posting on social media because you don’t want people to know the level of pain and depression you feel. It is very easy to lose touch.
We Can Help You Move Forward
Money cannot solve all problems, but a car accident settlement can help relieve financial pressure. Please call our office to speak with a car accident attorney.