The pain after a car accident can last weeks, months, or even years depending on the severity of the injuries suffered. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly three million people are injured in motor vehicle accidents every year in the United States. These crash-related injuries are financially draining to our system, with medical expenses and productivity losses exceeding $75 billion dollars in 2017 alone.
Whether you suffered scrapes and bruises or ended up in the hospital following your car accident, the experience itself is traumatic and can have long-lasting effects. A car accident can leave you with both physical and emotional wounds that require treatment and therapy, both of which can be very costly. The overwhelming feelings of stress and anxiety are even greater when the financial burden falls on you, especially when the accident was not your fault.
Injuries You Can Suffer in a Car Accident
From minor bumps and bruises to severe brain injuries, a car accident can leave you feeling lost and in pain. You may be hospitalized for days or weeks or you may be recovering from home. Here are some of the injuries you could suffer as a result of your car accident and the possible recovery times:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBIs) – TBIs typically result from a violent blow to the head or body. Drivers and passengers may hit their head on the windshield, steering wheel, or another object during a car crash. This brain injury can cause physical and psychological impacts. Symptoms may start right after the accident or days or weeks later. It can take 2 to 3 weeks to recover from a mild concussion. A more severe brain injury such as a subdural hematoma can take much longer to heal.
- Whiplash – This is a neck injury caused by a forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck. It is a common injury for victims of rear-end accidents. Most people who suffer whiplash heal after a few weeks. However, some continue to have chronic head and neck pain for months or even years after the accident.
- Spinal Cord Injury – This type of injury can be the most traumatic for victims following a car accident. Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal cord can result in permanent changes in strength, bodily functions, and sensation. It could take your body up to six months to heal following a spinal cord injury. If surgery is required, it could take up to four months to fully recover.
- Internal Injuries – These types of injuries can occur if a seatbelt is worn incorrectly or from the force of an airbag deployed after an accident. Internal injuries caused by a crash can include damage to the heart, lungs, spleen, liver, kidneys, and bowels. Treatment and recovery depend on the amount of internal bleeding that results. If surgery is needed, it could take weeks or months to recover.
These are just some of the injuries that can occur after a car accident. Of course, a traumatic event like a car crash can cause mental health issues in addition to the physical wounds. If you or a loved one was the victim of a car accident that was not your fault, you should not have to carry the financial burden for medical treatment and rehabilitation on your own. The at-fault driver should be held accountable and compensate you for medical expenses, lost income, and the pain you suffered after the car accident.
Damages You Could Receive After a Car Accident
If your car accident was caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you may be able to hold that driver responsible for your injuries and losses through a personal injury lawsuit. You may be eligible to recover economic and noneconomic damages based on the facts of your case. Economic damages may include out-of-pocket costs such as medical bills, lost wages if you missed work due to your injuries, and property damage caused by the accident. Noneconomic damages may include damages that are more difficult to put a monetary value on such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of activities.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
The pain you have suffered after a car accident was not your fault. If you want to hold the liable party responsible for your injuries and losses, you may consider consulting with a car accident lawyer for help with your case. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to discuss your case with a member of our team today. The initial consultation is free and there are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. We only get paid if we secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
