The Long-Term Consequences of a Car Accident Injury

For some people, the pain from a car accident injury goes away. But, for those who suffer serious injuries, coping can be a lifelong process. Various types of serious injuries can have long-term consequences—including not only pain and other physical consequences, but psychological and financial consequences as well. 

When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, it is important to make sure you have a clear understanding of all of the risks involved. Knowing what is at stake will help you make informed decisions about dealing with insurance companies and asserting your legal rights. If you will be forced to deal with the long-term physical, psychological, or financial consequences of a car accident injury, it will be imperative to recover the full financial compensation you deserve. 

Long-Term Physical Consequences of Car Accident Injuries

The long-term physical consequences of a car accident injury depend on the nature and severity of the injury itself. For example, while back injuries and internal organ damage can both have lifelong effects, these effects can be very different—and they can require very different forms of treatment and accommodation. Understanding the specific long-term physical effects of an injury is critical for making informed decisions about care, symptom management, and financial planning. 

With this in mind, some of the most common long-term physical consequences of car accident injuries include:

• Chronic pain 
• Limited mobility (or paralysis)
• Loss of bowel or bladder control 
• Loss of muscular strength 
• Nerve damage 
• Organ malfunction or failure (i.e., lung failure)
• Pain that worsens with movement 
• Scarring or disfigurement 
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
• Vision or hearing loss 

Long-Term Psychological Consequences of a Car Accident Injury

Suffering serious injuries in a car accident can also have long-term psychological consequences. While it may be possible to overcome some of these consequences with therapy and other treatment modalities, many have the potential to be lifelong. When facing lifelong psychological consequences, developing coping mechanisms and learning how to manage life’s new challenges effectively can be essential for a car accident victim’s overall mental health and wellbeing. 

Some common examples of long-term psychological consequences of car accident injuries include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Cognitive impairments 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Difficulty sleeping
• Emotional trauma 
• Extreme fatigue 
• Loss of companionship and consortium 
• Memory loss 
• Migraine headaches 
• Post-traumatic stress 

Long-Term Financial Consequences of a Car Accident Injury

Along with physical and psychological consequences, many car accidents will also experience long-term financial consequences. Not only can treatment (and especially long-term treatment) be incredibly expensive, but suffering serious injuries can have other financial consequences as well. Drivers and passengers who suffer serious traumatic injuries will frequently face financial struggles due to:

• Medical Expenses – From initial diagnosis and emergency treatment costs to surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological or psychiatric care, car accident victims can face substantial medical expenses. This is especially true for those who are facing long-term consequences. 
• Other Out-of-Pocket Costs – Serious traumatic injuries can lead to other substantial out-of-pocket costs as well. This includes everything from prescriptions and medical supplies to the cost of transportation, in-home service providers, and home modifications. 
• Loss of Income and Benefits – When car accident victims’ injuries leave them unable to work, they can also face loss of income and benefits. Over years or decades, this can have devastating financial consequences without an alternate source of economic stability. 

How can you manage these costs (while still getting the treatment you need) after a serious car accident? For most people, managing the long-term costs of a car accident involves filing a claim for just compensation. While Florida is a “no-fault” auto insurance state, accident victims who suffer serious injuries can obtain coverage above and beyond Florida’s minimum personal injury protection (PIP) limits in many cases. Our lawyers have obtained numerous substantial settlements and verdicts for car accident victims in Florida, and we can use our experience to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Call an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer for Free

In addition to financial compensation for their expenses and lost earnings, car accident victims in Florida can seek to recover financial compensation for their pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more. If you have been seriously injured in a wreck, contact an Orlando car accident lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright today. 

To schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation, call (800) 766-1000 or tell us how we can reach you online now.