The Effects of Car Accidents on Victims
Motor vehicle accidents remain one of the most common causes of unintentional injuries and deaths in the United States.
The effects of car accidents on victims can be devastating. A minor fender can cause significant injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress.
The seriousness of the car accident directly impacts the effects on the victim’s life. A car crash can result in life-altering consequences. It is important to realize that all injuries have some impact on daily living, even if for a short period.
Some ways a car accident can affect your life include:
Physical Injuries
The initial impact of a car accident on your life is from the physical injuries sustained in the car crash. Common injuries in a car accident include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, back injuries, spinal cord injuries, whiplash, and internal organ damage.
Prompt medical treatment is crucial because it improves your chance of making a full recovery. Additionally, delays in medical care could make it more challenging to recover reimbursement for medical bills and other costs associated with your injuries.
Psychological Consequences
Motor vehicle accidents are traumatic events. Car crashes can result in severe emotional distress and mental anguish. Depending on the circumstances, a person could develop debilitating PTSD, depression, and other psychological conditions. Being involved in a crash can create a fear of riding in vehicles, which impacts all areas of your life, from school and work to social and extra-curricular activities.
Financial Impacts
Another effect of a car accident on the victim is the financial burden caused by the crash. You may be unable to work following a car accident, which compounds the stress of receiving medical bills and other expenses. In addition to lost wages and medical bills, you might incur out-of-pocket expenses, including personal care, household services, and nursing care.
Permanent Disabilities and Impairments
Car accident injuries can result in permanent impairments and disabilities. These conditions can severely impact a person’s quality of life and enjoyment of life. Depending on the severity of the impairment, you might be unable to work, care for your daily needs, or engage in meaningful relationships. You may need 24/7 personal and/or nursing care for the rest of your life.
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Handle a Car Accident Claim?
Whether you need to hire car accident lawyers depends on numerous factors. While some minor car accidents may not require an attorney’s assistance, most accident victims benefit from hiring a personal injury lawyer after a Dallas car accident.
As some Dallas car accident lawyers assure: “Insurance companies are primarily interested in their bottom line”. They put profits above the welfare of accident victims. Therefore, you can expect the insurance company for the at-fault driver to deny your claim if possible. If not, the insurance adjuster will undervalue your damages to save money for the insurance company.
When an accident victim hires a lawyer, the insurance company cannot use these tactics. The attorney understands the damages and knows what your car accident claim is worth. As a result, the insurance company will likely deal more fairly with an experienced car accident lawyer than an accident victim who represents themselves.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for a Car Accident Case?
Damages represent the losses and harm caused by a car accident. Under tort laws, accident victims can receive compensatory damages for their financial losses (economic damages). The damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property damages, and other losses and expenses related to the accident, injuries, and recovery.
However, an accident victim can also receive compensation for their pain and suffering (non-economic damages). Pain and suffering damages are more difficult to value because they are subjective. They include physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
In very specific cases, a victim might receive punitive damages by a jury. Juries award punitive damages to “punish” a person for wrongful acts. However, the person’s conduct must rise to the level of willful, intentional, or grossly negligent acts to justify punitive damages.
Should I File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
Most car accident claims are settled by negotiating with the insurance company for the at-fault driver. Filing a lawsuit might be the only option if the parties do not reach a settlement. A personal injury lawyer can assist you in determining whether filing a lawsuit is the best option in your case.
Understandably, many accident victims do not know what to do after an accident. A traumatic event can make it challenging to think clearly. If you have questions about a car accident claim, you may want to consider taking advantage of a free consultation with an attorney.
