Driving safe to avoid accidents is something that should be taken very, very seriously.
Car accidents are ugly and painful. And the worst part is that pain and suffering do not end with the crash. There are physical, emotional, and sometimes even legal consequences that you need to face after an accident. The after-effects of such a tragedy can last a lifetime.
Here are some of the consequences that you could end up facing if you get involved in a car accident and how they can impact you.
Emotional and Psychological Consequences
Most people don’t realize is that if you get involved in a car accident, one can undergo a lot of emotional as well as psychological trauma. There is mental anguish, emotional distress, anger, fear, anxiety, humiliation, embarrassment, shock, loss of appetite, weight gain or loss, mood swings, sleep disturbances, a lack of energy, and even sexual dysfunction.
Many people are known to develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, and phobias.
Many studies showed that at least one-third of all individuals who have been in a road accident (non-fatal) suffered emotional trauma that lasted at least a year, if not more.
Physical Consequences
These are the more apparent consequences of a car accident. Besides minor cuts, bruises and scrapes, a person can sustain more severe injuries such as whiplash, neck strain, vertebral disk damage, and fractures.
Even a minor car accident can cause severe physical injuries that can lead to permanent disability or even death. Permanent disabilities could range from paralysis, diminished mental capacity caused by traumatic brain injury, as well as soft tissue damage that could lead to decreased mobility.
It has also been noted that many physical injuries only surface days, weeks, and even months after the accident.
Financial Consequences
If the car accident was determined to be your fault, it is essential to seek help from a reliable car accident lawyer immediately. The lawyer can help you understand financial consequences involved. At-fault drivers tend to see a massive spike in their insurance premiums.
In general, if you have insurance, your insurance company would be willing to defend you in a lawsuit. However, if the cost of injuries and damages caused by accident are more than you are covered for, then you could be looking at some hefty bills.
You could also end up facing criminal charges if this accident was caused as a direct result of your reckless driving or because you were driving under the influence (DUI). Reckless driving and DUI cases are already criminal offenses, but if this leads to someone getting injured or even dying, then you could also be looking at jail time.
It isn’t only the at-fault driver that faces financial consequences. Even if you are the victim of the accident, getting your car repaired, medical costs, and the cost of work you lost because you were injured also impact you.
Insurance claims may not cover all of the damage that you have sustained, and filing a lawsuit may prove to be more expensive than settling. Additionally, your car may be your lifeline. It is not advisable to delay the legal battle. You will need the money to help you get back on track again.
A car accident can do worse than ruin your day. It has far more severe consequences than we could ever foresee. So, drive safely.
