What Are Long-Term Health Effects of Car Accidents?

Some car accident victims are never the same again after their crash. Even if their injuries have largely healed, they may be left with some long-term effects that can remain with them for years or even the rest of their life. These effects can include both physical injuries and mental health conditions. It is vital that you factor in the long-term health effects of the accident when you are seeking compensation for the crash because you only have one chance to settle your case. An experienced car accident attorney will help you learn the value of your car accident case.

Physical Injuries Can Remain with You

You may have suffered serious physical injuries in a car accident that may never fully heal. Some common car accident injuries that can leave serious lasting effects include:

 

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Herniated discs
• Severe fractures and broken bones
• Torn ligaments and tendons
• Nerve damage
• Organ damage
• Loss of a limb

Your physical injuries could leave you with lasting pain and take away some of your abilities. In addition, you may need surgical procedures and extensive rehabilitation to regain as much function as possible. In some cases, you may never become what you were before the accident. It could take years before you are anywhere close to what you were physically before the accident. In the meantime, you could be looking at a long road ahead of you that will take away from the quality of your life.

You must know your prognosis before you file a claim or lawsuit. Typically, you file the claim when you reach the point of maximum medical improvement, which is when further treatment will not help your condition. It may take some time for you to reach this point, so you should begin medical treatment immediately and follow up on all recommendations.

Mental Health Effects from Your Car Accident

Both trauma from the accident itself and the knowledge that you may be dealing with health effects for the rest of your life can cause mental health conditions. You may be dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder that stems from either the accident itself or the immediate aftermath. The effects of your physical injuries can cause you to deal with depression and anxiety. Knowing that you may never be the same again can impact your mental health.

It is crucial that you seek help from a mental health professional to diagnose your injuries now! The insurance company will usually not take your word for any mental health conditions that you are suffering from after the accident. They may take more notice if you have treatment notes from a professional who has helped you. Therefore, you should get all of the help you need and follow the doctor’s treatment recommendations. Not only do you owe it to yourself to do everything you can to care for your mental health, but the insurance company will demand it before they compensate you.

You Must Prove Your Damages with Certainty

You have the obligation to prove both your past and future damages. It may be difficult to know how much money you could be due in the future based on what you may experience. However, when you accept a car accident settlement, you are signing a release clause that states the insurance company is no longer reliable in connection with your claim. Therefore, if you do not receive compensation for your injuries now, you are signing away your right permanently. It is crucial that you get legal help now so you can get every dollar that you are due.

Contact an East St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer at The Cates Law Firm Today

An East St. Louis car accident lawyer at The Cates Law Firm can help you learn the value of your claim and fight to hold the other driver accountable for your injuries. Time is of the essence after a car accident, so you must contact an attorney today. You can schedule a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers by calling us today at 618-277-3644 or using our online form. Our office is in Swansea, Illinois, and we serve clients in Belleville, Carbondale, East St. Louis, Granite City, Edwardsville, Chester, Waterloo, St. Louis, Madison County, St. Clair County, Monroe County, and Randolph County.