A car accident is a major life event that can affect you and your family in various ways. The circumstances of the car accident, including who was at fault. How severe the injuries are. Which insurance company will cover the claim. And all the details that caused the accident in the first place. These all will have an impact on your future after a car crash. This article will attempt to explain some different scenarios so that you may better prepare yourself for any outcome.
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Medical
After a car accident, you are likely to be overwhelmed by physical symptoms. These may include pain, nausea, headaches, irritableness, lack of appetite for food, etc. The most common injuries in car crashes are cervical spine injuries (neck), closed head injuries (headaches), soft tissue damage (bruising and pain in the skin), traumatic brain injuries (TBI or concussions), and spinal cord injuries.
If you suffer any loss of bodily function, you will need to go to the hospital. Other symptoms to be cautious of are partial paralysis, difficulty speaking, and loss of consciousness. And if your symptoms continue to persist beyond the first few months afterward, then it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately. The reason is that when these symptoms appear, it is possible that the brain has been injured and you should be checked out immediately by a neurologist to know for sure.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. So if you are feeling pain, or feel like something is off, you should seek medical attention right away.
Mental
Expect to feel a lot of stress and anxiety when it comes to car crashes. You are likely to have nightmares about the crash that will seem very real. And is common to have trouble sleeping. You may even find yourself getting startled easily by small noises that resemble an engine revving or tires screeching.
Also, if you are unable to work due to injury, then this can lead to feelings of frustration at being unemployed which could lead to depression over time.
If this accident seems to be affecting your mental state, you will want to talk to someone right away. Professionals will be able to share coping skills that can though this stressful time in a more positive manner. And the quicker you can get that help, hopefully the faster you can get back to a more normal routine.
Financial
A car accident can lead to financial difficulties. If you are unable to work after an accident, then your employer may terminate you which could mean that you lose your job along with any benefits like health insurance coverage. If the injury is severe enough, you might not be able to work for months or even years if it means having a lot of time off from work. This all adds up to lost income and perhaps debt if you have accumulated credit card bills.
Other long-term effects of a car crash include high medical costs and expensive therapy sessions (some charge well over $100 per hour).
Another financial aspect that may become an issue is car damage. If you are at fault, then you will have to pay for repairs out of pocket unless damage is covered by the other party’s insurance or yours (if it applies). Also, if your car is totaled and you need a new one, it is likely that this will add to your financial burden.
While this is obviously a terrible scenario, it is helpful to prepare ahead of time and look into your options. And remember, this difficult phase won’t last forever. It might be tough now, but you and your family can get through it!
Legal
I know that this is a point that most people would rather avoid. However, it is important to know your rights and to act accordingly so that you don’t get hit with an unnecessary bill at a later date.
When you are in a car crash, there are many legal issues that can result. First of all, it is important to know what type of coverage your insurance has. If the accident was somebody else’s fault, their insurance will cover the damage they caused (subject to certain conditions). If you were at fault, or if nobody knows who was at fault, then your own insurance may cover the damages (up to certain limitations).
Who is Responsible
The details of who pays for which claim are often laid out in very fine print in various contracts and agreements. For example, you might be liable for paying your deductible before the other party’s insurance covers any costs related to repairs or medical expenses. Or if two people each have $1 million in coverage on their policies, and they both get into a car accident that results in $1 million in damages, then they each could pay out of their own policy.
Also, a personal injury claim can be filed against the driver who caused the car accident. If you’re the one filing, be mindful of the statute of limitations of your state which this helpful guide explains. In every state, you must file a lawsuit in court before a certain time limit expires. If you miss the deadline, the court will most likely dismiss your case. There are rare situations in which judges may be willing to extend the deadline. Such as when the injury does not manifest until weeks or months after the crash.
But if you feel that your situation warrants further legal actions, then speak with a professional while the details are fresh and recent.
Conclusion
A car crash can have a huge impact on your life. From the physical effects to the financial ones. Hopefully this article can serve as a reminder of the need for car safety. And remember the consequences of not abiding by traffic rules like speeding.
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