For some people, the initial pain of a car accident injury dissipates with time. For others, however, recovering can be a lifelong process. The long term effects of car accidents can be debilitating, impacting the injured person’s ability to work, spend time with loved ones, and participate in the life of a community. When navigating the aftermath of a car accident, it is essential that you make informed decisions about your personal injury claim and how to fully assert your legal rights. Stufano Law represents victims of car accidents at every stage of the claims process, assisting them in the fight for the compensation they need. To learn more about how their personal injury attorneys can help, consider scheduling a free consultation by calling (914) 752-7746 today.
Can Car Accidents Cause Long Term Damage?
Yes, car accidents can undoubtedly cause long term damage. Car accident injuries vary as much as the collisions themselves vary. While some people can walk away from an accident with no more than a bruise, others can sustain catastrophic injuries that have a lasting impact on their health. Broadly speaking, the long term physical damage of a car accident injury will in most cases depend on the nature and severity of the injury. Some of the most common serious injuries that can have long-lasting physical implications include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spine injuries
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Compound fractures
In some cases, these injuries may initially seem minor. Oftentimes, the shock and adrenaline of the accident blocks pain receptors and prevents the victim from fully registering the discomfort of their injuries during and immediately following a crash. Ignoring injuries following a car accident can cause the damage to compound over time and develop into more serious, chronic conditions. The risk of progressive damage from untreated injuries underscores the importance of seeking medical attention right away following a car accident, even if the individual does not believe that they were severely injured.
Can You Feel the Effects of a Car Accident Years Later?
Sometimes, the effects of a car accident are severe enough to impede a person’s daily life for years. Chronic pain may result in mobility issues that interfere with job duties. Likewise, psychological damage may manifest in a debilitating fear of driving that causes panic attacks and other symptoms. Bearing this in mind, a few of the most common long term effects of car accidents include:
- Chronic, long-lasting pain
- Paralysis or limited mobility
- Damage to nerves
- Loss of strength
- Organ malfunction
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of senses such as vision or hearing
- Depression or anxiety
- Persistent headaches
- Seizures
- Balance problems
All these effects can significantly impact someone’s ability to work and complete routine daily activities. While compensation may not return a sense of normalcy to someone’s life, it can ease the financial burden of managing the long term effects of injuries. If you are currently experiencing long term effects of a car accident, consider connecting with Stufano Law to learn how they can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
What Are Common Long Term Conditions Related to Car Accidents?
There are a range of conditions that a car accident victim may develop as a result of their injuries. Some of the most common long term conditions related to car accidents include:
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Caused by inflammation in the joints that develops after experiencing a trauma, post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a common chronic condition related to car accident injuries. Many times, this condition is caused by a bone fracture, dislocation, or meniscus tear that leads to the development of arthritis years later.
- Sensory or speech impairment. Traumatic brain injuries have been known to cause long term sensory or speech impairments. This can cause a person to have difficulty processing information from their environment.
- Autoimmune illness. Victims of car accidents may develop a chronic condition that is not directly connected to the initial collision. Injuries to the head, neck, and spine have been associated with chronic autoimmune illnesses like fibromyalgia and thyroid disorders. This correlation has been studied by researchers; according to the National Library of Medicine, in at least five cases trauma to the shoulder led to the discovery of a thyroid lesion in a victim, causing an autoimmune illness to develop long after the collision.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder. A common mental health concern faced by car accident survivors is post-traumatic stress disorder, which causes persistent flashbacks, emotional numbness, and paranoia, among other symptoms. Left untreated, this can cause other conditions like depression and anxiety.
Chronic health conditions are sometimes among the unfortunate long term effects of car accidents. Long past the date of the initial accident, these chronic illnesses can impair the victim’s ability to work and engage in routine activities like walking, exercising, and socializing with family and friends. Some victims may never fully recover from a car accident injury, but compensation can help to relieve the financial burden experienced by car accident survivors. If you are experiencing any of these long term effects of car accidents, and you would like to speak with an attorney to discuss options for compensation, you will want to do so as soon as possible. Based on the New York statute of limitations, most claims must be filed within three years of the accident — however, in certain instances the time is shorter. Waiting too long to seek assistance may impact your ability to recover damages.
How Can a Car Accident Affect Your Life Financially?
In addition to the physical and psychological effects of car accidents, many victims also shoulder long-lasting financial burdens. Treatment can be tremendously expensive and long term injuries can prevent them from working. Medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, and lost income can significantly affect their life.
These long term effects extend beyond the collision, leaving individuals and their loved ones with serious physical, emotional, and financial burdens. For this reason, seeking medical and legal assistance is key to mitigating the impact of a car accident and ensuring physical wellbeing and financial stability.
Speak With an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney at Stufano Law Today
If you are struggling with any of the long term effects of car accidents, it is important to understand your legal options. Compensation may be available to offset the losses you have incurred due to medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of your accident. Stufano Law may be able to assist you in getting a fair settlement. To discuss the details of your case and begin crafting a personal injury claim for your long term injuries, consider scheduling a free consultation by calling (914) 752-7746 today.
