Category Archives: Car Accident Injuries

Auto Accidents and PTSD

Auto Accidents and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

According to statistics, every driver on the roads of America is likely to be involved in an auto accident of some type every 17.9 years. The victim of an auto accident can sometimes walk away without a scratch, but there can be hidden injuries that are not immediately recognized. One type of hidden “injury” is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

PTSD: It Doesn’t Only Affect Soldiers

You may be surprised to learn that PTSD is not limited to the soldier who was in combat or the victim of a violent crime. PTSD is also a common occurrence among auto accident victims. While some people may believe the condition to be a simple anxiety disorder, it runs deeper than that. Unlike common anxiety or stress responses, PTSD is triggered by a high level of trauma and is a common part of the victim’s daily life.

What Are PTSD Symptoms?

PTSD symptoms often occur as intrusive memories, avoidance, mood/behavior changes and arousal.

Intrusion: The victim is troubled by memories of the event on a regular basis. He or she may experience flashbacks and nightmares.

Avoidance: The victim may avoid certain people, places or activities if these things tend to bring back memories. He or she may also refuse to discuss the event.

Mood/Behavior Changes: A common symptom of PTSD includes behavioral changes such as emotional numbness, despair about the future, an inability to maintain close relationships and a lack of enthusiasm. The victim of PTSD may also exhibit self-destructive behavior such as alcohol abuse or suicidal tendencies.

Arousal: PTSD is also manifested as an inability to concentrate, hyper-vigilance, poor sleep patterns and a sense of constant danger.

You’re Not Alone

PTSD can bring severe trials to the victim of the auto accident and his or her immediate family and friends. Because of the nature of PTSD, it can take several weeks for the symptoms to manifest themselves. If you or one of your loved ones has been in an auto accident recently, pay close attention to any possible signs of PTSD. You may be entitled to compensation for your treatment if your accident was the fault of a negligent driver. A competent Las Vegas auto accident attorney will be able to help you get the most out of your auto accident claim.

Dealing With Medical Expenses Following a Car Accident

Helping Automobile Accident Victims Deal with Medical Expenses

Medical bills are usually the biggest expense that victims of an automobile accident will face. In most circumstances, the negligent party in the accident is financially responsible for any medical expenses associated with medical treatment, medical exams, physical therapies and visits to the chiropractor that the victim will need. Automobile accident-related medical expenses usually come in two phases. The first phase is the initial diagnosis. The second phase is the ongoing care.

The Cost of Ongoing Treatment

Ongoing care is the more expensive of the two phases. In the state of Miami, legacy healing miami rehabilitation center provides chiropractor and prescriptions to control pain or nervous and emotional issues that result from the accident can cost into the tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars. The insurance company of the at-fault driver may be reluctant to cover these medical bills. If this is the case, the accident victim should consult with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer.

Helping Accident Victims Get Back on Their Feet

Automobile accident attorneys work with their clients to help them get back to where they were before their injury. The victim of an automobile accident has the right to heal physically and emotionally. In order to do that, they must be provided with the financial compensation they deserve. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer will work with insurance companies, forcing them to pay compensation to the accident victim. In cases where the insurance company refuses to hold up their end of the bargain, legal action may be required.

Attorneys have the responsibility to care for the rights of their clients. In addition to fighting for them in court, they work with the family and help guide them through the legal process of dealing with automobile-related injuries.

Which Injuries are Most Likely after a Car Accident?

Car accidents are not only mentally traumatizing to a victim but they can cause a number of physical issues. Some injuries can be minor while others can last a lifetime. Here are some of the most common injuries most likely to happen after a car accident.

Facial injuries

Car accident victims may require dental surgeries and cosmetic repairs from facial injuries. They can injure their face and jaw in the windshield, shattered glass, with the air bag, on the dashboard or with a car seat. It’s very easy to injure the face and costs thousands of dollars for surgeries to repair these injuries. make sure you contact the experts from Hale Law, P.A. car accident lawyer to help you with all the legalities without any hassle.

Spinal cord and neck injuries

Many people experience whip lash from a car accident. Usually, whip lash is less serious while others have experienced severe problems like disc injuries and cervical radiculopathy (a pain in the neck that can cause weakness and numbness down through the arms). These serious injuries will require rehabilitation and possible surgery to reach a full recovery. Car accident victims may not even experience pain or symptoms of a neck or back injury until some time has passed after the accident.

Brain injuries

One of the most serious injuries coming from car accidents is a brain injury. They are also the most common type of injury. What makes them so dangerous, like neck and back injuries, symptoms don’t often surface until time has passed. With a brain injury, there may not be symptoms, but there could be internal bruising, which is dangerous if untreated. Some people even get a mild concussion and don’t realize it immediately.

Another issue that some victims experience with long-term brain injuries is time missed at work and handling daily tasks. This type of injury can also lead to the need for long-term care, which can be very expensive.

Mental injuries

Not only are physical injuries prevalent in car accidents, but also psychological injuries. The Barry Deacon Law states that sometimes death occurs and this can be psychologically dangerous to the surviving victims. Victims may have to talk to a therapist for post-traumatic stress disorder or they may experience short-term effects of the accident.

While car accidents can be stressful and frightening enough, the victims of the crash have to cope with physical and mental injuries that can occur, as well. Victims are most likely to experience facial and jaw injuries, neck and back injuries, brain injuries and psychological damage.

If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries in a car accident, contact the car accident lawyers at Hunt Law Offices today for a free consultation.

Photo By Dori