After an accident, the focus is usually on the physical injuries such as the cuts, the bruises, and the maybe-broken-but-hopefully-not arm. Sometimes, if we’re really on top of things, we might even get checked for internal injuries.
Sometimes, even lawyers, when calculating damages, overlook the lasting emotional impact an accident can have on a victim. Anxiety, depression, and even PTSD are all real possibilities for accident victims.
And no, these feelings aren’t just “in your head.” Certain injuries from car accidents are well-known triggers for unsettling emotions that can leave you feeling lost and alone.
If you’re experiencing such feelings, you would have to look for the best car accident lawyer who can advocate for all your needs, including the unseen emotional scars left behind.
Whiplash and Chronic Pain
Studies by the American Academy of Neurology tell us that up to half of whiplash sufferers end up with long-term pain, even after medical treatment. The victims typically suffer a constant echo of the accident, a dull ache, or a sharp stab that never quite leaves.
This persistent pain can be incredibly frustrating. It disrupts your daily life, making simple things like turning your head or reaching for that cup of coffee a struggle. It can leave you feeling helpless, wondering if you’ll ever feel “normal” again.
But the physical pain isn’t the whole story. Chronic pain also messes with your mind. Your body releases stress hormones like cortisol in response to the pain, which can be like throwing gasoline on a fire for your anxiety and mood.
You might find yourself feeling on edge, easily frustrated, or even experiencing mood swings. It’s a vicious cycle; the pain makes you anxious, and the anxiety can worsen the perception of pain.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even a seemingly minor bump on the head can have a surprising impact. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health tells us that a traumatic brain injury (TBI), even mild ones, can increase your risk of depression, anxiety, and even PTSD.
Your brain is the body’s control center, and it is segmented into parts that handle different functions. Some areas manage your emotions, while others help you form memories. A TBI can damage these delicate areas, kind of like a short circuit.
This damage can throw your emotions out of whack, making you feel down, anxious, or even jumpy. Memory problems are another common aftereffect of TBI. You might be stuck trying to process a scary event, like the accident itself, when your memories are fuzzy or incomplete.
It can be incredibly frustrating and lead to a lot of emotional distress. It’s like being stuck in a loop, unable to move past the trauma.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains in muscles, ligaments, and tendons, are common in car accidents.
While these injuries may heal physically, the pain and discomfort can significantly impact a person’s daily life and activities. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and a loss of control, especially if the injury prevents them from working or participating in hobbies they enjoy.
Facial Injuries and Scarring
Facial injuries are a particularly brutal consequence, as they mar the very part of us that shapes our identity and social interactions: our face.
You might find yourself avoiding eye contact, shrinking back from conversations, or fearing judgmental stares. A simple act like going to the store or meeting new people can feel daunting when you worry about how your scar will be perceived.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive, & Aesthetic Surgery painted a clear picture: facial scarring can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and mental health.
Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing a daily reminder of a frightening event. It can lead to feelings of self-consciousness, a nagging worry that others are staring or judging.
The emotional impact goes deeper than just social anxiety. The change in appearance can challenge your sense of self. You might feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself, the person you were before the accident, the one with a smooth, unblemished face.
This loss of identity can be incredibly difficult to cope with, leading to feelings of isolation and depression.
Loss of Limb or Function
The most severe car accident injuries can result in the loss of a limb or the loss of function in a limb. This can be devastating, not just physically but also emotionally.
Amputees often experience “phantom limb pain,” a sensation of pain coming from the missing limb, which can further complicate the healing process.
Conclusion
These emotional and psychological scars can be just as devastating as physical injuries. Getting treatment is the way forward, but of course, these treatments don’t come cheap.
If you’ve been the victim of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to sue them for compensation. Hiring a competent attorney is the first step towards achieving this.
Also read about: 4 Situations that Best Explain Pain and Suffering in a Personal Injury Case
