Car accidents can be traumatizing and cause severe injuries due to the force of the collision. The truth is that you are never really prepared to deal with such an incident. Recovery usually takes time. If you are involved in a car accident, you will first need to seek medical attention. Emotional stress and the uncertainty of your future accompany the physical injuries from the accident.
Some injuries may not be visible or do not appear immediately after the accident. However, they can have long-term effects and lead to psychological or emotional trauma.
The Emotional Effects of Car Accidents
While you may not suffer any physical injuries, a car accident can still leave its mark on your life. Recent studies have shown that one-third of those involved in a non-fatal accident continue to have psychological or emotional trauma symptoms a year after the accident. The emotional and mental injuries you may suffer after a car accident can include fear, anxiety, shock, anger, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of appetite, lack of energy, or sleep disturbances.
Some examples of psychological injuries might include stress-induced chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or some pathophysiological effects in the central nervous system and the brain. Although these injuries cannot be seen, they still have a significant impact on the victim’s life, impacting leisure activities, home life, and work performance.
The Physical Effects of Car Accidents
Some of the most common injuries from car accidents are traumatic brain injury, whiplash, herniated discs, cervical injuries, soft tissue damage, and meniscus tears. Depending on their severity, injuries can lead to long-term effects.
A herniated disc typically occurs when the soft jelly of the disc enters other areas of the spinal column. It may lead to serious pain, numbness, or weakness. The long-term effects cause loss of strength and mobility, chronic pain, and even depression.
Whiplash is usually caused by rear-end collisions. Due to the impact, the neck is hyperextended from a back to forward position. If whiplash is not appropriately treated, the long-term effects may include neck pains, headaches, arm pain, shoulder pain, or ringing in the ears.
Injuries with long term-effects are often associated with permanent disabilities such as paralysis, amputations, or diminished mental capacity. On the other hand, no matter how low impact the accident may be, you could still suffer soft-tissue injuries. These can occur to the muscles and ligaments in the arms, chest, knees, neck, or back. Those injuries can cause long-term pain, such as loss of mobility and the ability to participate in daily routines.
Final Words
Car accidents can be overwhelming and at times confusing, and you may not be sure what to do first. If you have been involved in a car accident in Miami, your top priority is to get treatment for the injuries to you and your passengers. Doctors will know how to properly diagnose and treat your injuries.
Getting immediate help will considerably increase your chances of avoiding the long-term effects of the injury. If you need to apply for chiropractic care, massage therapy, or physiotherapy, a Miami clinic may be the right solution.
