Over 20,000 Americans died from car accident trauma in just the first half of 2021. While fatalities are the worst-case outcome, there are many other serious effects of car accidents.
Do you know what to do after a car accident and what to look for? Car accident injuries need to be addressed and aren’t always as obvious as you’d think.
The following guide will explore five surprising effects of car accidents. Read on and decide if you need additional care after your crash.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries happen when a driver or passenger hits their head during the crash. Concussions are an example of a mild TBI.
More serious TBI cases can result in internal bleeding, memory loss, and fractured skulls. Decreased cognitive capacity and limited balance are also linked to TBI.
Always see a doctor after a car accident immediately because some TBI symptoms might go unnoticed.
2. Post-traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis involves inflammation in your joints that develops after a car crash. It forms quickly after an injury rather than over several like other arthritis types.
Fortunately, it’s often a temporary problem and recovery only takes a few months. Recovery plans involve lifestyle changes and exercises. But if post-traumatic arthritis becomes chronic it might require surgery.
3. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a very common mental health problem that people develop after a car accident. Symptoms can include things like nightmares or flashbacks of the accident. It can also alter your moods and change your way of thinking.
Trauma-focused psychotherapy and medications serve as treatments to manage PTSD symptoms.
4. Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety might occur even if you don’t suffer physical injuries during an accident. Depression and anxiety often trigger several physical symptoms such as nausea, tense muscles, and migraines.
Some drivers may even have a loss of appetite following their crash. Anxiety also makes it hard to concentrate and make decisions. It might also affect sleeping patterns and cause a loss of energy throughout the day.
5. Suffering From Phobias
Many drivers develop a fear of driving or even riding cars after being involved in a crash. This is especially true if a fatality occurs from the accident. Irrational fears and shame are not uncommon after auto crashes.
It’s also very normal for drivers to get startled if someone swerves closely to them after an accident. Other unexpected things like a driver braking suddenly might also trigger fears.
This is your mind’s method of telling you to be cautious after an accident. Luckily, these phobias usually disappear on their own fairly quickly after accidents.
Understanding the Effects of Car Accidents
Now you know some of the less obvious effects of car accidents. Remember that the mental effects after a crash can be just as serious as the physical effects.
Keep this guide in mind and seek professional help if you’re suffering from any of these symptoms. Please check out our health category for more helpful tips and information.
