From fender-benders to catastrophic collisions, car accidents victims are likely to experience physical and mental trauma. With traffic collisions in South Carolina happening every 3.7 minutes, thousands of individuals are left to pick up the pieces after an auto wreck every year.
Recovery can be a difficult and long process, especially if the accident resulted in severe physical injuries. While it can be difficult to determine just how long it will take to recover from a car accident, there are some factors that can be examined.
Immediately following a car accident, you should evaluate yourself for injuries. It’s important to note that not all injuries are visible, and some injuries may not be recognizable for days. Soft tissue injuries are common after a car accident. These injuries occur when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are stretched or torn. Whiplash is one of the most common soft tissue injuries and can take anywhere from weeks to months to completely heal and go away. Some people may experience symptoms for longer.
In addition to soft tissue injuries, head injuries are common. While your brain is well-protected by your skull, a violent jolt can cause your brain to strike the inside of your skull. Concussions are often a result and can be incredibly serious if left untreated. Traumatic brain injuries can take months or even years to recover from. In some cases, however, death is the end result.
After a car accident, you’ll likely experience a variety of emotions including shock, denial, disbelief, anger, guilt, anxiety, fear, and sadness. These emotions may manifest immediately after the accident or, in some cases, they may appear days, weeks, or even months after. Often times, emotional trauma can take longer to recover from than physical injuries. Coping with the onslaught of emotions is important so you can get back behind the wheel and start to feel normal again.
As we mentioned above, there’s no way to tell when you’ll reach your official recovery; however, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of recovering faster. Make sure you see a physician after your accident, follow up with them when necessary, and take their recommendation seriously – especially if surgeries or physical therapy is needed. Take the time you need to rest. Try to avoid strenuous activity when possible. You may also consider trying therapy to help cope with the event.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, seeking legal representation may help you get the compensation you need to focus on your recovery, instead of worrying about possible financial burdens. Our Columbia, South Carolina car accident lawyers are prepared to help you with your case.
