Being involved in any car accident can be an extremely stressful experience that could alter your perspective on life completely. Major car accidents can be fatal or can lead to serious brain damage or paralysis. While it’s likely that passengers will be less seriously affected by a minor accident, you should never underestimate how pervasive the damages can be.
If you are still seeking medical attention for your injury after a car accident, it is a good idea to ensure that you have made a recovery before considering filing for damages. When you feel that you are ready to move forward and take legal action, you should make sure to consider all the ways that your car accident has negatively impacted your life. The following are some ways that even very minor car accidents can affect your life.
Emotional trauma
Even an accident that does not result in a large number of damages can be highly traumatic. You may have been trapped in the vehicle initially, or if you had your children with you, it’s likely that you were extremely scared for their safety. These types of experiences can lead to anxiety disorders or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Medical expenses
You should get a check-up with your doctor soon after the car accident, even if you believe that you have not suffered any injuries. It’s possible that even with no apparent injuries, you will still face medical bills due to routine check-ups. You must make sure that you get compensation for this.
Worsening of a preexisting condition
If you have a preexisting condition such as a bad back or arthritis, the impact of even a minor car accident may worsen your pain. Citing this as part of the damages could help you get the compensation you deserve.
Lost wages
You may need to take some time off work after the car accident, whether it is for a few hours or a few weeks. If you lost wages as a result, this counts as financial damages.
Damages usually occur even in minor car accidents, therefore it’s possible to gain compensation no matter what the situation. If you are not satisfied with the compensation you have been offered, you may want to consider legal action.