For individuals and families, the personal toll of an auto accident is immeasurable. It encompasses not only physical injuries but also deep psychological scars. Beyond the personal anguish, the economic impact of auto accidents affects everything from increased insurance premiums to significant costs for medical care and lost productivity.
Let’s examine the web of personal and economic effects that auto accidents cause across Mississippi. Using expert legal perspectives, we will also investigate how effective legal representation can mitigate these impacts, underscoring the critical role of informed legal advice in navigating the aftermath of such tragedies.
Physical Injuries in an Auto Accident
Auto accidents are not only a leading cause of injury and death across the world but also bring about a host of complications that extend beyond immediate physical harm. The experiences of survivors vary widely, encompassing a range of physical injuries that can alter lives forever.
- Whiplash and neck injuries are caused by rapid movements of the head, leading to pain and mobility issues. This is usually associated with a rear-end collision.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional effects. The type of injury determines the symptoms and consequences.
- Fractures and broken bones commonly occur in limbs, ribs, and facial bones.
- Lacerations and cuts are often inflicted by shattered glass or metal fragments, which may require significant medical attention.
- Internal injuries pose serious risks and may lead to complications if not promptly treated.
Psychological Trauma
A crash can have a devastating effect on those who are in it and witnesses as well. Some common emotional and psychological effects of an auto accident are:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common aftermath for survivors, affecting mental health and well-being.
- Anxiety and depression may develop as direct responses to the trauma experienced in an auto accident.
Economic Impact
The economic impact an auto accident has rips apart the financial security a family has. Despite not being able to work, bills continue to come in. An experienced lawyer can help a client recoup some of the following damages:
- Medical expenses cover the immediate and ongoing costs of treating physical and psychological injuries. This includes hospital care, physician fees, rehabilitation, tests, X-rays and surgery.
- Lost wages address time off work for recovery and can significantly impact personal and family income. A personal injury lawsuit, if negligence occurs, can recover lost wages or freelance income, benefits you would have earned and commissions. In addition, if the injury requires the injured party to take a lower-paying job, the difference between prior income and that of the new employ is recoverable until retirement age.
- Post-hospital costs cover the expense of rehabilitation and nursing care in the home. This category also includes home modifications to accommodate physical limitations.
- Loss of consortium allows a spouse to file a concurrent claim for loss of companionship and physical comfort due to the auto accident.
- Wrongful death lawsuit: If the accident caused a fatality, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party. This covers funeral and burial costs, loss of the decedent’s income and the cost of hiring someone to do household chores previously done by the deceased.
How an Attorney Can Help
An experienced attorney can help an injured person or a grieving family obtain the justice they deserve. The auto accident lawyer will investigate the crash, determine liability and answer any questions you might have. They will arrange for medical experts to provide an opinion and interview witnesses. Obtaining the police report and getting videos from red-light surveillance cameras help them prove negligence. Once the investigative work is concluded, the attorney will build a strong case against the at-fault party.
The Diaz Law Firm
At the Diaz Law Firm, our dedicated team offers seasoned legal advice for those impacted by auto accidents. We invite you to take advantage of our free case evaluation, designed to answer your questions and identify opportunities for compensation. Connect with our legal team through our website or by calling (601) 607-3456 for a consultation at no cost.