When we wake up in the morning, we do not expect to be sat in a dysfunctional car several hours later due to a car crash. Apart from the obvious physical harm that a car accident can cause, it can really affect you in other, just as important ways – including emotionally. Once a car crash has happened, you often just want the suffering the end there, but with a specific whiplash claim timeframe and all kinds of expenses to pay out for, you need to organise so much more than your fractured mind. Here, we investigate some of the ways that a car accident can really affect you.
Scars: Physical & Mental
Depending on how severe the car accident is, you might not be affected too badly on the physical side, however that doesn’t mean that you won’t scar your mental health. Sure, a little bump to the car in front doesn’t usually bother many, but nervous drivers could be badly shaken up. Besides, the second any damage is done to either car, and especially to those within the vehicle, it can become very distressing for all involved. After the accident, you might find yourself reluctant to drive a car, and even more so when taking passengers on-board.
You Begin Over-Estimating Everything
To build on the mental scar perspective, you might find yourself over-analysing everything on the road, and panicking yourself over things that, beforehand, you never even gave a second thought to. For example, when seeing a car breaking in front of you, it might become second nature to immediately break too due to the fear of colliding again. Often, even at the slightest of changes in the road, you might find your heart jumping or stomach jolting, simply because you can just picture the previous car accident in your head. This can tend to last a very long time for people who’ve been involved in a car accident, and could reach a point where the driver only feels comfortable with their driving with someone guiding their every move – you just need to build your confidence back up.
Costs Of Driving Will Suddenly Peak
Particularly these days, the costs of driving are ridiculous; Petrol costs are constantly rising and insurance is worth hundreds and hundreds a month just for your first car. Unless you’re held completely innocent throughout the entire accident, you can expect your monthly car insurance premiums to rise significantly. If you’re only partially responsible for a car accident, a small addition to your usual car insurance might not seem too drastic, but believe me when I say this will accumulate very quickly.
Strain On Yourself and Your Family
If your car accident was extreme, and has led to some severe injuries, you may be unable to attend work for a while. Of course, with all the extra costs added onto your car insurance for a start, the general cost of living is going to become largely difficult with a postponed income. Bills may become more difficult to pay, so your car accident will suddenly weave itself into other aspects of your life. Unfortunately, this can put a strain on your family life, as the inability to provide for your family like you’re usually able to could have a negative impact on relationships, whether that is with your spouse or children.
