Some Damages a Distracted Driving Accident Victim May Overlook

When one has been in an accident involving a distracted driver, the immediate after-effects often create a focus on apparent injuries and vehicle damage. There are, however, several less apparent damages that one may not consider in the heat of a moment.

Understanding these frequently overlooked damages will help you protect your rights and ensure you get fair compensation for all your losses. Continue reading to know more about this.

• Legal and administrative challenges

After an accident, you may be buried in paperwork, range with insurance companies, or take legal action. Paperwork and court cases can be time-consuming, confusing, and emotionally draining. This frustration is often hidden but can add enormous stress to your recovery process.

These are “hidden damages” that only knowledgeable, experienced distracted driving accident attorneys will be able to unravel for you so that you get compensated for every way the accident has affected your life. Don’t underestimate the value of having someone on your side to manage the complexities for you.

• Long-term medical complications

While immediate medical needs are apparent, you may not see possible long-range medical complications. Some injuries, as bad as they already are, will lead to chronic conditions or make you more vulnerable to the onset of other health issues. For example, a slight back injury may gradually evolve into chronic pain or induce compensatory injuries in different body parts. You will also want to consider any medical procedures or treatments that may become necessary later on. Some injuries will eventually require additional surgeries as time progresses or may result in complications that do not show up right away. Planning for future medical needs is critical when determining the total of your damages.

• Lost Future Income and career opportunities

While you may consider the present lost wages, the future lost earning capacity, considering the impact on career trajectory, is usually never considered. Your injuries may not allow you to accept promotion opportunities, accept additional responsibilities in your line of work, or even attend training opportunities that could open more avenues for career advancement. These missed opportunities may result in a considerable difference in your earning capacity for the next several years.

• Psychological and emotional effects

A distracted driving collision has a psychological effect that few can imagine. To put it into perspective, you may develop anxiety about driving or being a passenger, which can affect daily life in lots of ways. A long list may include sleep disturbances, mood changes, or even full-blown PTSD.

Even though you may be fine psychologically right after the accident, symptoms can develop and worsen over time. You may find yourself avoiding specific routes, having panic attacks in heavy traffic, or becoming depressed due to the lifestyle changes you must undertake because of your injury. These, too, are compensable emotional damages, as they also can seriously affect your quality of life and perhaps even require professional treatment.

Final Remarks

A distracted driving accident affects much more than your car or body. The impact is emotional, financial, and career-related and can directly or indirectly impact your relationships and quality of life. Some forms of damages are more apparent than others, yet equally important. Awareness of the more invisible consequences enables you to get the fair compensation you deserve while rebuilding your life properly. Seek justice for everything you have suffered and been through.