The life-changing impact of accidental injuries 

Accidents can significantly change people’s lives, leaving them in pain and sorrow, and potentially with long-term mental health issues. This can take a toll on personal relationships, jobs and family, according to studies.  

In 2019 than 1,000 people were injured in accidents that weren’t their fault. In the same year, 72% experienced mental health issues due to accidents – from stress to insomnia and anxiety. Clearly, the effects an accidental injury can have a devastating effect. 

Many of those who experience mental health issues as a result of an accident feel they haven’t received the support that was needed. In addition, 60% of people who recovered after an accident said that it took a lot longer than expected to heal, or that they still suffer consequences. People often also experience financial stress, job loss, a lack of confidence, or worry about their work performance. 

Other studies reveal that the proportion of people experiencing a mental health impact following an accident include –

• 35% stress
• 34% anxiety
• 21% insomnia
• 18% depression
• 12% troubled by panic attacks
• 8% paranoia
• 7% PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) 

Research suggests that mental recovery after an accident isn’t easy, and can take as long, if not longer than physical recovery. Surveys also show that 55% of people injured in an accident are more worried about leaving their homes. 

Raising awareness of the unseen effects of accidental injury

Injuries due to accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the USA, accounting for 6% of all deaths. In 2018, it was estimated that 167,127 people died from unintentional injuries, with common types of injuries involving motor vehicles, poisonings and falls. Not long ago, the state of California announced about 3,723 deaths from motor vehicles involving light trucks, passenger cars and motorcycles. As a matter of fact, deaths from car accidents remain a prevalent issue in America and worldwide.

In the USA, the likelihood that a person will be injured in a car accident in their lifetime is about 1 in 107. However, death rates in the country have drastically decreased compared with a couple of decades ago, mostly due to massive improvements in car safety features and standards. Indeed, most states have laws against drivers who don’t use their safety belts. 

Drinking and driving are some of the biggest causes of car deaths – it’s obvious that people driving under the influence of alcohol can be incredibly dangerous on roads. Some states report that the highest percentage of people who drive after drinking alcohol are high-school students, with more than 10% of students affirming they had done so. Not surprisingly, the day in the US with the highest average number of car accidents, including deaths, is 4^th July. 

As accidental injuries happen unexpectedly, people can experience significant changes to their quality of life. The hidden mental impact of accidental injury is often not something one can easily see on the outside, or a person may say that they’re fine while their hands shake, they clench their fists or they become agitated or distressed. These are normal and common reactions that can isolate victims further.

Companies like Accident Claims Advice can help those who have been in an accident who are suffering from personal injuries and thinking of making a compensation claim.

Tension on relationships 

Around 38% of accident victims say that their relationships are affected. Children, partners, friends and family said that they experienced problems, which many parents saying they have been incapable of caring for their children because of what has happened to them. In some cases, people’s relationships are more important than recovery. Unfortunately, some relationships end because of the challenges created by the injuries, or because some people’s priorities completely change. 

Relationships between people who experience life-changing injuries and their spouses are often considered supportive, but intimacy can be easily destroyed when some partners are simply unable to provide emotional support and physical care. In such cases, victims really need support through their recovery time. 

Dealing with the symptoms of an injury is not easy, as these include angry outbursts, debilitating anxiety or even seizures, which can be difficult for partners to experience. It’s hard to see a partner go through such a horrible event. Sadly, some partners simply can’t be tolerant and understanding, and even with the best intentions it can be difficult to adapt to the changes that severe injuries can cause. 

Negative impact on working life 

Around 47% of people involved in an accident experience negative effects on their working life. The main issues people deal with are anxiety and stress when returning to their jobs. Of those who have suffered accidents and had negatively impacted their work life, 32% struggled with relationships with their managers, and 22% experienced damaged relationships with coworkers. For anyone working as part of a team, it’s worth knowing that accidents extend beyond family, affecting work life, and so on. 

The negative consequences for the company related to employee accidents might also include –

• Problems bonding with new employees
• Potential lawsuits
• Decreased client satisfaction 
• Downtimes
• Damaged company reputation 

As it’s clear to see, there are greater risks involved in the event of damaging accidents, on the road or otherwise. Some accidents may be avoidable, but in some cases, people are unfortunate enough to suffer injuries, thus causing life-changing consequences. The impact of accidents can be worse than is immediately obvious. Many can be avoided with the help of drivers being aware of their habits one the road in order to protect their lives and others around them. 

The editorial unit