Car accidents can have devastating consequences, ranging from minor injuries to permanent disabilities. In Dallas/Fort Worth, where busy streets and highways are a part of daily life, there is always the potential for permanent disability after a car or truck accident. From legal considerations to medical implications, knowing what can cause permanent disability after a car accident, and how it can affect you in the aftermath of a crash, is essential to protect the interests of yourself and your family.
If you or a loved one has been permanently disabled or out of work due to a car accident in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, don’t hesitate to take action. Whether you’re grappling with minor injuries or facing the challenges of a permanent disability, seeking guidance from experienced professionals is essential. Call Sellers Law Firm today at (817) 928-4222 to explore your options and help ensure that your rights are protected.
What is considered to be a permanent disability?
In Texas, a permanent disability is defined as an impairment that substantially limits a person’s ability to perform major life activities. These disabilities can result from various factors, including the severity of the accident, the types of catastrophic injuries sustained, and individual health conditions. Permanent disabilities can affect physical, cognitive, or psychological functions and may require ongoing medical care and accommodations.
What are some examples of permanent disability?
- Spinal cord injuries. Car accidents can cause severe trauma to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of motor function below the site of the injury. In cases of complete spinal cord injury, individuals may experience quadriplegia or paraplegia, permanently impacting mobility and independence.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries sustained in car accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, ranging from concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs can cause long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood disorders, and changes in behavior, significantly affecting daily life and functional abilities.
- Amputations. Severe limb injuries in car accidents may necessitate amputation, leading to permanent disabilities and challenges in mobility and self-care. Amputees may require prosthetic limbs and extensive rehabilitation to regain function and adapt to their new circumstances.
- Severe burns. Car accidents involving fires or explosions can result in severe burns, causing permanent disfigurement and functional limitations. Burn survivors may require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and ongoing medical treatment to manage pain and prevent complications.
- Musculoskeletal injuries. Fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries sustained in car accidents can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and decreased mobility, constituting permanent disabilities that require long-term management and rehabilitation.
What does PTSD from a car accident look like?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects those who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events, and is a common psychological consequence of car accidents. In Dallas/Fort Worth, where car accidents are prevalent, understanding the symptoms and impacts of PTSD is vital for those affected.
How long does PTSD last after a car accident?
PTSD symptoms can vary in duration and severity, with some victims experiencing temporary distress while others develop chronic PTSD requiring ongoing treatment. In Texas, people suffering from PTSD after a car accident may be eligible for compensation under personal injury laws if their condition meets specific criteria.
Symptoms of PTSD after a car accident may include:
- Flashbacks and nightmares. You may re-experience the traumatic event through intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks, causing intense distress and emotional arousal.
- Avoidance behaviors. PTSD can lead to avoidance of reminders of the accident, such as driving, riding in cars, or visiting accident sites, as well as avoidance of discussing or thinking about the event.
- Hyperarousal. You may experience heightened arousal and vigilance, including irritability, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and exaggerated startle responses.
- Negative changes in mood and cognition. PTSD can cause persistent negative emotions, such as guilt, shame, fear, or anger, as well as cognitive distortions and negative beliefs about oneself or the world.
What is adjustment disorder after a car accident?
Adjustment disorder is a psychological condition that can develop in response to significant life stressors, such as a car accident. Unlike PTSD, which is characterized by specific criteria and symptoms, adjustment disorder encompasses a broader range of emotional and behavioral reactions to stressful events. While adjustment disorder shares some similarities with PTSD, there are distinct differences between the two.
Adjustment disorder is typically characterized by:
- Emotional distress. You may experience heightened levels of anxiety, depression, or mood swings following a car accident. These emotional reactions can interfere with daily functioning and persist for an extended period, typically lasting no longer than six months after the stressor.
- Impaired functioning. Unlike PTSD, which may involve avoidance behaviors or intrusive symptoms, adjustment disorder often manifests as difficulties coping with everyday tasks and responsibilities. You may struggle to concentrate, experience changes in appetite or sleep patterns, or withdraw from social interactions.
- Lack of specific trauma criteria. While PTSD requires exposure to a traumatic event meeting specific criteria, adjustment disorder can develop in response to any significant life stressor, including car accidents. The severity and duration of symptoms in adjustment disorder may vary based on your individual coping mechanisms and support systems.
- Resilience and recovery. Although adjustment disorder can cause significant distress, it is generally considered a temporary condition that resolves with time and support. With appropriate interventions, such as therapy, counseling, or support groups, you should be able to learn effective coping strategies and regain stability in your life.
In comparison to PTSD, which may require specialized treatment approaches and longer-term management, adjustment disorder often responds well to short-term interventions focused on addressing immediate stressors and enhancing resilience. In short, it may be considered a more temporary disability after a car accident; however, it’s essential for individuals experiencing significant distress after a car accident to seek professional help to accurately assess their symptoms and determine the most appropriate course of action for their mental health and well-being.
In Texas, individuals suffering from PTSD or adjustment-related disability due to an accident may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages through personal injury claims. It’s essential to consult with experienced attorneys familiar with Texas state laws to secure your Social Security disability and personal injury settlement.
If you have suffered permanent disability after a car accident, get help from Sellers Law Firm.
Permanent disabilities resulting from car accidents can have profound and lasting impacts on you and your family. From physical impairments to psychological trauma, what can cause permanent disability after a car accident can extend far beyond the initial collision.
Navigating the complexities of permanent disability after a car accident in Dallas-Fort Worth can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Working with a dedicated permanent disability attorney from Sellers Law Firm can make all the difference in securing the compensation and support you deserve.
If you need more clarification about your options or have questions about your case, call or schedule a free online consultation to learn more about how we can assist you in your journey toward recovery and justice.
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