Auto accident injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. While most injuries eventually heal over time, some leave permanent damage that may require ongoing medical treatment. As you navigate the process of recovering compensation to help you cover the medical bills, lost wages, and other unforeseen costs incurred by your injuries, you may also need to address the emotional and psychological effects of the auto accident. It’s natural to want to know how long it will take to get your life back on track, so let’s look at some important factors that could shape your recovery timeline.
Nature and Severity of Your Auto Accident Injuries
In general, the faster the vehicles were traveling at the time of impact, the more severe the injuries tend to be. Head-on collisions can lead to head, neck, back, and leg injuries, while side-impact accidents may damage the head, abdomen, and pelvis. Depending on where you were injured and how severe the wound, fracture, or internal bleeding is, it may take weeks or months before you start to feel like yourself again. In some cases, your injuries may require surgery, which can prolong the recovery timeline.
Following Through With Your Treatment Plan
Even if you seek medical attention right after the injury, you should show up for follow-up appointments and adhere to all recommended therapies. Many people want to get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible, so they may skip physical therapy appointments or stop taking medication to hasten the recovery process. Unfortunately, cutting corners can increase your chances of exacerbating your injuries and delaying your recovery even more. Additionally, if the insurance company sees that you’ve failed to follow your doctor’s advice, you may have a harder time collecting compensation.
Supporting Your Mental and Emotional Recovery
Remember, the auto accident recovery process is not just physical—you experienced a traumatic event, so give yourself time to process this stressful experience. Many auto accident victims experience nightmares, sleep disturbances, symptoms of depression, and other mood changes after living through this dramatic incident. Speaking with a mental health professional is a great way to support your recovery, as is choosing to work with an auto accident attorney who expresses a genuine concern for your wellbeing.
If you’ve suffered an auto accident injury in the Vancouver or Portland area, the compassionate and trusted attorneys at Henderson Taylor Law Firm are here to support you. Call (360) 737-1478 today to get started.
