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(253) 272-5226Not all injuries from a car accident heal quickly—some require a lengthy recovery process. This can take a toll on victims in many ways. Beyond the physical pain, you may experience emotional challenges, disruptions to your work and daily life, and mounting medical expenses that can feel overwhelming.
If you’re facing this situation, we want to share some insights as personal injury lawyers about steps you might consider taking. Please remember, this blog is meant to provide general information. For confidential, no-cost legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
After a car accident, the full impact of your injuries may not be immediately apparent. As the shock subsides and days go by, you might realize that your path to recovery is longer and more complex than expected. For some victims, injuries may take months or even years to heal.
Here are a few car accident injuries that may have longer recoveries:
Facing the prospect of a lengthy recovery can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take now to support your well-being.
It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible following a car accident. Prompt care both addresses your immediate injuries and helps doctors assess your future and long-term medical needs.
For example, a broken bone might require more than just a cast. You could also need rehabilitation to rebuild strength in the surrounding muscles and tendons to restore full function. Getting help early increases your chances of a successful recovery, while delaying care can lead to prolonged diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, the medical tests and reports provided by your doctors serve as valuable evidence for your case. If the other driver is found to be at fault for the accident, these records can help you begin building a claim for compensation to cover your medical expenses.
Even with excellent medical insurance, you’ll likely face out-of-pocket medical bills after an accident. This can feel especially unfair if the crash was someone else’s fault—you didn’t ask for these injuries, and you certainly didn’t ask for the financial burden that comes with them.
In Washington State, the at-fault driver is responsible for covering your injuries (RCW 46.30.020), typically through their car insurance policy. This usually involves two separate claims: one for property damage (like your car) and another for your medical expenses. Each claim may be handled by a different insurance adjuster.
The property damage claim is often resolved quickly so you can repair or replace your vehicle without unnecessary delays.
However, treating your medical claim the same way can be a costly mistake. It’s natural to want to move on and get compensation in your hands quickly, but if you’re dealing with serious injuries that require a lengthy recovery, rushing to settle could leave you without the funds you’ll need later.
The compensation you receive is intended to cover all accident-related medical expenses—both past and future. That’s why it’s critical to fully understand the extent of your injuries and anticipated recovery costs before accepting any settlement offer from the insurance company.
Recovering from serious injuries isn’t just a physical process—it can take an emotional toll as well. It’s common for accident victims to experience stress, anxiety, or depression during their recovery, especially if they’re dealing with significant life disruptions. In some cases, conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop, especially if the accident was severe or life-threatening.
Here are a few steps that can help support your mental well-being during recovery:
Your emotional health is just as important as your physical recovery. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek support from mental health professionals or support groups.
If you’re unsure whether you need a personal injury lawyer, know that you can reach out to our firm at any time for a consultation. Our lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if we agree to work together and help you secure compensation.
With this arrangement, there’s no risk in exploring how a personal injury lawyer might assist you. In many cases, we can make a significant difference in your recovery process.
Here are some specific ways a lawyer can help:
Sometimes, simply having a personal injury lawyer on your side can make the insurance company take your claim more seriously. And if negotiations reach a standstill, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
When you’re recovering from serious injuries requiring long-term medical care, you can rest easier knowing that a lawyer is handling the legal complexities of your case.
We’re here to help. If you’ve been in an accident and want to see if we can assist you, don’t hesitate to reach out. If we believe we can help, we’ll let you know—and if not, you won’t owe us anything. There’s no cost or risk to start the conversation.
Call us today at (253) 272-5226 or fill out the short form on our contact page to get started.