Message Us
Call Us Possible Long-Term Effects of a Car Accident
By Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP on January 21, 2020
Car accidents often lead to serious injuries which can have long-term effects on your health and well-being. You may be able to pursue compensation for the losses incurred due to these long-term effects.
Table of Contents
Below, our Fort Worth car accident attorneys explain the types of long-term injuries and effects that may result from a car accident. If you suffered a car accident injury, schedule a free, no obligation-consultation with our legal team to learn whether you may have a case.
Head Injuries
Unfortunately, it is common for head injuries to occur in a car accident, such as:
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Penetrating head wounds
- Diffuse axonal injuries
- Coup-contrecoup injuries
Victims of traumatic brain injuries are often left with diminished physical or mental capacity. In some cases, long-term side effects worsen over time.
Other Physical Injuries
Car accidents may also cause various severe physical injuries to many parts of the body, such as:
- Whiplash
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Neck strains
- Damage to spinal discs
These severe physical injuries can have long-term effects, including:
- Chronic pain
- Diminished mobility
- Memory issues
- Cognitive problems
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Examples of these injuries may include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression and anxiety
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Anger
- Fear
- Shock
- Embarrassment
- Loss of appetite
- Weight fluctuations
- Sexual dysfunction
- Lack of energy
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
About one-third of non-fatal car accident victims report experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, which can cause intense fear and anxiety in certain situations and possibly flashbacks, where people relive the accident. This may impact an accident victim’s personal relationships and his or her ability to continue working.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment and recovery for severe car accident injuries varies based on the type and severity of the injury.
- Mild concussion symptoms typically begin to subside two to three weeks after the injury occurs, while more severe concussions may take months to heal.
- Traumatic brain injuries take months or even years to heal, depending on the severity. Rehabilitation may be required to treat the various symptoms caused by this injury.
- Whiplash symptoms may begin to ease after several weeks. Months may be needed for recovery, with some symptoms remaining for quite a while.
- An injury to vertebrae or spinal discs may require surgery, with the recovery possibly lasting months, depending on the procedure and extent of the injury. Chronic pain from these injuries may be long-term.
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains to back muscles, ligaments and tendons often heal within weeks. Muscle tears may require surgical treatment and physical therapy, which takes months to recover from.
- Broken bones that require surgical correction often take three to four months for recovery.
- Emotional and psychological injuries require treatment from a mental health professional. Unfortunately, there is no set timeframe for recovery, as these injuries vary greatly from one person to the next.
Call Our Licensed Lawyers for Legal Assistance
If you were injured in an accident, the attorneys of Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP are available to discuss your claim and whether you may be eligible to seek compensation. We fight to recover the maximum compensation for our clients’ long-term injuries, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn what legal options may be available in your situation. There are no upfront fees and you only pay us if we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact us by phone 24/7 at (817) 920-9000.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
Recent Blog Posts
What Happens If a Pedestrian Caused an Accident? Legal and Practical Considerations
February 25, 2026
A pedestrian can face legal and financial responsibility when pedestrian actions directly trigger a collision, although Texas law still evaluates every party’s conduct before assigning fault. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, we often speak with Fort Worth residents asking what happens if a pedestrian caused an accident , especially...
Read Article
What to Do If Someone Sues You for a Car Accident in Texas
September 26, 2025
Being sued after a crash is one of those situations nobody expects, and when it happens, it can feel overwhelming. You may worry about your finances, your reputation, and how to even begin responding. Many Texans search for what to do if someone sues you for a car accident in...
Read Article
What Is a Rolling Stop and Why Is It Illegal in Texas?
August 22, 2025
Drivers across Texas may not even realize they’re doing it, but what is a rolling stop? It’s when a vehicle slows down at a stop sign or red light but doesn’t completely halt before entering the intersection. It might feel like a minor shortcut, especially when there appears to be...
Read ArticleRequest a Free Case Evaluation
Tell us about your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer from our team will call and provide you with a free evaluation of your case. If we can help, and you are unable to travel, we will come to your home, office, or hospital. It’s easy – let’s get started.
Email Us Anytime
Email us anytime and we will get back to you.
We’ll Come To You
Our attorneys will come to your home, office or hospital at your convenience.
Available 24/7
Our team is ready and waiting to help you today.
