The city of Waco, Texas, mostly experiences warm weather. There are plenty of good neighborhoods great for walking. Additionally, the local government really encourages community and organized walks to the point of even having the ‘Let’s Walk Waco’ initiative.
With this comes the increased risk of pedestrian accidents because of careless road users. When someone is hit by a vehicle, the consequences go far beyond the immediate medical bills. By working with a Waco pedestrian accident lawyer, victims can get compensated for even costs that may come years later.
Let’s look at the long-term consequences of pedestrian accidents for the survivors and their families.
Table of Contents
Physical and Medical Impact
Pedestrian accidents may lead to very severe injuries, some of which require even lifelong medical care. These include:
- Spinal cord injuries that may lead to paralysis and chronic pain that is hard to manage.
- Traumatic brain injuries can cause memory loss and permanent cognitive disabilities.
- Fractures and amputations where victims end up needing months to recover and surgeries or entirely losing a limb.
Many survivors require rehabilitation, physical therapy, and assisting devices like wheelchairs and prosthetics to try and lead a normal life. This recovery period also affects families, as they may have altered their lifestyles to accommodate these changes.
Emotional and Psychological Consequences
It is obvious that the trauma of getting hit by a vehicle goes beyond physical injuries. Many victims are left with PTSD and anxiety for years after the accident. Survivors may fear walking near traffic or even going back to the accident scene. Sometimes, people get nightmares flashbacks, and emotional distress that is tied to the accident.
This psychological trauma may push survivors to withdraw from their families and change their behaviors. Family members, especially those who become caregivers, also face the emotional strain. The pain of watching your loved one struggle with pain and depression or lose independence takes a toll on many people.
Financial Burdens on Victims and Families
Medical bills are not cheap. These costs easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially if specialized care is required. There are long hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs.
Survivors lose wages or their ability to work in the same capacity as before, which strains finances. Don’t forget caregivers may have to leave their jobs just to take care of a loved one. In Waco, where many people rely on steady employment to make ends meet, the sudden financial strain is normally very devastating. Expenses that a Bagen law pedestrian accident lawyer can help victims seek compensation for
Change in Family Dynamics and Relationships
Sadly, things do change after a pedestrian accident. This happens not only to the survivor but to the entire family. Relationships may shift from a family dynamic to fully becoming caregivers. Additionally, people have to adjust to income changes around the house and have to change their whole lifestyle.
The stress of these changes can cause tension in relationships. Therefore, families should find a way to support each other during these difficult times.
After a pedestrian accident, survivors and their families face physical, emotional, and financial hardships that could change their lives. Understanding these challenges is important to help victims seek the compensation they deserve.