How a Car Accident Can Derail an Active Lifestyle — And How to Fight Back
Do you want to remain active, healthy and on top of your game?
If so, read this guide.
Life can change in an instant when you’re injured in a car accident. One day you’re going to spin class or training for your next 5K race. Next, you’re sidelined with chronic pain and unable to move like you used to.
What most people don’t realise is…
When you’re sidelined due to injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, you have options.
You can fight back to recover and get your life back on track. You also have the right to file an auto accident compensation claim to help pay for expenses related to your injuries.
Let’s take a closer look at how car accidents can impact those who live active lifestyles and how to fight back…
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Car Accidents Have Such a Big Impact on Active People
- The Most Common Car Accident Injuries That Limit Physical Activity
- Recovering from a Car Accident: Steps to Take Immediately
- How to Understand Auto Accident Compensation Claims
- Fighting Back to Regain Your Active Lifestyle
Why Car Accidents Have Such a Big Impact on Active People
Car accidents can change everything in a matter of seconds.
Active people suffer greatly when they’re injured in a car crash.
While driving fatalities are down nationwide, there were still an estimated 39,345 people who died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2024. However, there are far more people who suffer nonfatal injuries each year.
Millions of people experience damage to their bodies each year at the hands of reckless drivers. Many of these individuals go on to live with permanent limitations as a result of their injuries.
Think about all of the active people out there:
Runners, bikers, gym enthusiasts, weekend warriors. If you fit into any of these categories, you know how important it is to stay active.
But when injuries limit your physical activity, everything changes.
Life as you know it can quickly come to a halt.
Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, joint damage or a herniated disc. Living with pain is frustrating. It also makes working out and staying active feel impossible.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, make sure you hire a Minneapolis car accident lawyer to ensure you’re taking the right steps to file an auto accident compensation claim.
The Most Common Car Accident Injuries That Limit Physical Activity
While every injury varies, certain crashes tend to cause the most severe damages.
These are the injuries that will affect your active lifestyle:
- Whiplash: Makes exercising feel impossible due to neck pain, headaches, and stiffness.
- Joint Pain: Injuries to the knees, shoulders and hips can cause arthritis and discomfort. These issues limit mobility.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Herniated discs and other injuries to the spine cause chronic back pain. Some require additional surgeries.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries lead to pain, headaches and concussions. They also make it difficult to focus or remember things.
The problem with these types of injuries is they don’t always happen right away.
Many injuries associated with auto accidents are internal and take days or even weeks to become apparent.
That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical treatment after a crash, even if you think you feel fine.
Recovering from a Car Accident: Steps to Take Immediately
So you were in an accident and now you want to know what to do next?
First things first, schedule a doctor’s appointment. You should go to the doctor immediately after an accident to get checked out.
From there…
Keep a record of all medical visits, tests, treatments and anything else recommended by your doctor.
If your doctor suggests physical therapy, start as soon as you’re able.
Remember…
Recovery isn’t a race. You may be eager to jump back into your active lifestyle, but patience is key.
Rushing your recovery can lead to further setbacks and injuries.
This is also true for the psychological effects a car accident can have.
Many people develop anxiety, depression or PTSD after being involved in a traumatic accident.
Seek the help you need and take your recovery one day at a time.
How to Understand Auto Accident Compensation Claims
Here’s another thing you should know about car accident injuries.
They’re expensive.
The total economic cost of motor vehicle crashes nationwide was estimated at $417 billion in 2024. This number includes medical expenses, lost wages, productivity and property damage.
On an individual level, a car accident can cause:
- Medical bills (ER visits, surgery, rehab, etc.)
- Lost wages from being unable to work while you recover
- Long-term pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
- Inability to do the things you love
You deserve to be compensated for every impact the crash had on your life.
That’s what auto accident compensation claims are for.
Fighting Back to Regain Your Active Lifestyle
How do you start living your life after being injured in an accident?
It starts with your mentality.
Don’t get caught up on the timeline of your recovery. Some days will be better than others.
Taking these steps will help you recover:
Work with doctors who specialise in sports medicine and physical therapy. Therapists who understand sports injuries and staying active will be able to tailor a treatment plan that’s specific to your goals.
Create attainable goals. If you want to start running again, don’t start by running a 10k. Walk first. Once you can handle that, try some light jogging. Slowly build up your strength and stamina.
Document everything. Not only is this good motivation to stay on track with your recovery, but it can also help with your auto accident compensation claim. The more you can show how the injuries affect your day-to-day life, the better.
Surround yourself with support. Whether that’s friends, family or a trusted legal team. Having people who can empathise with what you’re going through is critical to your recovery.
Wrapping It Up
Car accidents aren’t just expensive. They can take away the thing you love most — living an active lifestyle.
Take your recovery one day at a time and focus on fighting back to get your life back.
As long as you have the proper medical professionals on your side, you can get there.
Don’t forget about filing an auto accident compensation claim either. They exist for a reason — to help you get back on your feet after a life-changing accident.
