Welfare consequences of injuries due to traffic accidents

The article focusses on the physical and mental health problems of persons who have received medical treatment after traffic accidents in Norway. The problems affect the injured persons’ ability to function in everyday life, and the consequences in terms of reduced welfare and quality of life are studied on the basis of a survey using mailed questionnaires. The inquiry sheds light on the occurrence of such problems within shorter and longer time horizons. For many of the persons affected, the after-effects have resulted in functional disabilities and reduced levels of well-being in many different areas of life. Adults with traffic injuries have far more severe health problems, resulting in more diminished well-being, than children in the same situation.