PTSD After A Car Accident
Car accidents occur every day and for most, being involved in a car accident will cause some initial shock. Most people involved in a car accident or another traumatic event will have some difficulty coping but they eventually get better. However, if symptoms persist and interfere with everyday life, you may have PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a mental health disorder that is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Some examples of situations that could lead to PTSD include:
● Being involved in an accident
● Experiencing sexual assault, domestic violence, crime, or another act of violence
● Animal attacks
● Surviving a natural disaster or military combat
● Sustaining an injury because of medical malpractice
● Witnessing acts of violence
Car accidents are a leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder. Struggling with PTSD can severely impact your life. The disorder can be crippling and keep you from being able to perform daily tasks. PTSD after a motor vehicle accident presents itself in distinctive ways in different people but examples of symptoms include:
● Flashbacks or nightmares of the car accident
● Severe anxiety about driving or riding in a vehicle
● Irritability or excessive worry or anger
● Avoiding places that remind you of the accident
● Experiencing guilt or blame
● Having a breakdown when you hear sirens
● Isolating yourself
● Trouble with memory and concentration
● Negative changes in mood or thinking
For a person experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, they may feel hopeless or like things won’t improve. It’s important to understand that PTSD is treatable. Once you see a physician, they will recommend a course of treatment they deem appropriate for you. Treatment will likely include a combination of medication such as antidepressants and anxiety medication as well as therapy. Attending therapy sessions with a trained professional will help you identify your triggers and learn coping skills.
Learning to take care of yourself after a traumatic accident will take time but with support, you will fully recover.
Something else to be aware of is that you could potentially receive compensation for PTSD by filing a personal injury claim. Depending on the cause of the car accident and the severity of your symptoms, you may have a case. If you’re wanting to seek compensation, it’s very important you’re keeping a record of all your symptoms and also discussing them with your physician. The next thing to do is contact a personal injury attorney so that they can help you seek compensation.
PTSD is a life-changing mental health disorder but it doesn’t have to negatively affect your life forever. With help, you will get your life back on track.
