Car accidents, whether minor or severe, are traumatic events that can leave more behind than just a bruise or a broken bone.
According to the study Psychiatric consequences of road traffic accidents published in the British Medical Journal, “Almost one-fifth of subjects, however, suffered acute stress syndrome characterized by mood disturbance and horrific memories of the accident.” One-tenth of patients experienced PTSD in the aftermath of an accident, with phobic travel anxiety becoming common and disabling for those in the driver’s seat and as a passenger.
The havoc a car accident releases on the mind can be debilitating, leaving behind emotional damage that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years. Our team understands the psychological impact you feel after an accident, and we want you to know that compensation is within reach with the right help.
Keep reading as we dive into the psychological impact of a car accident and your legal options when it comes to seeking compensation.
The Psychological Impact: Can You Get PTSD From a Car Accident?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that follows either witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. A traumatic event is any experience that is emotionally harmful, physically harmful, or life-threatening, such as a natural disaster, combat zone, or an automobile accident.
The American Psychiatric Association estimates PTSD to affect approximately 4% of U.S adults and 8% of U.S. adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. Between 25 and 33% of drivers display PTSD symptoms at least 30 days after a severe crash.
Survivors of a car crash with PTSD tend to experience the following symptoms:
- Intrusive thoughts (such as flashbacks of the incident, nightmares, etc.)
- Sleeping difficulty
- Avoidance of people, places, or activities that may trigger memories
- Difficulty concentrating
- Detachment
- Severe anxiety
- Mood swings
- Depression
While symptoms of PTSD are more frequent following a major auto collision, they can be prevalent after a “less severe road accident injury.”
Managing Trauma and Anxiety After a Car Accident
Navigating and managing your trauma after an automobile crash will look different from person to person. If you’ve been in a car crash, feeling extreme stress or anxiety at the thought of driving again is a normal response.
Taking time to care for your mental health following a car accident is crucial. Here are a few strategies and coping mechanisms that may help reduce your anxiety:
Practice Being in Your Vehicle
While it may sound trivial and silly, sitting in your vehicle while parked can help ease some of your driving anxiety. Getting reacquainted with your car can help you slowly rebuild your confidence behind the wheel and make the process less intimidating when you feel ready to turn on the ignition.
Seek Professional Help
Finding a therapist who specializes in mental health and trauma-related anxiety can be a life-altering step on your road to recovery. Your therapist can provide coping strategies and develop a treatment plan to help you work through the psychological effects of your accident.
In addition to helping you on your road to recovery, therapy can also help when it is time to recover damages from the accident itself. Your therapist’s documentation of your progress and treatment plans will be included in your settlement, allowing you to regain control over your mental health and your financial well-being in the aftermath of the incident.
Be Patient with Yourself
In the aftermath of your car accident, be patient with your progress and recovery. Just as you have to take time to recover following a broken arm or a sprained ankle, your mind and nervous system need time to heal.
Acknowledge your feelings, avoid high-stress situations or decisions for now, and try to get back into your routine as soon as possible. Recovery will look different for everyone, so be patient and remember your feelings are valid.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Prove the Impact on Your Mental Health After a Car Accident
Seeking support for your mental health and PTSD after a car accident is your job – our job is to help you prove the psychological impact in a personal injury case.
Known as non-economic damages, the mental and emotional effects of a car crash can be challenging to prove when it comes to seeking compensation. After all, you can’t see the effects or show people what is happening within your head.
We will appoint a highly qualified car accident lawyer near you to assist in building your case in the following ways:
- Therapist documentation and files
- Medical diagnosis that could indicate physical symptoms of emotional distress
- Expert testimony
- Personal account (i.e., your direct statement, an ongoing journal, etc.)
Afraid to Get Behind the Wheel After an Accident? Leave it to Hoffman Law Firm
PTSD and other psychological effects from a car accident can be debilitating on their own, let alone while attempting to navigate a personal injury claim. By hiring a car accident attorney at Hoffman Law Firm, we will help you pursue financial compensation while focusing on what’s important: your recovery.
Located in Georgetown and Charleston, SC, our personal injury law firm proudly advocates for accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. As the locals’ trusted personal injury law firm, we have extensive experience handling various cases.
We have established a reputation for success and excellent service! To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today. We are here to help!
