PTSD After A Car Accident
Car accidents often cause physical injuries, however, if a car accident is serious enough, victims may also suffer from psychological distress or emotional trauma. In some cases, victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a catastrophic car accident. If a car accident has left you with serious psychological challenges, it may harm your ability to function in your everyday life. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney familiar with the connection between PTSD and car accidents at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 to help you better understand all of your legal rights.
Understanding PTSD
According to the National Institutes of Health, PTSD can occur after any kind of violent or stressful event, including car accidents. While many people are familiar with PTSD and physical abuse or with military veterans, the truth is that any person that someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic or life-threatening event, they may experience PTSD. In some cases, PTSD can impact the ability of a victim to resume normal life, return to work or school, or even engage in healthy relationships. Some of the common signs and symptoms of PTSD following a car accident may include the following:
- Nightmares and sleeping challenges
- Flashbacks of the traumatic car accident
- Avoidance of any reminder of the car accident (traveling down the same road, traveling in a car at all, or avoiding those people involved in the car with you during the time of the car accident)
- Personality changes such as increased irritability or agitation
- Depression, anxiety or numbness
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt
Every person that suffers from PTSD will experience different symptoms, and some victims, unfortunately, choose to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. If you experienced PTSD following your car accident, make sure to always seek the advice of a medical professional, a psychological counselor, and contact an experienced attorney in order to better understand how you can receive compensation for these medical expenses by contacting an attorney at Labrum Law Firm today.
Increased Risk Factors for PTSD After a Car Accident
Some people have an increased risk of developing PTSD after a car accident, according to research published by the Journal of Personality. Some of the increased risk factors for developing PTSD include a history of neuroticism, a family history of psychopathy, high levels of emotion after the trauma, a history of prior traumatic experiences, no support systems, prior psychological challenges, and dissociation during or after the traumatic car accident.
The Journal of Anxiety Disorders indicates that those persons that still fear that their life is in danger 6 months after a car accident or traumatic event are more likely to develop PTSD. Therefore, the sooner that a person can receive psychological counseling and assistance in handling the emotional and psychological challenges following a car accident can help prevent or lessen the symptoms of PTSD.
How PTSD Affects A Victim's Life After a Car Accident
Living with PTSD, or having a family member that suffers from PTSD after a car accident can impact an entire family permanently. In some cases, it may mean that a victim refuses to travel by car, refuses to travel on similar roads, or experienced severe psychological distress or mood swings. Additionally, many victims of PTSD also suffer from traumatic brain injuries or other physical injuries. Living with someone suffering from PTSD can mean a daily struggle trying to navigate their emotions and challenges. Some of the ways that a person can begin to overcome and create a healthy environment following a PTSD diagnosis can include the following:
- Developing a routine that is comfortable for the PTSD victim helps them know what is coming during the day and feeling prepared and safe
- Visiting with a psychologist or mental health therapist for cognitive behavioral therapy to address anxiety and behavioral challenges
- Create a strong support network that provides consistent support and encouragement to the victim suffering from PTSD
- Develop lifestyle changes to create an overall healthy environment for the PTSD, such as avoiding caffeine and getting more exercise in order to help with sleep and rest
Compensation for PTSD After a Car Accident
It is critical to understand that psychological trauma and emotional injuries are just as valid injuries as physical injuries. If you are a victim that suffers from PTSD after a car accident, you have the right to include all of your expenses and losses related to PTSD in your claim. You may have the ability to receive the following types of compensation related to your PTSD after your car accident:
- Medical expenses related to physical injuries (many victims of PTSD after a car accident also suffer from physical injuries)
- Expenses related to any treatment for PTSD including counseling, medications, or medical devices
- Lost wages due to the victim's inability to return to work due to their PTSD and psychological distress
- Any inpatient or outpatient care needed as a result of PTSD after a car accident
- Pain and suffering including loss of enjoyment of life, or loss of consortium for family members affected by their loved one's PTSD
If you developed PTSD after a car accident, consider visiting with an experienced personal injury attorney at Labrum Law Firm familiar with the types of compensation you may have the legal right to receive from the negligent party that caused your PTSD, injuries, and other losses.
How a Labrum Law Firm Attorney Can Help You Receive Compensation For PTSD Following Your Car Accident
If you are suffering from PTSD following your car accident, you may feel overwhelmed at how to actually go through the steps you need to do in order to receive compensation for your injuries and losses related to your car crash. However, your life may have suffered serious challenges related to someone else's negligence on the roadway causing you to develop PTSD and other psychological or physical harm. We would welcome the opportunity to help you through this difficult time. Contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 to better understand how we can help you receive compensation for your PTSD and other losses following your car accident.
