A car accident, whether major or minor, can cause injuries and distress to the people involved. An accident is a traumatic experience. Therefore, it’s normal to wonder if you could develop PTSD from such an encounter. The article below will explain everything you need to know about developing PTSD after a car accident.
Car Accidents and PTSD
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD can occur after a scary, shocking, or dangerous encounter. A car accident definitely falls in this category. In the past, PTSD was mostly diagnosed among military members who had fought in wars. However, experts now acknowledge that this mental health disorder can affect anyone who has suffered trauma.
PTSD differs slightly from the usual challenges people experience after dealing with an upsetting event. While most people in a car accident will face temporary challenges but get better with some self-care, PTSD can last for years and affect daily routine. Car accidents are among the leading causes of PTSD among non-military personnel.
Symptoms of PTSD
Some signs of PTSD will develop shortly after a car accident, while others can take months to manifest. But generally, the symptoms to look out for include the following:
- Anger: Anything that provokes feelings of helplessness can trigger anger
- Intrusive thoughts: Victims often relieve the traumatic event in their minds or experience unwanted memories.
- Anxiety: Victims can struggle with anxiety when getting inside a car or when they pass the location of the accident.
- Sleep disturbances: Some victims will sleep more than often to avoid thinking about the accident or any interactions that can trigger memories of the accident.
- Avoidance: people with PTSD will avoid talking about anything that triggers thoughts of a car accident.
- Changes in thoughts and moods
- Startling more easily
Getting Compensation After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you’ll be entitled to compensation for the damage you have suffered, including the mental health effects of the car crash. PTSD usually falls under emotional distress. Such a health condition will prevent you from living your life fully. You ought to get compensated for that.
However, proving emotional distress after a car accident can be tricky as the damage is not visible, like physical injuries. It’s best to hire an auto collision lawyer to prove you have PTSD. The lawyer will go through your medical records to prove this is a type of injury you suffered from the accident and help you get compensated.
How Long Does PTSD Last?
PTSD can last a few weeks or months, but if not treated, it can last for years. There are several treatments for PTSD, with the most common one being therapy. Cognitive and exposure therapy help patients recognize patterns preventing them from moving forward and facing memories that cause them to relive the trauma.
How Much Money Can You Get for PTSD After a Car Accident
Compensation after a car accident includes payment for the actual medical costs you incur, pain and suffering compensation, and emotional distress damages. This means you’ll receive payment for the treatment you need to manage the PTSD and get compensation for the discomfort or pain you experience while dealing with the condition. The payment’s specific value will depend on various factors, such as how likely you are to recover from PTSD and how the condition has impacted your life.
If you or a loved one has had PTSD because of a car accident, you are entitled to compensation. Talk to a personal injury lawyer about your case and see the help you can get. This way, you will not only get help, but you’ll also be able to maintain a healthy life.
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