Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following a Car Accident
Posted Friday, February 21, 2020 by Chris Thayer
If you have ever been in a serious car accident, you have likely suffered some emotional trauma following the accident. In many cases, your physical and emotional injuries will heal, and you will be free from both. However, after a catastrophic car accident, many victims face not only physical injuries but lingering psychological injuries, as well. In fact, studies have shown that up to 10% of car accident victims are affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after a serious car accident. If you were recently in a car accident and feel anxious, depressed, or worried, you may actually suffer from PTSD, and need to seek medical care for this very real condition.
*What PTSD Looks Like *PTSD is a recognized mental health condition that occurs typically after a traumatic event. While many people think of soldiers coming home after a war, or victims of rape or violent crimes, other traumatic events such as a serious car accident can also result in PTSD. Some of the symptoms may include constant or severe anxiety, fear, a feeling of helplessness, fits of anger or aggression without any known cause, continuous flashbacks of the accident, hallucinations, nightmares, feeling detached emotionally or numb, amnesia regarding the accident, or a compulsion to avoid any person or place that reminds the victim of the car accident.
PTSD is much more than being upset after a car accident, it is a condition that must be diagnosed by a medical professional. If you have exhibited any of these symptoms for over a month following a car accident, you should be seen by a medical professional.
*Preventing and Treating PTSD*In some cases, it simply is not possible to prevent PTSD. People who have an increased risk for PTSD and are predisposed to develop this condition could include those with prior mental, emotional, or psychological problems or those who lack social support. However, while that may predispose some people to this condition, it can affect anyone. If you are in a serious car accident, you should visit with family, friends, and a therapist as soon as possible to try to prevent any exacerbation of this condition. A medical professional can help provide medication and therapy to help you learn to cope with the aftermath of the trauma from a car accident. Many different types of therapies have proven exceptionally effective to combat PTSD including psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, relational therapy, or group therapy.
*Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today *If you were involved in a car accident and suffered emotional trauma or PTSD, you may have the right to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact our experienced personal injury and car accident attorneys at the Pivotal Law Group at 206-340-2008. We can work with you to build a strong case and help you receive compensation for your injuries. We proudly serve the Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island and Issaquah areas.