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What is the Risk of Developing PTSD After Being Involved in a Car Accident?
While any type of accident may cause an individual to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), car accidents can trigger serious mental health issues in accident victims. The more severe the accident, the greater the risk of developing PTSD. However, you should also know that even a minor accident can spark the chances of suffering mental trauma.
If you feel you have developed PTSD due to being involved in a car accident, you need to contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to seek compensation for emotional distress and other injury-related damages. A qualified member of our legal team will be happy to review your case and explore your legal options. Call Khan Injury Law today at 206-900-9900.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when individuals experience a highly distressful or harmful event. Afterward, individuals who have witnessed the event may begin to suffer from a wide range of symptoms that negatively impact their everyday life.
The effects of PTSD can vary from a noticeably short period, such as weeks or months, to a longer extended period of time of up to a year or even longer. In many cases, the individual experiencing PTSD may suffer in silence for years without receiving any help to recover. Some individuals with PTSD feel like they have to bottle up their feelings or be strong for their loved ones. Unfortunately, this can make the symptoms worse and can prolong the recovery process. However, there is help for those suffering from PTSD, and many people recover quickly with professional assistance.
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Although PTSD can cause an individual to suffer a wide range of symptoms, several seem more common. They include:
- Anger, especially when experiencing any feelings associated with feeling helpless such as when the car accident occurred
- Flashbacks to the time of the accident.
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances in the form of nightmares about the accident
- Suicidal thoughts, especially in individuals who have experienced catastrophic injuries or when another person died due to the accident
How is PTSD Treated?
PTSD can be successfully treated in various ways depending on the needs of the individual. Some of the most common include:
- Medications
- Animal therapy
- Support from family, religious, or community groups
- Mental health counseling
One of the best measures an individual can take to help recover from PTSD is to seek help for their condition. If you are a family member or friend of a person you suspect has PTSD, many options are available in your communities to help you understand how to best assist those in need.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Returning to normalcy may take some time after a traumatic event like a car accident. Everyone is different, and you may need days, weeks, or even months to feel like yourself again.
Below are some steps you can take to help yourself move on from a car accident:
- Talk about the car accident with loved ones. Bottling up your emotions can lead to anger and fear over time. Talk to someone you trust, like a friend or family member, about what you’re going through.
- Practice self-care. Self-care just means doing something nice for yourself once a day. Set aside 15 minutes to read, go for a walk, or listen to your favorite music.
- Set a routine for yourself. It’s easy to neglect your routine after a traumatic event. Make a schedule for yourself and do your best to follow it every day.
- Allow yourself to grieve if you lost someone. Fatal car accidents can be very damaging to your psyche. Give yourself time to mourn if you lost a loved one.
- Go to a support group. Car accident support groups allow you to talk to others who are going through the same thing.
- Seek support from professionals. A mental health professional can assess your situation and provide therapy and medication to assist in your recovery.
- Get enough sleep. Traumatic events can make falling asleep difficult. If you have trouble sleeping, consult your doctor.
What Kind of Damages Can I Recover?
After an accident that caused PTSD, there are some damages you can claim in a lawsuit to recoup your losses. Generally, any expense you paid because of the accident or injuries related to the accident can be claimed. Injuries include emotional suffering and mental health issues such as PTSD.
Depending on the nature of your case, you may be able to recover damages for things like:
- Doctor’s appointments
- Therapy visits
- Medication to treat mental health disorders and anxiety
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
And more. If you are unsure how to pursue a lawsuit or need help deciding which damages to claim, call our office today. We will review your case and advise you on how to proceed.
Can an Attorney Help Me Recover Damages if I Have Suffered PTSD Due to a Car Accident?
Depending on the unique facts surrounding your car accident case, you may be entitled to recover damages related to developing PTSD. However, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. As a direct result of the accident, you developed PTSD, which has impacted your life to the extent that you deserve compensation.
Our law firm can assist you with building your case to recover the financial compensation you need to help you gain peace of mind and focus on your mental and physical health. Contact Khan Injury Law by calling 206-900-9900 and asking to schedule a free consultation immediately.
