Five Common Symptoms of PTSD After a Car Accident

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often triggered by traumas like car accidents, can disrupt daily life and social enjoyment. Awareness of the five common symptoms of PTSD after a car accident can aid in early identification and timely medical professional help. This not only supports full recovery but also paves the way for potential compensation claims for mental health impact.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle collision caused by someone else’s negligence and are suffering from PTSD, the experienced car accident attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are here to help.

Can a Car Accident Victim Develop PTSD?

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing some kind of traumatic event. This serious mental trauma can include an auto accident, military combat, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or sexual violence. For some people, the trauma may be ongoing, such as in cases of child abuse.

How Large is the Problem in the US?

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, most people who experience a traumatic accident or event have little likelihood of developing PTSD. It is estimated that about 6% of Americans will suffer from the disorder at some point in their lives.

How Soon After Motor Vehicle Accidents Can Victims Experience PTSD?

A mental health professional may diagnose car accident PTSD symptoms within a few weeks or months after serious injuries or a traumatic incident.

How is PTSD Diagnosed After a Traumatic Events like a Car Crash?

PTSD is diagnosed by mental health professionals who conduct in-depth interviews and assessments, focusing on specific criteria defined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

You May Suffer from PTSD If You’re Experiencing These Symptoms

According to Mayo Clinic, five common symptoms of PTSD after a car accident include:

1. Flashbacks and Nightmares

A hallmark PTSD symptom following a car accident is recurring nightmares and flashbacks even when awake, causing victims to repeatedly experience the emotional trauma.

2. Avoidance Behavior

PTSD sufferers often try to avoid anything that reminds them of their traumatic experience. In the case of car accidents, this may include avoiding driving, riding in a car, or even discussing the with many car accident victims.

3. Hyperarousal

Hyperarousal in PTSD is a constant state of anxiety and edginess. It’s a heightened sense of danger after an accident, causing irritability, concentration difficulties, and an increased startle response.

4. Emotional Numbing

Emotional numbing, a prevalent PTSD symptom, leaves individuals disconnected from their feelings, reducing pleasure, inducing hopelessness, and adversely affecting personal relationships.

5. Anxiety and Depression

PTSD can induce anxiety and depression, resulting in constant edginess, panic attacks, a looming sense of doom, sadness, hopelessness, and a dwindling interest in activities once enjoyed.

What Treatment Options Are Available for PTSD?

Once a physician reviews your mental health, they will recommend various therapies to help you recover from PTSD including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Cognitive-processing therapy
• Prolonged exposure therapy
• Stress inoculation training
• Group therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Apart from these cognitive therapy treatments, your doctor or therapist may also give you a prescription to manage some symptoms, for example, anti-anxiety medications depending on the severity of your condition.

Coping With PTSD After a Car Accident

While it’s impossible to erase the traumatic memories or experience of a car accident, there are ways to cope with PTSD and manage its symptoms.

Some helpful coping strategies include:

• Seeking therapy – A professional therapist can help you work through your emotions and provide tools to cope with PTSD.
• Manage PTSD triggers – Identify and avoid triggers that bring about flashbacks or anxiety. This may involve avoiding certain locations, situations, or even people.
• Joining a support group – Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can be beneficial in understanding and managing PTSD.
• Practicing relaxation techniques – Activities like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – Exercise, a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep are essential in managing the symptoms of PTSD.
• Contact a car accident attorney – If your PTSD is a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your mental health impact.

Can I Seek Compensation for PTSD after a Car Accident?

When you develop PTSD after a motor vehicle accident, it can make your life less enjoyable and affect your relationships. It can also interfere with your concentration and productivity. Filing a claim for damages for personal injury when your accident was caused by the negligence of someone else can compensate you for the impact on your mental health.

What Proof Does My Car Accident Attorney Need?

You must prove another person was responsible for the crash. Some of the items you can use as proof are:

• Images of damage to your vehicle
• Pictures of your physical injuries
• Police reports
• Witness testimonies

When you have proven liability, you need to show that the event led to your PTSD. To substantiate that, you can use:

• Medical reports
• Receipts for medical care

Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for Help

Our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, is committed to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve to aid your recovery process after a serious car accident. Our experienced team understands the emotional distress that comes with PTSD after a car accident. We work tirelessly to build a strong case, gathering all necessary evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.

We believe that car accident survivors should not have to bear the financial burden of PTSD treatment and therapies for a condition they didn’t cause.

Call Us for Your Free Case Evaluation

During a free consultation, an experienced car accident attorney will review the specifics of your case to determine the viability of your claim. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we win your case or secure a settlement.