Immediately after a serious motor vehicle accident, physical injuries tend to occur right away. These physical injuries range from minor bumps and scrapes to life-threatening, serious injuries. However, during the aftermath of a motor vehicle collision, other problems could arise, such as emotional injuries or mental trauma.
Living through the following events can be as mentally traumatic as the accident. These feelings are natural and can be expected immediately or gradually after a car accident. Still, such feelings may get worse. This could prevent car accident survivors from living normally.
Going through traumatizing, highly-dangerous events can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms can appear soon after the motor vehicle accident or gradually after the traumatic incident.
How Does a Serious Car Accident Affect You Mentally?
A serious car accident can cause you immediate physical pain and distress. Many times, physiological trauma acquired from serious car crashes can quickly become life-threatening and, therefore, more pressing. Consequently, this traumatic event’s emotional and mental effects might be the last thing on your mind.
Unfortunately, the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder increases after motor vehicle accidents and must not be ignored. It’s easy to think that the emotional distress and mental health effects would disappear with time. When left untreated, traumatic memories of the collision can affect a person mentally long after.
What Is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and What Are Its Common Symptoms?
When an individual goes through a very traumatic event, PTSD can develop. After serious car accidents, post-traumatic stress disorder may interfere with daily life even years into the future. A victim’s life can greatly plummet due to their PTSD symptoms.
The following are some common symptoms of PTSD:
- Exhaustion and extreme fatigue
- Headaches
- Flashbacks
- Frequent avoidance of things or people related to the accident
- High alertness and hyper-vigilance
- Increased feelings of anxiety and worry
- Insomnia
- Isolation from friends and family
- Issues with focus and concentration
- Major depressive disorder or major depressive episode
- Mood swings or increased feelings of anger
- Presence of intrusive thoughts
- Suicidal ideation and thoughts
What Triggers PTSD Symptoms After a Car Accident?
Car crashes can be incredibly stressful for both the victims and the onlookers. Victims might feel extreme physical pain in the aftermath of a car crash.
Severe physiological injuries suffered by some car accident victims can impact their life and mental health forever. Mental and emotional symptoms can appear as a result. Often, the victims develop PTSD as well. PTSD can manifest after any kind of traumatic experience. Violent motor vehicle collisions can undoubtedly be traumatic enough to result in PTSD due to their nature.
How Long Does PTSD Last?
PTSD symptoms often appear within a few months after the car accident, though they can appear much later. Victims must exhibit signs of PTSD for over a month to receive a formal diagnosis. The symptoms have to be severe and debilitating, with an apparent effect on the victim’s everyday life.
Each victim’s condition develops differently over time. While some individuals get well within half a year, others continue to experience symptoms for even more. Some individuals have to seek rigorous treatment to lessen the period of time, even just a little bit. On the other hand, some recover quickly with minimal help.
Options for Treatment of PTSD
Trauma is difficult to deal with, but luckily there are many ways to treat or mitigate PTSD symptoms. Many types of therapies can actually help those living with PTSD.
An example of such a therapy would be exposure therapy. Exposure therapy includes gradually exposing the victim to their traumatic experience to help them overcome it. Exposure therapy breaks the cycle of avoidance, which exacerbates many PTSD and anxiety symptoms.
Another common treatment is cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy aims to change the way individuals think and act to help them get through their trauma.
If possible, a victim can also opt for group therapy. Group therapy exposes the patient to different perspectives and a support system that can help immensely. However, PTSD treatment doesn’t just include therapies but medical treatments as well. Medications are available to help ease the symptoms present and address the mental health condition.
Dealing With the Emotional Trauma of Catastrophic Injuries
There is no easy way to deal with emotional trauma from devastating events that leave you with catastrophic injuries. However, there are ways to ease the psychological distress of such incidents.
A proven way for many victims to start healing is by seeking early intervention professional help. Mental health professionals are well-equipped with these mental disorders and can provide therapy to ease the trauma. Coping mechanisms such as relaxation techniques or mindfulness can greatly aid the mental health care given to victims.
Family members can also help victims through their ordeal, as strong support systems are crucial for recovery. The serious physiological trauma that causes emotional distress can be managed by healthcare professionals. It is possible for the mental and emotional issues to lessen when the injuries are finally healed or treated.
Helpful Apps for Dealing With Stress and Anxiety
It is important for car accident survivors to try what they can to get through their ordeal. Here are a few apps that can help individuals cope with stress and anxiety:
- Calm offers a lot of activities to deal with stress and anxiety. Whether you prefer guided meditation or prefer dancing around, Calm has it for you.
- BetterHelp allows people to connect to therapists online. Various types of therapy are available from the app, making it extremely flexible.
- Breathwrk can help beginners practice their breathing exercises. Breathing exercises are a crucial coping mechanism for those with severe anxiety and trauma.
- Headspace is a good app for meditation, even for beginners. With a gamified system and a cute interface, this app is perfect for those dealing with extreme stress.
- Insight Timer is a community-driven app with an extensive library of resources for dealing with stress and anxiety. This app has a huge library with something for everyone.
Can You Recover Financial Compensation for Ptsd From a Car Accident?
Yes, you can. However, you have to prove the other party’s fault. If you intend to sue or file a claim against them, you need to gather evidence. Sufficient proof of their fault is required to go forward. After this, the next step is to show how the car accident caused your PTSD or the symptoms of PTSD.
Filing a claim caused by the collision can help cover medical bills and lost wages. Moreover, it may compensate you for the pain and suffering caused by the condition’s impact on your mental health.
What Are the Legal Options for Victims of Traumatic Car Crashes?
A personal injury lawyer can assist you various ways if you figure in a car accident. Attorneys will help find out what transpired and how the car crash happened. They will obtain and study police reports and contact witnesses. They will gather medical reports and even calculate your expenses.
Attorneys can help you get adequate care and injury documentation. Documentation is essential since it will support the basis of your insurance claim. Legal representation is also essential when negotiating with insurance companies.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation.
The Clark Law Office offers customized and personalized services and gives easy legal counsel access to their clients. Whether it’s to seek compensation or to make a deal with your insurance company, The Clark Law Office is here to help. Contact us today at +1 (517) 347-6900 for a free consultation or email us at info@theclarklawoffice.com.
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