Developing PTSD after a motor vehicle collision is common and can occur for many reasons, especially in cases of injury or fatalities. If you were involved in an auto accident and have been diagnosed with PTSD, you may be entitled to compensation that can cover the cost of past and future medical treatment, including therapy, in addition to other damages you incurred due to the accident, such as lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a disabling psychiatric disorder that occurs when a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Following trauma, a person can experience many symptoms, from suffering heightened levels of anxiety to reliving the event over and over.
Auto accidents are often highly traumatic for people involved in the collision and even those who witness it. During a motor vehicle accident, a person may experience extreme fear and pain. A vehicle may move unpredictably, causing the accident victim to fear they won’t survive. Some accident victims experience severe injuries that can change their lives completely, such as spinal cord damage, loss of limb, or traumatic brain injuries. Even a minor injury can cause lasting emotional trauma.
How Common is PTSD After a Car Accident?
Any type of auto accident can cause PTSD. The more severe the accident, the greater the odds that the survivors will experience emotional trauma. After even a minor collision, the accident victim may experience symptoms of PTSD.
What Are the Symptoms Of PTSD?
PTSD can cause a wide range of symptoms that will vary from person to person. Some people can quickly learn how to manage their symptoms and may be able to go about their day like they normally would, while for others, the symptoms of PTSD can be very debilitating, preventing them from sleeping, working, or participating in the activities they once enjoyed.
Some of the most common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Irritability
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Intrusive feelings and thoughts
- Reliving the accident over and over
- Depression
- Startling easily
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased isolation
- Hypervigilance
- Trouble concentrating
- Fatigue
- Avoidance
What Treatments Are Available for PTSD?
There are several treatments available for people suffering from PTSD. Treatment often focuses on helping the accident victim work through their trauma and teaching them how to identify triggers.
Therapy for PTSD can include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Supportive therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
Treatment often consists of a combination of therapies and medications. Over time, the person affected can learn to cope with and manage any symptoms associated with PTSD. But for some, it can be a long and challenging process.
Should I Hire a Car Crash Lawyer?
If you were involved in an auto accident and have been diagnosed with PTSD you may be entitled to compensation. At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our car accident lawyers can help during this challenging time, in many ways.
While you focus on getting well, our car accident attorneys will investigate your accident, gather important evidence, and handle all communication with the insurance company. Our goal is to make the entire legal process as low-stress as possible and ensure you recover maximum compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.
Contact Us Today
If you were involved in an auto accident that was caused by a negligent driver and you were diagnosed with PTSD, you may be entitled to compensation. At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our car accident lawyers can help you fight for the fair settlement you deserve for an accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more.
