Those who have been injured in car accidents often develop post-traumatic stress disorder. In fact, some reports identify car accidents as one of the most common causes of PTSD in the general American population.
Traditionally, PTSD has often been linked to those who experience extraordinary circumstances, such as people who survive natural disasters or military members who experience combat. But for the average American, it is unlikely that they will be involved in either of these scenarios. Car accidents, therefore, are one of the most common traumatic events people experience, and that can certainly trigger PTSD.
The severity of the crash can play a role. Someone may be more likely to experience PTSD if they suffer serious injuries or if another person passes away in the accident, for example. However, any crash can be a sudden and unexpected event that can have a lasting psychological and emotional impact.
What symptoms do people experience?
PTSD is different from one person to the next, so the symptoms can vary. But some common examples include:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Avoidance behavior
- Depression
- Anxiety
Not only can these things affect how a person feels on a day-to-day basis, but they can also be very limiting. A person who has been involved in a serious accident may then be afraid to drive, for example, which could put their entire career in jeopardy and limit their daily transportation options.
Seeking financial compensation
It is important to consider all of the ways that a car accident has affected you if you were involved in that crash due to someone else’s negligence. It can help to work with an experienced attorney to look into your options to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.