PTSD After a Car Accident

A serious car accident can cause a variety of physical injuries. Victims can suffer broken bones, head trauma, internal bleeding, paralysis, and more.

What people tend to overlook is psychological injuries. A major car crash can be a traumatic experience. It can cause a person to suffer mental effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

People tend to associate PTSD with wars, but it can happen after any type of traumatic event, and a car accident is no exception. A person can suffer from severe mental effects for a long time. Their everyday life can be greatly affected, to the point where they may no longer feel comfortable driving or even riding in a vehicle.

PTSD after a car accident often involves chronic pain. PTSD tends to exacerbate when the pain causes significant lifestyle limitations, impairment, or significant distress, to the point where the person’s everyday activities and ability to work are affected.

PTSD is a condition that needs to be managed effectively or else it can worsen. Here are the symptoms to look for and tips on how to cope.

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD may involve the following:

• Re-experiencing the trauma. A person may experience flashbacks of the accident. They may have nightmares or distressing thoughts and even physical reactions, like sweating or a racing heart, when reminded of the event.
• A victim may avoid driving or being near vehicles. They may even avoid places or situations that remind them of the accident.
• Heightened anxiety. A person may feel jumpy or easily startled. They may be prone to irritability or anger and have difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
• Negative mood or thoughts. Someone suffering from PTSD may experience feelings of guilt or blame about the accident. They may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

How to Cope

PTSD can greatly affect your life. Here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

• Practice grounding techniques. Deep breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety. Mindfulness or meditation can help you stay present.
• Gradual exposure. Slowly reintegrate yourself into driving or being around cars, starting with small steps.
• Use support systems. Talk with trusted friends or family about your feelings. Join support groups for trauma or accident survivors.
• Seek professional help. Professional treatments can help. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps address negative thoughts and develop coping skills. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a therapy specifically for trauma. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can also be helpful.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

People tend to focus on physical injuries after a car accident, but psychological ones such as PTSD are also common. They need to be treated promptly to avoid further issues.

A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can help you gather the evidence you need to obtain full and fair compensation after an accident. To schedule a consultation, call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form.

Source:

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2396820/#:~:text=Individuals%20who%20experience%20a%20serious%20motor%20vehicle,psychological%20problems