When people think about car accident injuries, they naturally focus on the physical damages. Broken bones, head trauma, whiplash, spinal cord damage, and other common motor vehicle accident injuries can keep people from working or leave them permanently impaired.
The emotional impact of a car accident does not receive as much attention, even though the impact is just as devastating. Even if a person has no physical injuries, the trauma of a car accident can be long-term or permanent. While any car accident can cause a serious emotional impact, a person who witnessed a fatality or a severe injury are more apt to be traumatized.
PTSD Symptoms
It is normal to feel depressed and anxious after an accident, or replay the incident repeatedly in your mind. However, if these feelings do not dissipate within a few weeks of the crash or worsen over time, something more insidious can occur, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seek medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms within weeks of the accident:
- Behavioral and personality changes
- Fear of riding in a car, either driving or as an occupant
- Constantly thinking about the accident
- Concentration difficulties
- Disruption of personal or business relationships
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Mood swings
- Substance abuse to deal with the stress
Challenges of PTSD
In some cases, the person may not want to see cars or traffic because it triggers their PTSD symptoms. Other people may experience delusions about the crash. In a worst-case scenario, a person may start hallucinating or exhibit other harrowing behaviors. If the person does not receive professional help, they may attempt to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.
PTSD victims have similar challenges as those who have suffered physical injuries; this may include an inability to return to work, take care of family members, or continue normal daily activities. Certainly, if a person is too frightened to get into a car, the situation will have a significant impact on their life.
PTSD Treatment
Treatment for PTSD may include prescription medications, like antidepressants or sleeping pills. Many patients benefit from speaking with a psychologist or
Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at Falcon Law Firm, LLC Advocate for All Car Accident Victims
If you were injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. The emotional impact of a car accident is not as obvious as physical injuries but can be debilitating. Our experienced Monmouth County car accident lawyers at Falcon Law Firm, LLC will fight aggressively to hold the responsible party accountable. Contact us online or call us at 732-454-3306 to schedule a free consultation. With locations in Oakhurst, Aberdeen, and Parlin, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we represent clients throughout Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
