Of all the injuries from a car accident, one of the most common is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because car accidents are usually traumatic, especially traumatic if you or a loved one are injured or killed, it’s understandable that PTSD would present itself after these unfortunate events. But every car accident is unique, and every person reacts to them differently. Still, PTSD and its effects can have implications that last well after the initial car accident.
The sudden and unexpected nature of a car accident, as well as the potential for injury or loss, can be traumatic for anyone involved. These conditions are ripe for developing PTSD, even if you aren’t physically injured. Oftentimes, the psychological impact of being in a car accident can significantly alter your everyday life if you leave it unattended.
Free Consultations For California Car Accident Victims
If you find yourself in one of these unfortunate accidents, it can feel overwhelming. The feelings of dread, anxiety, and fear that PTSD can cause relating to a car accident can make it difficult for you to even perform everyday tasks, like going to work or driving to the store. In these situations, Maison Law wants you to know that you’re not alone. Our experienced and compassionate California car accident lawyers can provide you with the support and benefits you need to get back on the road to recovery.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more.
What Do I Need to Know About PTSD?
PTSD is a recognized psychological condition that occurs after experiencing a traumatic event. Initially, PTSD was associated only with military combat, but as treatment and research on this condition increased, experts began applying it to a wider range of human experiences.
The common thread through all PTSD cases is that the condition is triggered by an event that is:
- Traumatic
- Stressful
- Fear-inducing
Obviously, a car accident checks all of those boxes, being highly traumatic events both for people in the car and those who witness the accident. Car accidents often involve high levels of pain, and the erratic and sudden impact and movement of the car can be extremely fear-inducing. Worse yet, when a car accident involves serious injuries–traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or burns, for example–the PTSD can be even more pronounced. PTSD isn’t limited to serious car accidents, either. Even a minor car accident with minor or no injuries can lead to this condition.
Symptoms and Treatment Options for PTSD
One of the difficulties with diagnosing and living with PTSD is that, while the condition is fairly widespread, the symptoms differ from case to case. Those that develop PTSD from a car accident usually experience the following symptoms:
- Flashbacks – Usually the most common symptom across PTSD cases is reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks and nightmares. Those that suffer from PTSD begin to obsess and fixate on the accident, constantly talking about or revisiting the memory. Flashbacks take this obsession to the next level, with you actually having a physical response to the traumatic event. Simply hearing a car or seeing an accident on television or in a movie can trigger flashbacks, making you feel like you are right back at the scene of the accident. Other times, the internal memory of the accident, coupled with the effect PTSD has on your brain’s chemistry can trigger flashbacks.
- Avoidance – Many of those with PTSD struggle with avoidance. Avoidance is a coping mechanism that involves avoiding or withdrawing from situations, people, or activities that are perceived as threatening or unpleasant. It is a way of avoiding or escaping from potential stressors or problems. This can be a negative coping strategy for PTSD because it does not address the underlying issues and can actually make them worse in the long run. It can also lead to feelings of isolation, further triggering episodes of anxiety.
- Depression – Many of those that suffer car accidents slip into a depression after the accident. PTSD can often exacerbate the symptoms of depression, like sadness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness. In addition, the stress and trauma associated with PTSD can further disrupt your daily life, leading to social isolation, difficulty functioning, and other factors that can contribute to the development of depression.
Treatment
It is important for people who have been in a car accident and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD to seek help from a mental health professional. Treatment for PTSD can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Therapy options for PTSD include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help you identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Exposure therapy, which involves gradually facing and processing the traumatic event.
- Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also be effective in treating PTSD by helping to regulate the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for mood and emotions.
It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to a traumatic event, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. It is also important to recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to face the difficult emotions and memories associated with PTSD, but with the right treatment, it is possible to find relief and move forward.
Are Costs Relating to PTSD Available to Recover in a Claim?
Simply put, the damages and treatment costs related to PTSD from your car accident is something that you can recover in a claim. In California, the law maintains that damages in claim can include any medical costs, which usually occur from physical injuries. But because PTSD is a recognized mental disorder, it also falls under the umbrella of damages.
Specifically, there are the economic and non-economic damages that arise from PTSD and its related issues, such as:
- Cost for visits to your mental health professional.
- Costs relating to travel to and from doctor appointments related to PTSD diagnosis and treatment.
- Costs relating to your prescription medications
- Treatment for other issues accompanying the PTSD, such as substance abuse.
- Cost of any inpatient mental health or treatment programs related to PTSD when applicable.
- Costs relating to emotional distress and mental anguish.
It’s important to remember that your mental health should be your number one priority after your car accident. To that end, our team of experienced and compassionate car accident lawyers at Maison Law can help. We can handle the day-to-day responsibilities of any claim you have, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Maison Law Stands With California Car Accident Victims
When you’ve been in a car accident, it’s often the physical injuries that receive the most attention. While your physical recovery is definitely important, the injuries and damage you can’t see are often even more debilitating. When you suffer from PTSD or other psychological effects of a car accident in California, Maison Law will stand with you to make sure you get the support you need. Our team of experienced, dedicated California car accident lawyers has developed a proven system of success and will be with you every step of the way as you navigate this complex and emotionally taxing journey.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation with our office, contact us today.
