What was supposed to be an easy Sunday afternoon heading home from visiting family turned into a nightmare. On the interstate, a traffic jam caused the driver of the car in front of Driver A to immediately slam on the brakes. Driver A missed hitting the car in front of her but was rear-ended by the car behind her, thus causing her to collide with the car she just missed hitting seconds before. Driver A’s car was smashed like an accordion though her injuries were minor. Despite being shaken, all three drivers talked to witnesses, police, and each other before heading home.
Driver A’s injuries were not severe, but the damage to her car was. Plus, Driver A felt extremely anxious about driving after the accident. She called her trusted attorney to seek compensation for the damages and inquired, “Can car accidents cause post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and can I get compensation?”
Single-Incident Trauma
When most individuals think of PTSD, horrific events such as years of abuse, war, and imprisonment are what come to mind. However, PTSD can also be found from single-incident traumas such as a car accident.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event, either experienced or witnessed. PTSD is often characterized by severe anxiety, flashbacks, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. These are often triggered by sights, sounds, or places that may remind the individual of the event. These symptoms can impact a person’s daily life and if not handled, can cause someone to shut down completely.
Car Accidents and PTSD
Car accidents happen in a matter of seconds but the injuries and mental trauma can last for days or years after the event. If you are concerned that you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD after a car accident, here are some symptoms to look out for.
- Recurring and often distressing memories of the event
- Flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Nightmares about the event
- Emotional or physical reaction when going back to the place or seeing an object associated with the event
- Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the event
- Avoiding places or activities that remind one of the event, such as driving or taking that particular road
- Negative thoughts about oneself
- Hopelessness
- Memory problems
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
- Feeling detached
- Lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
- Being easily startled
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
Can I Receive Compensation for PTSD from a Car Accident?
Compensation helps individuals injured from an accident restore order to their lives. From paying for property damages to covering medical expenses. Under Texas State Law, individuals can seek compensation for emotional trauma, including PTSD, as both of these can be treated by medical professionals through medicine and therapy to help symptoms and alleviate anxiety. If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD due to an accident, contact the Hernandez Law Group, today! Our team can help you claim the compensation you deserve!