A Detailed Guide on PTSD Caused by Car Accidents
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is normal to feel stressed and worried. This is particularly true if the accident was not your fault and you have been injured as a result. But what if this stress is causing mental health problems? Can you make a claim for compensation for PTSD caused by an auto accident? In this article, we will explore the question of whether or not it’s possible to sue over PTSD following a road accident.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that affects everyone, not just soldiers or victims of sexual assault. It’s caused by trauma and can develop after a particularly traumatic event. If you have PTSD, it means your brain has been affected by the event, making it difficult to regulate emotions and memory.
If you have been in a car accident that has left you with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with reputed law firms such as Hutzler Law, PLLC, to get the compensation you deserve and protect your rights.
What Are the Signs of PTSD?
The following are the most common symptoms of PTSD;
- Avoiding places or situations that remind you of the accident.
- Flashbacks of the incident.
- Nightmares resulting in insomnia or other sleeping defects.
- Hypervigilance, in which you have trouble sleeping or concentrating and tend to be on edge for long periods without any real reason for it.
- Being easily startled by things, including loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks displays, as well as unexpected movements such as someone walking into the room unexpectedly.
How Can a Car Accident Cause PTSD?
When you’re in an accident, your brain is busy processing all kinds of information. Traumatic memories can come flooding back when you least expect them: The lights from oncoming cars flash by too quickly, or someone hit their brakes suddenly, bringing bad memories of your own experience. These triggers are what cause PTSD symptoms in car accident victims. They remind you how helpless you felt during your accident experience, making you remember everything and bringing a sort of panic attack.
What Treatments Are Available to Help With Car Accident PTSD?
There are several treatment options available to help with car accident PTSD. The most common is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves talking through your thoughts and feelings that are responsible for your anxious state. You can also try medication or exercise, which will help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.
A good way to relieve stress after a car accident is by taking a short break from driving. Similarly, you can take a break for a few minutes while driving, particularly when you’re feeling fatigued or stressed by things going on around you that may make it more difficult for your brain to function normally.
Can I Make a Claim for Compensation for Car Accident PTSD?
If you were involved in a car accident and suffered from PTSD as a result of it, it may be possible to claim compensation. However, before making such a request, you will need to provide medical evidence that proves your symptoms are caused by accident. To do this:
- You must have been diagnosed with PTSD following the incident (and not any other condition).
- Your doctor needs to declare that these symptoms were caused by your involvement in the accident.
Making a Claim for Compensation
If you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, and are suffering from PTSD as a result, then making a compensation claim can be helpful for not only your finances but your mental health as well. However, before doing so, it’s important to understand how much compensation will be payable. The amount of compensation depends on what type of injury or illness has resulted from the accident and how long it takes for your symptoms to improve.
If your injuries are severe enough that they stop you from working full time or cause chronic pain, then they may qualify as ‘permanent’ injuries, which means they cannot recover completely without regular treatment.
If you’re suffering from PTSD following a car accident, then there is no need to suffer alone. You have every right to claim compensation for your health problems and suffering if it’s the result of somebody else’s carelessness. It’s important to know you’re not alone. We strongly recommend that you seek legal counsel before pursuing a claim for PTSD following an accident.
