Physical injuries are common after car crashes. People recognize that they may need to see a doctor to receive a diagnosis and get the treatment they require for their optimal recovery. Fewer people acknowledge the possibility of psychological or mental health consequences after a major car crash.
Those involved in particularly severe collisions may sometimes develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People who fear for their lives during a crash, cannot exit a vehicle afterward or witness the severe injury or death of another person could develop PTSD after a collision. Those dealing with mental health challenges following a car wreck may need help addressing their symptoms and recovering compensation to pay for their treatment.
How does PTSD manifest?
PTSD causes intense emotional destabilization due to stimuli associated with a traumatic incident. Many people with PTSD become avoidant. They may stay out of cars or off of roads that they associate with the collision they experienced. Others experience protracted states of hyperarousal. They may become agitated and aggressive toward others or uncontrollably weepy because of their intense emotional reactions to external stimuli. Sights, sounds, locations and even smells can trigger PTSD symptoms.
People may have flashbacks or intense nightmares. They may withdraw from social relationships or lash out at the people closest to them. PTSD can affect family dynamics and earning potential by changing an individual’s personality and ability to navigate certain circumstances.
How do people treat PTSD?
Unfortunately, there is no universal cure for PTSD. Some people respond well to medication, but medication often only helps to control certain symptoms. Typically, those with PTSD require extensive therapy to recover from the condition. They may undergo talk therapy. They may seek out specialists who offer different types of cognitive or behavioral therapy to help them manage their symptoms.
Exposure therapy is common, as is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. People with car crash PTSD may require years of mental health support before their symptoms subside in some cases. Covering those costs can be challenging, especially if symptoms affect an individual’s earning potential.
Seeking compensation for PTSD treatment and its impact on income can help those traumatized by major car wrecks. Connecting difficult emotional reactions to a recent car crash can help people seek economic justice after a collision caused by another’s negligence leaves them traumatized.
