Car accidents are never fun. No one ever sets out to be involved in a crash. Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day for all sorts of reasons.
The impacts of a car accident can have lasting effects—not just physically, but mentally as well. Some people even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result.
Here are three reasons why you can develop PTSD following a car accident:
#1 - Experiencing a serious car accident can be very traumatic.
Even if no serious injuries are sustained, if you are involved in a major car accident, you may end up living with the trauma from the experience for the rest of your life. The sights, sounds, smells, and feelings can have lasting impacts on everyone involved.
It is important not to take this trauma lightly. If you or someone you know has had an experience like this, it’s important not to write off the thoughts and feelings experienced afterward, as this can invalidate the experience and make matters even worse.
#2 - Car accidents pose major threats to your life and physical wellbeing.
Regardless of whether serious injuries are sustained in the wreck, even just the threat of being severely harmed can cause major anxiety. It’s important not to dismiss this anxiety. Instead, it should be dealt with using productive coping mechanisms.
Unresolved trauma can lead to serious complications down the line, so it’s in your best interest to seek help right away if you’ve been negatively impacted mentally.
#3 - The trauma is relived every time you get into a car.
No matter what, we cannot avoid car rides. It’s just not practical. Modern life demands that most of us get into cars daily, even if we’re not the ones driving.
Some of the symptoms of PTSD include:
- Psychologically re-experiencing the trauma
- Persistently avoiding thoughts or situations associated with the wreck
- Numbed emotional responsiveness
- Elevated physical arousal
If you’ve developed PTSD as a result of an injury-sustaining car accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. Let us see if we can help.
Call Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. today at (850) 629-7226 for a free consultation.