When you think of a car accident, you tend to only think of the physical injuries that come from one. You usually think about broken bones or tragic fatalities. But what about the emotional effects that come from experiencing that trauma?
No matter how minor an accident, it can cause long-term effects such as anxiety and phobias about being in a car. In fact, at least one third of all people who are involved in a car accident end up with post-traumatic stress disorder, which can be present for a year after the accident, maybe even longer.
Interestingly, most people who suffer these emotional effects were not driving the car when it crashed. This may be caused by the event happening unexpectedly, being unprepared for it and feeling powerless to prevent it.
Those who have been in a traumatic accident feel anxious in many situations, such as:
- When driving or riding in cars
- When passing the site of the accident
- When seeing similar road conditions to that of when the accident happened
- Traveling in the same or a similar vehicle to the one that was in the accident
It’s not always easy to tell if a loved one has PTSD, or to admit it to yourself, but there are some distinct signs that may help. Signs of PTSD can come in all forms, such as:
- Avoiding cars altogether
- Strain on work
- Strain on relationships
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings
- Guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Numbness
- Insomnia
- Easily startled
After a car accident, people can have increases in stress hormones for months afterward, even if the accident was minor. Treatment is not for everyone, but for those who seek it, it can include:
- Anxiety management
- Breathing and relaxation exercises
- Medications to relieve anxiety or help you sleep
If you’ve been in an accident, you should be aware of the possible causes for long-term PTSD. The severity of the accident has an impact, as does any fatalities suffered, but so does a history of prior traumatic experiences and ongoing litigation.
By taking the risk of ongoing litigation, you open yourself up to the opportunity to be compensated for the suffering you went through. Not only could you receive compensation for emotional suffering, but also for the treatment for any physical treatment you may have received.
If you have been in a car accident and are suffering any short-term or long-lasting injuries, you deserve compensation for your pain. De Lachica Law Firm is committed to helping you with your personal injury case.
Contact Houston car accident injury lawyer de Lachica Law Firm today.