What To Look Out For
It is normal to feel a flood of emotions, including shock, guilt, grief, helplessness, confusion, and fear, immediately following a car accident. However, with PTSD, these feelings don’t go away over time and can actually get worse.
According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , you may have PTSD if you experienced or witnessed a serious trauma, such as a car accident, and develop some of the following symptoms:
- Intrusive memories
- Negative changes in thinking and mood
Any or all of these symptoms may also occur as part of your body’s natural response to a traumatic life event. In people who don’t develop PTSD, these symptoms should naturally subside over time.
If you notice your symptoms are getting more severe and/or more frequent, if you’re avoiding more situations, or your symptoms are beginning to interfere with your life, then you may be at risk for developing PTSD.
Triggers And Accident Trauma
Trauma such as witnessing or being involved in a road accident reveals to you how precious and precarious life is. It demonstrates that a terrible event can unfold in minutes, in ways you cant always predict or control. Its natural for this to leave you distressed and disturbed.
You may find it impossible to avoid reminders. You, your friends and your family will travel by road or walk across them daily. Potentially leaving you in a constant state of high alert for the next time. Even being around the sound of traffic could leave you hypervigilant and suffering from flashbacks.
Do you have physical challenges because of a road accident? Studies have shown that pain can feel worse due to heightened sensitivity from PTSD. Also, as one medical journal reports: Physical pain exacerbates PTSD, particularly as pain is a trauma reminder or resource loss.
Those At Higher Risk For Mva
Some accident victims are at a higher risk for developing MVA-PTSD.; Research has confirmed that there are identifiable PTSD risk factors for victims of a serious motor vehicle accident.
As explained by Dr. Steven Gans and Professor Matthew Tull in an article published by VeryWellMind on January 7, 2018, entitled PTSD and Car Accidents: Know Your Risk After a Crash, the following are MVA-PTSD risk factors:
- Having had another;traumatic event;or events
- Having psychological difficulties prior to the traumatic event
- A family history of psychological problems
- Whether the trauma was life-threatening
- Losing someone in the trauma
- The amount of support received following the event
- Emotional response
- The presence of dissociation during the trauma.
If your loved one is an accident victim who exhibits one or more of these risk factors, then he may suffer from MVA-PTSD.;
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Increased Risk Factors For Ptsd
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car crash, it is crucial to know the common increased risk factors associated with developing PTSD. Understanding the common risk factors that can bring on PTSD will allow you to be proactive in seeking treatment. The following are all increased risk factors for developing PTSD after a car crash:
- Dissociation during or immediately after the event
- History of prior trauma
- Lack of social support or resources
- Prior psychological adjustment problems
- Family history of psychopathology
If you were the victim of a car crash, you deserve compensation for the emotional trauma you had to endure. Along with seeking compensation for the emotional trauma you experienced following the car crash, you should also seek proper medical treatment.
What Are The Symptoms Of Ptsd After A Car Crash
Research indicates that people involved in catastrophic car crashes have an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. Some studies have indicated that motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of PTSD.;
Individuals who develop PTSD after a car accident in Savannah may experience several of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Signs of PTSD include sleeping problems, fear, anxiety, and mood swings. A person may also develop other psychological disorders or conditions with PTSD, such as clinical depression, anxiety disorder, substance abuse, or an eating disorder.
Signs that you could have PTSD after a car accident include:
- Fear of riding in a car or driving a vehicle
- Nightmares or flashbacks of the accident
- Feeling on edge or tense
- Having trouble recalling details of the car crash
- A desire to isolate yourself from family and friends
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- A desire to sleep more, including sleeping instead of working, socializing, or taking care of yourself, your home, or your family
- Refusing to go to places that remind you of the car accident
- Becoming agitated when you hear sirens
- Refusing to talk about the car crash
- Periods of crying, angry outbursts, and mood swings
Each person experiences PTSD differently. It is essential to seek medical care if you develop any signs or symptoms of a psychological disorder after a car accident. A medical professional analyzes your symptoms to determine if you have PTSD or another psychological disorder.
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Are You Suffering From Ptsd After A Car Accident
A car accident, regardless of whether it causes serious injuries, typically causes a great deal of distress for everyone involved. Whether;your at fault in the accident;or suffered an;accident due to someone elses negligence, you may find that trauma carries over after the accident itself, leaving you suffering from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder . PTSD can have a wide range of symptoms depending on the individual in question and how he or she reacts to stress; however, most victims have one thing in common: PTSD quickly harms their ability to function throughout their everyday lives. If you are struggling with PTSD after a serious car accident then speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer could provide you with legal options you didnt know you had to gain compensation.
How A Lawyer Can Assist You
It can be challenging to obtain the compensation that you deserve after suffering PTSD or other psychological conditions caused by a collision. However, an experienced car accident attorney will have a network of qualified experts that you can retain and will aggressively fight to protect your legal rights. Call our office to schedule your free consultation to learn more about our experience in these cases and how we can assist you.
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Why Expert Testimony Is Crucial In A Ptsd Injury Case
Some subject matter in personal injury lawsuits may not make sense to the average juror. While most people generally understand what PTSD is, a juror cannot usually determine on their own if the plaintiff has the condition.
Therefore, the plaintiffs attorney will provide an expert witness to perform a PTSD assessment and explain it to the jury.
If the case goes to trial, the expert witness testifies the condition and whether the plaintiff suffers from it. If the expert has years of experience with the patient, they may talk about their diagnosis details.
If you have PTSD after a car accident and want a settlement, it is vital to have expert witnesses testify on your behalf about your condition. The more experts you have, the better. Some experts who can testify about PTSD include licensed therapists, physicians, academics, and scientists.
Other ways to prove your injury include:
Show how severe your PTSD is: While documenting a psychological condition is challenging, it is possible. Show related injuries that could accompany PTSD, prove the need for medication and therapy, and lost work time because of anxiety.
Loss of ability to work and deal with life: This shows how PTSD stress affects your daily life and workability. Show that you have lost work time, must go to medical appointments often, and have difficulty concentrating on tasks. Family and friends can testify on your behalf.
Other Witness Who Can Help
While an expert witness is critical to proving your PTSD was caused by your auto collision, family, friends, and co-workers can be valuable witnesses as well. They can corroborate that you exhibit the symptoms of PTSD and discuss when you first developed this condition. They can also explain how your PTSD has affected your ability to work and perform your day-to-day activities, your relationships with family and friends, and your quality of life.
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Are You Suffering From Ptsd After A Car Accident In Savannah
Stephen Hasner | Car Accidents | June 7, 2021
You can sustain a variety of injuries in a car accident in Savannah, GA. A car crash may result in broken bones, neck injuries, and back injuries. You could sustain a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury.
Most of the focus after a car crash is on your physical injuries because they are visible harms. However, psychological injuries can be severe and debilitating. Individuals who develop PTSD after a car accident may be unable to work or perform daily activities.
Accident victims with PTSD can seek compensation for their economic damages, pain, and suffering related to a car accident.;
What Sort Of Emotional Trauma Can A Person Experience After A Car Crash
There is no limit to the mental anguish a person can experience after a motor vehicle crash. Even if an injured person can resume a normal life after undergoing surgery, physical therapy or other treatments, how they move through life may be severely altered or limited. The mental health trauma an injured person can experience after a car crash include the following:
- PTSD
- Depression
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Symptoms Of Ptsd After A Car Accident
Motor vehicle accidents can cause all kinds of emotional disturbances, especially when theyre serious and threaten your life. PTSD, though, is more than feeling scared, stressed, or sad. It can restrict a person from doing the simplest of tasks and can keep them from returning to their regular daily life. According to the same article above that was published by the NCBI, a person with PTSD from their car crash might experience symptoms like:
- Psychologically re-experiencing the trauma
- Intrusive thoughts about the accident
- Dreams about the accident
- Avoiding thoughts about the accident
- Numbing of emotions
Car Crashes & Ptsd: What To Know And How To Overcome
Car crashes lead to some of the most catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, you may also suffer mental and emotional trauma. Sometimes, the mental trauma you experience may last much longer than your physical injuries.
While post-traumatic stress disorder is most commonly associated with soldiers returning from war, the condition can arise after any situation someone considers traumatic. A car accident is just one of those situations, and you need to understand your rights and how to cope if it happens to you.
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Have Problems At Work At School Or In Social Situations
Your emotions and distress impact your ability to function and perform daily activities.
Finally, your symptoms cannot be related to substance abuse, your medications, or other illnesses or injuries.
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If youre experiencing these issues, consult with your doctor or a mental health professional. Your doctors can assess your emotional injuries, help you manage your symptoms, and document their severity. This can assist in your recovery and will serve as important evidence if you file a personal injury claim to seek compensation after a car crash.
One study reports that 50% of car crash victims with chronic pain also have PTSD.
Anhedonia Caused By Car Accident Ptsd
Anhedonia, also known as emotional numbing, is one of the most common symptoms of several types of depressive disorders. Anhedonia is also a symptom of car accident PTSD. Car accident victims who suffer from anhedonia after their car crash find it difficult to take pleasure in activities, events, and experiences, such as sports or even visiting family and friends, that they enjoyed prior to their trauma. Victims of car accident PTSD commonly experience symptoms such as emotional numbing, withdrawal from social situations, self-loathing, disgust toward other people, a depletion of the libido, and chronic aches and pains.
Anhedonia symptoms are often caused by physical ailments, so if you suspect you are suffering from PTSD anhedonia you should visit your primary care physician to ensure you arent suffering another condition like a vitamin deficiency or some sort of thyroid dysfunction. If your symptoms arent a manifestation of a physical ailment you should schedule an appointment with a mental health professional to set up a proper treatment plan.
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Seeking Compensation For Ptsd And Other Damages
PTSD is among the non-economic damages that car accident victims may be able to collect from a liable party. In Florida, this requires proving that you qualify to step outside of the states no-fault insurance system.
Damages such as medical expenses and part of your missed wages should be recoverable through a no-fault claim with your own insurer. Meanwhile, if you suffered damages beyond these policy limits, you could hold the liable party financially responsible. You could also be eligible to file a liability claim or lawsuit if your injuries qualify as severe under Florida law.
According to Florida Statutes §627.737, severe injuries are those that significantly impact your life in some way. Examples include if your injuries caused a permanent disability, loss of limb or bodily function, or otherwise prevent you from going back to work. Such injuries could also result in debilitating PTSD that prevents you from functioning in the world as you used to.
$25 Million Ptsd Settlement
A man suffered a life-threatening car accident while driving to work in New York. He suffered fractures and a concussion, which healed in six weeks. But the victim suffered from PTSD. During the accident, he was certain he would die. The defendant offered a settlement of $300,000.
The plaintiffs attorney brought in several expert witnesses, including an ER surgeon, psychologist, psychiatrist, and neuropsychologist. The defendant agreed to increase their car accident settlement offer by 800% before the case went to trial.
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Can A Car Accident Cause Delayed Injuries
Heres the scene: you were involved in a car accident recently. It was scary, and you felt a little shaken up afterward, but you walked away from the scene unharmed and feeling fine. Thats great, right? Since youre not in any pain, you must not have sustained any injuries.
Unfortunately, thats not always the case. Car accidents frequently cause delayed pain, delayed symptoms, and delayed injuries. Following a crash, you need to be vigilant about monitoring yourself for pain over the next several weeks. Keep reading to learn more about delayed injuries and how to identify them.
The Things To Watch Out For After A Car Accident
It is perfectly normal to be frightened if you are involved in a car accident. It is more common that you may think to experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder which includes experiencing the following emotions:
- Anxiety and an increased heart rate when faced with any sort of reminder of the incident
- Reacting to the honk of a car horn or the screeching of brakes which activate a fear response in you
- Being on edge when you are at the wheel of a car
- Being easily startled when travelling in a car
- Becoming a lot more watchful of everything that goes on around you a typical example being to watch out for people you think are driving much too fast
- Avoidance a need to avoid specific situations or to become hesitant when driving
All of the above symptoms are natural reactions to a traumatic experience that; involves being in a car accident. It is your bodys way of protecting you against any real or perceived dangers which in short, helps keep you from being involved in a similar traumatic event.
The symptoms you experience following a road traffic accident should subside with time. However, if your symptoms persist and seem to be getting worse, it could mean you are developing post-traumatic stress disorder and you should seek help and support to prevent any feelings you may be experiencing from getting any worse and spiralling out of control.
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Ptsd Symptoms In Car Accident Victims
PTSD symptoms will vary in each person, but one of the most common symptoms is guilt. Even if the victim did not cause the accident, they might find themselves reliving the accident or blame themselves for it. Suffering from ongoing guilt can paralyze a person, making it difficult to move past the crash.
Some other PTSD symptoms in car accident victims include:
As PTSD symptoms worsen, those suffering may begin to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of PTSD and seek proper help. If you or someone you know suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, you must speak to a doctor right away. Symptoms may only get worse over time.
How To Get Over Ptsd After A Car Accident
A person can get over this condition by recognizing the symptoms, seeking prompt medical attention and completing the full course of treatment that is recommended by the persons doctor. Treatment for this disorder may include psychotherapy, behavioral therapy as well as medication.
Other treatment options include:
- Antipsychotics
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Filing A Ptsd Claim Is Possible But Can Be Difficult
If you are an accident victim suffering from PTSD as a result of a devastating motor vehicle accident, it is possible to file a claim against the at-fault parties for your damages. However, it can be considerably more difficult to succeed in such a claim for several reasons:
- Because PTSD is an emotional and mental disorder, it can be difficult to convey its impact and severity. By contrast, a physical injury has clearly visible impacts on a victim, along with financial expenses that help quantify the severity of the injury.
- You must definitively prove that you were professional diagnosed with PTSD. Additionally, even if that is established, you must prove that your car accident directly contributed or caused the development of PTSD.
- Determining the value of your claim can also be complicated, as there may not be any hospital bills or other disabilities that can quantify the debilitating effects of PTSD.
- Lawsuits on the basis of pain and suffering are typically punitive measures, reserved for car accidents where the at-fault parties exhibited gross negligence and a general lack of remorse for their actions. If your car accident was, by all accounts, a normal accident, it may be difficult to be compensated for pain and suffering.
Ultimately, a PTSD claim can succeed but it may take more work than a standard lawsuit.