Auto Accident PTSD: An Invisible Damage
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder associated with severe trauma. PTSD is most often associated with combat veterans, but it can also develop in anyone who’s experienced a traumatic event like a vehicle accident. PTSD is a medical condition and can be covered as part of an accident settlement. If you think you have PTSD after your accident, you have some options.What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a serious mental health disorder that requires professional medical treatment. The condition can happen to anyone and is a direct result of the stress, fear, anger, sadness, and shock of a traumatic event. PTSD has an extremely negative impact on a person’s life. It impacts everything from the ability to sleep and eat, personal relationships, and getting enjoyment out of life.
What Are The Symptoms Of PTSD?
There are several symptoms of PTSD. These do not just include mental symptoms but physical symptoms as well. If you suspect that you have PTSD, monitor yourself for these symptoms:
● Flashbacks or memories of the traumatic event
● Extreme physical reactions to trauma triggers including nausea, shaking, and sweating
● Nightmares, insomnia, and other sleeping disorders
● Loss of interest in life and depression
● Feeling emotionally numb and detached from life
● Avoiding certain activities that trigger negative feelings such as getting into a car
● Heightened reactions to trauma related stimulus
● Agitation, irritability, and hostility
● Paranoia and hypervigilance
● Self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse
● Fear, anxiety, and panic attacks
All of these symptoms can be extremely disruptive to your daily life and can interfere with your ability to do simple things like go to work or spend time with your children.
How A Car Accident Can Trigger PTSD
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of PTSD in the United States. Around 2.5 million auto accident victims experience PTSD. In the case of a car accident, the event can be so scary that it can lead to experiencing trauma. Furthermore, if you or a loved one was injured in the accident, especially if you believed your lives were in danger, you are highly likely to develop PTSD.
How PTSD Is Treated
PTSD, like all medical ailments, is treated with the support of a medical professional. Treatment ranges from therapy to pharmaceutical medications to prolonged exposure therapy. If you believe that you have PTSD, it is imperative that you get help right away. Untreated, PTSD can lead to severe mental and physical health issues including:
● Stress-related illnesses like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
● Severe depression and suicidal ideations
● Substance abuse issues, alcoholism, and addiction
Not to mention the negative impacts on your family life, career, and financial future. Untreated patients with PTSD often have anger management issues, desires to isolate and engage in antisocial behaviors, and uncontrollable thoughts and behaviors. Professional treatment is the best way to avoid these issues. Unfortunately, professional treatment for PTSD is not cheap.
How An Attorney Can Help
If you have PTSD as a result of a car accident, it’s the legally same as having a spine or head injury. It is a serious health issue and can be covered as part of your medical damages. A knowledgeable attorney like Michael Babboni, the St. Pete’s Lawyer, can help. They will collect evidence of your PTSD, help calculate the costs of treatment, and fight to include the costs in your final settlement.
If you think you have PTSD, seek medical attention immediately. Then give us a call at 1-727-381-9200. We’ll review your case and help fight to get both your physical and mental health back on track.