- Car Accidents
Car accidents are a common cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An estimated six million traffic accidents occur annually in the United States, leading to over 2.5 million injuries. If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD after a car crash, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. You also need to understand your legal rights.
Our Douglasville car accident lawyers at Hartley Rowe & Fowler can help you file a claim and demand the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm for a free case review.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event, such as a severe accident, a natural disaster, or a violent assault. It’s a serious condition that can disrupt your life, affecting your job, relationships, health, and daily activities.
Recognizing PTSD After a Car Crash
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines several symptoms of PTSD, which may develop following a traumatic event like a car accident. Here are some common symptoms of PTSD that you might experience.
- Reliving the event: This can occur in various ways, including having nightmares or flashbacks about the accident. You might find yourself constantly replaying the event in your mind.
- Avoidance: You might avoid places, people, or thoughts that remind you of the accident. This could include avoiding driving or even talking about the accident.
- Changes in emotional reactions: This could include being easily startled or frightened, feeling tense or “on edge,” having difficulty sleeping, or experiencing angry outbursts.
- Negative changes in thinking and mood: This could include negative thoughts about yourself or others, feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, difficulty maintaining close relationships, or feeling detached from family and friends.
- Physical symptoms: These could include headaches, dizziness, chest pain, stomach pain, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
Remember, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions, such as shock, guilt, grief, helplessness, confusion, and fear, after a car accident. However, with PTSD, these feelings persist over time and can even intensify.
The Impact of PTSD on Everyday Life
PTSD can significantly impact your daily life. It can lead to emotional instability, feelings of isolation, lack of motivation, sleep disturbances, and depression. PTSD can also cause cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, and trouble organizing thoughts, making it challenging for those affected to function effectively at work.
Treatment Options for PTSD
There are several treatment options available for PTSD, including medications and psychotherapy. Medications can help reduce symptoms of depression, while psychotherapy can help individuals cope with their traumatic experiences.
Legal Rights and Support
If you’ve been in a collision and are experiencing signs of PTSD, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights.
Georgia At-Fault System
If it’s established that the accident occurred due to the actions or negligence of the other driver, they are deemed “at fault.” if another party caused the accident resulting in your injury, you’re likely legally entitled to file an insurance claim against that driver.
While the law gives you the right to file a claim and potentially win a settlement, this doesn’t guarantee automatic compensation. A Douglasville car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your rights.
Compensation After a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, there are types of compensation you may be able to claim. Damages refer to losses that can be compensated.
Here are the most common damages you may be entitled to following an accident.
- Medical Expenses: Any medical costs you’ve incurred that wouldn’t have arisen without the accident are considered damages.
- Future Medical Expenses: Any current or future medical expenses resulting from the accident.
- Lost Wages: This includes lost income while you’re recovering as well as future loss of income if you’re left with a disability.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain and emotional anguish, such as anxiety and depression.
Reach Out to Our Douglasville Car Accident Lawyers
Understanding PTSD after a car crash is vital for victims and their families. Early recognition of symptoms and seeking professional help can greatly improve the recovery process. Moreover, knowing your legal rights is critical.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek help from our Douglasville injury lawyers. Contact the law offices of Hartley Rowe & Fowler at 678-825-6004 for a free consultation.
