Accident Victims Often Suffer Post-Traumatic Stress

In recognition of National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month, it is essential to recognize that combat veterans aren’t the only people in our country to experience the disorder. Accident victims often suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic events, like motor vehicle accidents or dog attacks. Post traumatic stress can severely impair your normal functions and adversely impact your quality of life.

Fear and anxiety can develop after any traumatic, life-threatening situation. You may become fearful of driving or riding in a vehicle after a severe collision, or you may experience panic attacks when even a friendly dog approaches too suddenly.

If you suffered emotional trauma during a frightening event and have experienced post traumatic stress since, you may qualify to receive compensation for your mental anguish and other mental disorders resulting from the event. You may also receive compensation if you suffered physical injuries because of someone else’s negligence.

An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case at no cost and advise you of your rights and options. You can also count on a lawyer to guide you through the process of recovering damages from the at-fault party and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Statistics

PTSD affects 2.5 to 7 million car accident victims in the United States.

The National Institute of Mental Health defines PTSD as an anxiety disorder that develops because of a life-threatening event, such as a dog attack.

Children are the most vulnerable to dog attacks because of their smaller size and inability to defend themselves. In a 2004 study with 22 children who were victims of dog bites, more than half developed symptoms of PTSD within 2 to 9 months after the attack.

The emotional and psychological effects of PTSD can affect children as they age, since the memory part of the brain may be permanently damaged, losing the ability to recall memories.

A car accident can cause PTSD symptoms to appear hours, days, or months after the event, and they can last for years. As much as a third (25-33%) of car accident survivors show symptoms of PTSD over a month after their crashes. The disorder can trigger flight-or-fight responses in people with PTSD, whether they are trying to get into a car or hearing a car pass by.

Physical impairment, psychological distress, and unhealthy pain-coping strategies are associated with PTSD symptoms. People who survive auto accidents and have PTSD are also more likely to suffer from substance abuse disorders.

These statistics show ‌that it is crucial for car accident victims to receive help with their symptoms, not just for their physical injuries, but also for their mental and emotional pain and suffering following a severe crash. The car accident lawyers at Joye Law Firm will consider the severity of your symptoms when helping you calculate fair compensation.

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress

A person who has posttraumatic stress disorder from a car accident, dog attack, or other traumatic incident might experience one or several symptoms. PTSD symptoms vary between people, and young children may show different signs than teenagers and adults.

Recurring experiences about the accident

Following a traumatic accident, victims may experience recurring thoughts, such as:

Flashbacks, reliving the trauma and feeling the physical symptoms associated with it
Nightmares from the accident
Fearful, intrusive thoughts

Certain thoughts, physical objects, or situations can trigger a victim’s PTSD, disrupting their daily lifestyle. Car accident survivors with PTSD might have flashbacks to their accident when they see a large truck or approach a certain intersection. A dog bite survivor may hear a dog bark and experience a racing heart or sweating.

Avoidance of certain situations and places

In grief. Blue joyless woman staring aside and hugging knees

Reminders of a car accident or dog bite attack may trigger these avoidance symptoms:

Avoidance of locations and objects that are reminders of the trauma
Resistance to thoughts and feelings related to the attack or crash

For example, a car accident victim may change their routine to avoid certain areas. After a severe accident on a major highway, the victim may refuse to drive near that location again. They may even avoid driving, hindering their ability to enjoy life and commute to work.

A dog bite victim may avoid certain locations, like the park or beach, where dogs are often present.

Agitation and reactiveness

An accident victim may experience constant agitation and reactivity throughout the day. These symptoms include:

Tendency to be startled easily
Continual tension
Sleep issues
Temper-related outbursts

These symptoms can cause stress and anger, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or concentrate.

Mood and cognitive issues

Mood and cognitive issues are common after a traumatic event. The symptoms may show up as:

Trouble recalling key details of the incident
Self-criticism or negative thoughts
Distortion of certain feelings, such as guilt
Loss of enjoyment of certain activities

Such symptoms can lead a victim to feel as if they are being alienated or isolated from friends and family members.

PTSD May Show Up Differently with Children

Following a traumatic event, children may experience the following symptoms of PTSD:

Dramatizing the accident during playtime
Bedwetting, even if they are toilet-trained
Unusual clinginess towards a parent or other adult

Destructive behaviors can also develop in older children and teens. There may be thoughts of revenge and guilt over not preventing injury or death. The symptoms of PTSD can cause disruption and degrade the quality of your life if you have it or know someone who has it. Whenever an accident leaves you with physical and emotional trauma, you want to know that the negligent party is held liable.

Treating PTSD Is Costly

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often requires extensive and ongoing treatment, which can lead to significant expenses. Therapy sessions, medication, and potential hospitalization costs add up quickly. Many PTSD sufferers find themselves unable to work, resulting in lost wages. The combination of medical bills and reduced income creates a substantial financial burden for individuals and families coping with PTSD after a traumatic event like a car accident or dog attack.

You shouldn’t have to bear the costs of seeking therapy and receiving treatment for your PTSD if someone else is to blame. If you experience PTSD symptoms or any psychiatric disorders following a traumatic car accident or another horrifying incident, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

How an Attorney Can Help You Get Compensation for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

A skilled personal injury attorney plays a key role in securing compensation for PTSD resulting from traumatic incidents. Here are several ways a lawyer can assist with your PTSD claim:

Evaluating your case: An experienced attorney can review the details of your situation to determine if you have a viable claim for PTSD compensation.
Gathering evidence: Your lawyer will help collect medical records, expert testimonies, and other documentation to build a strong case demonstrating your PTSD diagnosis and its impacts.
Determining liability: They will investigate to identify the party or parties responsible for the incident that led to your PTSD.
Calculating damages: An attorney can help quantify both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering) related to your PTSD.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Experienced lawyers know how to deal with insurers to pursue a fair settlement.
Filing a lawsuit: If necessary, your attorney can file a lawsuit for you and represent you in court.
Navigating legal procedures: They’ll handle all the legal paperwork and deadlines involved in your case.
Informing you of how relevant laws apply to your case: Attorneys understand laws related to personal injury, workers’ compensation, or other areas that may apply to your PTSD claim.
Connecting you with resources: A good lawyer may be able to refer you to mental health professionals or support groups for PTSD.
Maximizing compensation: With their experience and knowledge, attorneys can work to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to for your PTSD.

An experienced attorney understands the nuances of PTSD claims and works tirelessly to protect your interests throughout the legal process.

What Types of Compensation You Could Receive for PTSD

Compensation for PTSD in personal injury cases may include:

Medical expenses arising from cognitive processing therapy, anti anxiety medications, and other treatments
Lost income due to the inability to work or reduced work capacity
Pain and suffering damages to compensate you for the psychological distress PTSD causes
Loss of enjoyment of life damages for the impact of PTSD on your daily activities and relationships
Anticipated costs of ongoing treatment and potential lost earnings as well as other future damages.

Each case is unique, and the compensation amount depends on the specific circumstances and impact of PTSD on your life.

Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights

Time is of the essence when seeking compensation for PTSD related to a personal injury. South Carolina’s statute of limitations generally allows three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, PTSD symptoms may not manifest immediately, potentially complicating your claim.

Contacting an attorney promptly after a traumatic event enables them to:

Preserve crucial evidence
Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
Ensure timely filing of your claim
Protect you from insurance company tactics that may undervalue your claim

By engaging legal representation early, you position yourself for the best possible outcome in your PTSD compensation claim.

A South Carolina Injury Lawyer Can Help You

An experienced accident lawyer from the Joye Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process of filing a claim against the at-fault party and their insurance company. A lawyer can review your medical bills, prescription receipts, and other expenses related to your PTSD treatment to calculate the damages.

With the help of an accident lawyer, you may recover financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and loss of wages. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.