Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an emotional and mental reaction to instances of extreme stress. It is often noticed in soldiers who have served in combat, for example. Even if they didn’t suffer physical harm, they can still develop PTSD after witnessing so much trauma.
However, combat isn’t the only cause of PTSD. For the average American, becoming involved in a serious car accident is one of the most traumatic experiences they can have. After a wreck, they could develop PTSD.
The severity of the accident
One key component that can affect whether a person experiences PTSD is the severity of the accident in question. If someone suffers significant injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury, PTSD is more likely. This is also true if someone else passes away in a crash. An uninjured person who survives the crash could still develop PTSD if they witnessed the death of a loved one.
What symptoms should you expect?
If you do have PTSD after a car wreck, the symptoms can be very different from one case to the next. You may develop avoidance behaviors, such as feeling that you are unable to drive or ride in a car because it triggers a panic attack. You may experience flashbacks or have nightmares about the event.
There are treatment options, such as therapy, but PTSD can take months or years to overcome. It can lead to significant medical bills, lost wages and life changes. If something like this has happened to you due to the negligence of another driver, then it’s important to understand when you have the legal option to seek financial compensation.