Understanding PTSD From a Car Accident
After a traumatic car accident, victims are at an increased risk for developing serious psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD.
In fact, every year more than 5.2 million Americans will experience some form of this disorder.
CAR ACCIDENT PTSD TOPICS COVERED HERE
- Definition of PTSD
- Symptoms of PTSD
- Categories of PTSD
- Pursue Recovery with our Denver Car Accident Attorneys
Definition of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that often follows serious and life-threatening events, such as a car accident or physical assault.
The effects of PTSD can be disabling and can prevent accident victims from living a full life—long after their initial injuries are healed.
Symptoms of PTSD
Posttraumatic stress disorder can affect anyone who has lived through a traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD can wreak havoc on nearly every aspect of life and even prevent victims from maintaining relationships, going to work, and leaving the house.
Symptoms often include the following:
- Having flashbacks
- Panic attacks
- Nightmares
- Mood swings
Victims may have difficulty sleeping or may become overly emotional. They may withdraw from friends and family—and even from life.
Categories of PTSD
If you experience PTSD after a car accident, it is important to know that you are not alone. There are ways you can regain your old life again. A psychiatrist can help you deal with the traumatic events of your accident.
Through a combination of therapy and medication you can conquer PTSD and move forward with your life. If left untreated, however, PTSD can lead to severe depression, drug or alcohol addiction, and even suicide.
In general, there are three types of post-traumatic stress disorders:
- Acute: Symptoms last for less than 3 months
- Chronic: Symptoms last for between 3 and 6 months
- Delayed: Symptoms last for longer than 6 months
While anyone can be a victim of PTSD, children and the elderly are at an increased risk for developing this disorder. It is also more likely that their cases will go undiagnosed or be diagnosed later than others.
After a traumatic accident, be sure to monitor you and your loved ones closely for signs of PTSD and contact your physician immediately if you believe someone is suffering from PTSD.
Pursue Recovery With Our Denver Car Accident Attorneys!
It is also important to discuss your disorder and your accident with an experienced car accident lawyer. Insurance companies notoriously overlook psychological complications, such as PTSD.
As such, any settlement they offer is unlikely to include compensation for PTSD and for its effects on your life. An attorney at Denver Trial Lawyers ® can help ensure that you are compensated for all of your injuries—including post-traumatic stress disorder.
If you or someone you love is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after a car accident, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced Denver car accident lawyer. Call us today at (303) 647-9990 to begin a free case evaluation.
