What Are The Psychological Effects of Being in a Car Accident? 

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The physical repercussions of a car accident can be severe, but did you know that there are also psychological repercussions that can happen? A survivor could have significant injuries that cause great pain and suffering that cannot only be physical but also mental. Many car accident survivors the have psychological ramifications such as stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that can last for weeks or even months after the crash.

Often, the psychological effects of a car accident can be just as damaging to the victim as any physical injuries that they could have faced. If you are curious about what the psychological effects are, continue to read on.

Car Accidents and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 

The leading cause of civilian cases of post-traumatic stress is order (PTSD) in the United States is motor vehicle collisions. A car accident can be extremely mentally damaging, which could lead to feelings of panic, anxiety, and stress that linger long after the accident has passed. PTSD is a mental health condition development surviving a traumatic event such as a car accident, sexual assault, or even combat.

A car accident survivor with PTSD could experience many symptoms and some of them are as follows: 

  • Car accident flashbacks
  • Nightmares about the crash
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Emotional distress reactions to reminders of the crash
  • Detachment from loved ones
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Startling easily
  • Severe anxiety
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Mood swings
  • Feelings of helplessness

All these symptoms can be a sign that the victim of the car accident suffering from PTSD. Considering that car accidents can be especially violent, catastrophic, or damaging, it is easy to see that they are most likely to lead to PTSD and survivors when it is anything but a minor collision. Because post-traumatic stress is order is a serious condition that requires seeing a mental health professional for treatment is easy to see that you may need to get a lawyer involved.

Intense Fear of Anxiety About Driving 

There are also emotional reactions to a car accident that often leads to an intense fear of driving. This intense fear can last for weeks, months, or longer, depending on the person who went through the crash. Sometimes just the thought of getting behind the wheel or enter car could trigger a psychological response such as severe anxiety, flashbacks, blackouts, nightmares, and even physical distress.

This intense fear driving easily interferes with the victim’s ability to drive and get to the places that they need to go daily. When it comes to children, this intense anxiety can lead to nightmares, bedwetting, poor performance in school, and even mood changes or outbursts. People with this intense phobia from an auto accident may qualify for related compensation.

If you or a loved one have experienced these symptoms after a car accident talking to a car accident lawyer like our friends at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC is a great place to start.