Many car accident victims suffer emotional and psychological distress after serious car accidents. After a crash, an individual may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD symptoms. The symptoms of PTSD may manifest because a car accident victim experienced intense fear in a life-threatening crash or from witnessing other people’s injuries, particularly a spouse’s or child’s injuries.
Under Texas law, an individual suffering from PTSD after a car accident may seek compensation for emotional distress as part of a personal injury claim. Such a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress (NEID) can be pursued along with a claim of physical injury.
The Dallas car accident attorneys at Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. can help you file a car accident claim and demand financial accountability if you suffered physical injuries and emotional stress akin to PTSD after an automobile accident. Through a personal injury claim, you may seek to recover the money you have spent on medical care and the income you have lost due to your inability to return to work due to serious injuries and PTSD symptoms.
Call us at (214) 999-9999 or reach out through our online form for a free consultation if you have been diagnosed with PTSD symptoms after a serious car accident due to another person’s negligence.
The Traumatic Nature of Car Accidents
Trauma is the emotional response a person has to a terrible event, such as a bad car accident. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) says trauma is anything that is deeply distressing or disturbing. It is different for each individual.
The American Psychological Association says that, after a serious car accident, it is typical to suffer psychological shock. Over the longer term, the accident victim may experience emotional symptoms such as unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms such as headaches or nausea. These feelings are normal after a highly traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle collision. Some people have difficulty moving on with their lives. Drivers, as well as passengers and even bystanders, may suffer psychological trauma from an accident.
One academic study of the treatment of PTSD after motor vehicle collisions says post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious psychological consequence often associated with serious motor vehicle accidents. The research by psychologists at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, and The University of Mississippi Medical Center says a conservative estimate is that 2.5 to 7 million people in the United States suffer PTSD from motor vehicle accidents.
Risk Factors for Developing PTSD After a Car Accident
A book published by the American Psychological Association, After the Crash: Psychological Assessment and Treatment of Survivors of Motor Vehicle Accidents, says motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of PTSD in the general population.
It says car accidents are the No. 1 trauma for men and the second most frequent trauma for women.
A 2022 study, which cites previously published academic research worldwide, says the main factors identified in the literature as significantly associated with PTSD were:
- History of a road accident
- Severity of injury
- History of near misses
- Female gender
- Lack of social support
- Divorce
- Pre-traumatic depressive symptoms
- Personal or family history of mental illness
- Common mental disorders
- Use of psychiatric medication
- Anxiety
- Depression.
PTSD Symptoms Following a Car Accident
The SUNY/Mississippi study says that for many individuals, the symptoms of PTSD following a serious motor vehicle accident may include:
- Psychologically experience PTSD symptoms through traumatic memories, traumatic thoughts, or distressing dreams about the accident
- Persistent avoidance of thoughts or situations associated with the accident, such as reluctance or refusal to drive
- Numbing of emotional responsiveness, such as greatly reduced or absence of emotions or detachment from others
- Being easily startled, irritable, disturbed sleep.
Treatment for PTSD
Treatment for PTSD includes trauma-focused psychotherapy as well as medications to manage symptoms, the American Psychological Association says.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PTSD focuses on the relationship of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how changes in any one domain can improve functioning in the others. For example, altering a person’s unhelpful thinking can lead to healthier behaviors and improved emotion regulation.
For PTSD therapy, the American Psychological Association strongly recommends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure, which are all more specialized treatments that focus on particular aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions
Currently, two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications are FDA-approved for the treatment of PTSD. While SSRIs are typically the first class of medications used in PTSD treatment, exceptions may occur for patients based on their individual histories of side effects, response, comorbidities, and personal preferences, the APA says.
Seeking Help for PTSD
Anyone who may be experiencing PTSD symptoms should speak to their primary care physician or a qualified psychologist.
PTSD treatment programs may include inpatient or outpatient services. Inpatient care is 24/7 monitoring and medication management. Inpatient programs are appropriate for patients who have exhibited self-destructive behaviors and are at risk of harming themselves or others. Outpatient treatment programs include individual counseling and group talk therapy sessions.
There are numerous sources for help with symptoms of PTSD in the Dallas, TX, area.
Preventing PTSD After a Car Accident
If you have been physically injured in a car crash, you should promptly seek medical care. Follow doctor’s orders for treatment, including attending ng all appointments. Talk to the doctor about your feelings. Ask for help if thoughts about the car accident are making it difficult to resume a daily routine or meet day-to-day responsibilities at home or work.
Car accident survivors should:
- Allow time to grieve if you have lost a loved one.
- Maintain a routine, including eating at regular times and maintaining a balanced diet.
- Stay in touch with others who survived the car accident.
- Make sure you get enough exercise (as your physical injuries allow).
- Do normal things with people you normally spend time with.
- Allow yourself to think about what you experienced and talk about it with people around you.
- Contact a car accident attorney. An experienced attorney can investigate what happened and who should be held financially accountable for a car accident.
Get Legal Help from Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Near You
Let Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., help if you have been injured in a car crash in central Texas and develop car accident PTSD. Our car accident lawyers investigate motor vehicle crashes to determine responsibility and to ensure that those who have been injured through no fault of their own are compensated for their losses, including their emotional distress. We will deal with the insurance company so you can focus on your health. Our primary goal is to help our clients move on from their traumatic event as quickly as possible, with the comfort and financial security they need.
Our legal team will use all of our resources and experience to help you along the road to recovery. To begin, please contact an experienced Dallas car accident lawyer at (214) 999-9999 today.
