Car accidents can result in life-altering injuries. However, not all debilitating injuries are only physical. Emotional traumas and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be just as devastating as bodily injuries and often last a lifetime.
If you were injured in an accident caused by another party and are struggling with emotional distress, anxiety, and fear, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Insurance companies may try to devalue and deny your claim. However, an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney can help you recover the full value of your injuries.
What is PTSD, And How Is It Caused By a Car Accident?
The Mayo Clinic says that PTSD is a mental health condition that is caused by a highly stressful or terrifying event. It can occur from being a part of the event or from witnessing it. PTSD victims may suffer from flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
According to the National Library of Medicine, PTSD occurs frequently after motor vehicle crashes. Car crashes are the single leading cause of PTSD in the general population.
Signs You May Be Suffering From PTSD After a Car Accident
Only a medical doctor can diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder and other emotional traumas. However, some signs that you may be struggling with PTSD after a car accident include:
- Flashback to the crash. If you are mentally reliving the moments of the accident or feel like you are at the accident scene, you may be suffering from PTSD.
- You avoid talking or thinking about the accident. If thinking or talking about the accident makes you extremely upset, you may be suffering from emotional trauma that requires professional help.
- Insomnia. Many PTSD victims suffer from insomnia. If you have frequent nightmares or are unable to fall asleep or stay asleep because you fear having nightmares, you may have a mental health trauma that requires attention.
- You avoid driving or being a passenger in a car. If you are frightened to drive or ride as a passenger after your accident, it may be a sign of PTSD.
- You are easily frightened or startled. After a car accident, your body’s startle response may be heightened.
- You have severe mood swings. Mood swings may be a sign of PTSD or other traumas after a car accident. If you feel hopeless or have troubling thoughts, you should seek immediate medical attention.
- You have trouble concentrating after your accident. PTSD can show up as brain fog and the inability to focus as well as you did before the accident.
These are only a few of the ways PTSD and other emotional traumas may present after an accident. If you are experiencing disturbing emotions or struggling to engage in your daily activities, seek help. PTSD is as real as any other car accident injury.
Compensation for PTSD And Traumas Caused By Car Accidents
The compensation you may receive for PTSD and traumas caused by car accidents depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries. In a successful PTSD car accident claim with a Chicago car accident lawyer, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages such as current and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, and other tangible and intangible losses.
At Meyers & Flowers, our attorneys work with experts to help establish and value your PTSD claim so you can recover maximum compensation.
Reach Out For Legal Help Today
If you were injured in a car accident caused by another party and suffer from PTSD or other traumas, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You need the assistance of an experienced, skilled car accident lawyer to help you recover what you deserve.
Reach out to Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys today. Call (630) 394-5189 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.