Understanding the Effects of Car Crashes and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

You may have heard of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have wondered what the condition is about. PTSD is a mental health state that occurs when one experiences or is a witness to a frightening situation. When you have been a party to something terrifying, you can sustain temporary difficulties that will heal and improve over time.  Or, you can sustain long-term damage that causes your life to spiral out of control. If the ramifications of the event you endured don’t seem to improve, you could have PTSD.

Proper and expedient diagnosis is essential to improving your condition as well as your overall quality of life. PTSD is widespread and it affects millions throughout the United States. Even vehicular accidents can trigger PTSD in an individual. According to studies, approximately 9% of victims of car accidents will suffer PTSD. The aftermath of an accident can cause devastation in one’s life–especially when there are injuries. An experienced Arizona automobile accident attorney can help you through the personal injury claim process and ensure you recover much-needed compensation for your injuries and suffering.

Symptoms of PTSD

There are many ways that PTSD can manifest itself in your life. Symptoms of this condition can include:

• Anxiety while driving.
• Reminders of your accident that set you off towards anxiety or uneasiness.
• Avoidance of the scene of the accident or anywhere that reminds you of the accident.
• You become paranoid and obsessed with being harmed.
• You have nightmares about your accident.
• Depression, numbness, and hopelessness.

Stress From car Accidents

Serious accidents can cause intense stress and mental strain on a person. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 14% of those individuals who are a part of major accidents need treatment for PTSD. PTSD is often not suffered by itself.  A solid majority of those afflicted with PTSD, over 50%, also have co-occurring issues like depression. Others can develop a fear of driving altogether or intense anxiety.

Risk Factors for PTSD

No one can look into a crystal ball and tell if a person will develop PTSD. However, there are some indicators that one may have a higher risk of developing this mental health affliction. These include:

• Being in an accident where a loved one was killed.
• Personal or family history of psychological issues.
• Sustaining serious injuries.
• Not having a support system after an accident.
• Developing guilt from the events of an accident.

Finding Legal Representation In Arizona After A Serious Car Accident

When you begin to devolve into a lifestyle that is negative and overwhelming you could have PTSD. It is important to your overall health and wellbeing to seek medical attention. Don’t attempt to bottle your issues up inside or try to work through it by yourself. It is important to address the issues immediately for your best chances of resolving it.

An experienced Phoenix personal injury attorney from ELG can provide you with the legal representation and skillful guidance you need to build a successful personal injury claim. We have extensive experience helping victims who have been traumatized by accidents and need compensation to move forward with their lives in the most healthy way.  Our firm’s attorneys are advocates for victims in the state of Arizona. Call us today to set up a free consultation with one of our effective attorneys at either of our Pheonix or Mesa Arizona law offices at (623) 562-3838.