Emotional Effects of Car Accidents
Most people believe that trauma from car accidents is solely physical, but automobile collisions can also have profound emotional effects. Vehicle accidents are the most prevalent cause of mental distress for males and the second-most leading cause of trauma for females, according to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).
Furthermore, these statistics illustrate that 9% of all traffic accident victims experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is a serious psychological condition that can impact your everyday life. Even if your physical body sustains little to no harm, your mental state can be broken.
Symptoms of Emotional Distress After a Car Accident
Traumatic experiences from the crash might trigger long-term emotional and mental health disorders. What’s more, they can take more than a few medical visits to recover fully. Common conditions and signs of poor mental health following a car accident include:
- Inability to derive pleasure from daily activities.
- Withdrawal from human interaction and social events.
- Mood changes ranging from shame, and rage to annoyance.
- High levels of anxiety and stress.
- Nightmares and irregular sleep habits like insomnia.
- Depression.
- Reckless and careless behavior.
- Guilt.
- New phobia or fears, such as fear of driving or riding in a vehicle.
Who Should You See Concerning Your Accident-Related Mental Issues?
Mental health issues can result in problems in other areas of your life, like job disputes, relationship issues, and in the worst-case scenario, an inability to perform appropriately in everyday life. If you are experiencing emotional stress or trauma after a car accident, you should consult a mental health specialist immediately. Your counselor or mental health specialist will help you figure out how to get back on track, but psychological problems can take extended periods to heal.
Nonetheless, your provider will inform you how to deal with your accident-related anxiety and stress in the most effective way possible. Based on the seriousness of your symptoms, you may be prescribed medication. Furthermore, relaxation methods, including controlled breathing, specific exercises, and yoga can also help to ease the mind and emotions.
In some cases, physical injuries sustained in the vehicle accident can be the driving cause behind your experience with your mental health. As a result, seeing a doctor to treat your bodily injury might be the initial step toward healing your psychology and starting to recover.
Developing Evidence to Support Your Claim for Reimbursement for Psychological Injuries
Psychological injuries can, in general, be equal to physical injuries. When you are seriously injured in a car accident, the other party should understand that you are still suffering from mental and emotional trauma.
You can expect the jury and the defense to be doubtful if you report significant emotional trauma due to a fender bender. Nonetheless, your psychological injuries are unique for various cases. You can include any emotional or mental trauma you suffer in your claim.
Contact Karnas Law Firm for Expert Legal Counsel
Have you sustained significant emotional trauma following a car accident? Reimbursement for your injuries can cover both the cost of care and the pain and suffering caused by mental injuries. Do not let a reckless or negligent driver walk away.
An experienced Car Accident Attorney can help you determine your claim’s worth. Contact Karnas Law Firm to discuss your legal rights and options right away.
Call (520) 462-3886 to discuss your case for free.