If you experience distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks of a traumatic event like a car crash, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. This debilitating condition can disrupt your life and relationships. Understanding the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of PTSD after a car accident can help you reclaim your peace of mind and get back to enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Contact us today for legal help if you were hurt in a car wreck in Carrollton, Atlanta, or anywhere else in Georgia.
Symptoms of PTSD After a Car Accident
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing a traumatic event like a car accident. PTSD causes severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
You may experience PTSD symptoms like:
- Re-experiencing the traumatic event through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. You may relive the crash or see images of it repeatedly.
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma like driving or riding in vehicles. You may avoid the location of the crash or talking about the details of what happened.
- Hyperarousal, feeling keyed up or on edge. You may have trouble sleeping or concentrating, be irritable have angry outbursts, or be easily startled.
- Negative changes in beliefs and feelings like blaming yourself or others, feeling detached from loved ones, or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
Treatment for PTSD
PTSD can be diagnosed by a mental health professional if symptoms last more than a month. Treatment options include:
- Trauma-focused psychotherapy, where you talk about your trauma and learn coping strategies. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can be effective for accident-related PTSD.
- Medication like antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or prazosin for nightmares. Medication alone is usually not enough and works best combined with psychotherapy.
- Lifestyle changes to relieve stress, like exercising, limiting alcohol/caffeine, spending time with others, and practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, PTSD after a car accident can be managed effectively, though it may require ongoing effort. Speaking to a mental health professional is the first step to overcoming frightening memories and moving on from the trauma of your accident.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer
A lawyer can play a crucial role in helping you navigate the legal process and secure compensation for all your accident-related damages, including PTSD. Here’s how:
Gathering Evidence
A lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to prove that you’re suffering from PTSD as a result of the car accident. This may involve obtaining medical records, arranging psychological evaluations, and gathering witness statements.
Calculating Damages
Calculating damages for mental health conditions like PTSD can be complex. A lawyer can help determine the extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Representing You in Court
If your case goes to trial, a lawyer can represent you in court, presenting your case in the most compelling way possible.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
The legal process after a car accident involves several steps.
Report the Accident
The accident must be reported to the police if a person is killed or injured or if the property damage totals $500 or more. The police report is important when seeking compensation.
Gather Information
It’s important to gather all relevant information at the scene of the accident. This includes:
- Name and contact information of the other driver
- Name and contact information of any witnesses
- Driver’s license number, vehicle registration, and license plate number
- The driver’s insurance company and policy number
- Description of the other vehicle (make, model, year)
- Location of the accident
- Photos of vehicles, the accident scene, and any injuries
Seek Medical Care
You should see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you think you’re fine. You may have internal injuries or experience delayed pain. Medical records show that the accident caused your injuries.
Insurance Claim
You file a claim to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurers are known for minimizing payouts, so it’s best to let a lawyer handle settlement negotiations.
Legal Action
If the insurer is refusing to pay, you may need to file a lawsuit. In most cases, you have two years after a car accident to sue in Georgia.
If you’re suffering from PTSD following a car accident, a lawyer from the Weinstein Firm can guide you through the complex legal process. Contact us today for a free case review.
