Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your physical injuries are the only issues that you may have to deal with after you get involved in a car accident. You may see significant mental and emotional changes after the crash, and these can alter the course of your life.
One of the prime examples of the types of long-term consequences from a crash is PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Car wrecks are a common cause of PTSD
For most people, traffic accidents are the No. 1 most common reason they could suffer from PTSD. Researchers have tracked this since the Vietnam War. Historically speaking, we have learned the most about PTSD from veterans, and war often leads to this disorder, but it’s not confined to this realm. Any major traumatic experience can cause it. Most people will never be in a war in their lives, and these violent crashes are the most traumatic things they have to endure.
The impact of PTSD on your life can be unique. For some, it means they can’t drive anymore because they’re overcome with anxiety about another crash. For others, they have constant flashbacks and nightmares about the event. For still others, they’re at risk of depression and their personalities change. This is especially common if a loved one was killed in the crash.
What can you do if your mental health has suffered from a car wreck?
If you have PTSD, you know that it can be a disabling condition. It’s difficult to recover from, and you may never feel the same. It’s important to get proper medical treatment and assistance, and that may mean seeking compensation for those costs from the driver who caused the crash.