Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law | August 29, 2024 | Car Accidents
Getting into a car accident can be frightening and overwhelming, but the psychological impact is often overlooked. For some people, a crash leads to an unexpected consequence: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multiple studies estimate the rate of motor vehicle accident-related PTSD at 25% to 33% at least 30 days after the crash. One study found the lifetime prevalence of PTSD is 7.4%, and traffic collisions were one of the leading causes.
Here is what you should know about PTSD after an accident.
Who Is At Risk of PTSD After a Crash?
Research shows certain people have an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder after a crash.
You may be more likely to experience PTSD if you:
- Are female,
- Survived a fatal accident, or
- Have a history of violent injury, depression, or other types of trauma
Certain people have a lower risk of developing crash-related PTSD. This includes accident victims who were under 30, suffered a brain injury, or were at fault for the crash.
Accident survivors who struggle with chronic pain appear even more likely to develop PTSD. One study looked at crash survivors with PTSD symptoms and chronic pain. It found a higher rate of symptoms related to psychological distress, physical impairment, and poor pain coping methods.
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD After a Car Accident?
PTSD symptoms vary by person.
Common symptoms of PTSD after a serious traffic accident may include:
- Refusing to drive or reluctance to get in a car
- Intrusive thoughts about the crash
- Disturbing dreams about the collision
- Feeling detached
- Muted emotional responses
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Easily startled
It’s very common for PTSD victims to also suffer from concurrent issues. About one-quarter of people seeking treatment for trauma symptoms after a crash also suffer from major depression. Substance abuse and other anxiety disorders are common as well.
For some people, PTSD symptoms resolve within weeks or months. For others, the symptoms can persist for years. PTSD is likely to persist without proper treatment.
Seeking Treatment for PTSD
Developing post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident is common, but many victims do not seek treatment. Part of the problem is many people do not think they can develop PTSD from a crash. If you are experiencing PTSD symptoms after your accident, it’s important to seek medical care right away. Getting your condition diagnosed properly and pursuing treatment options can improve your quality of life and avoid possible consequences for your health and relationships.
PTSD may be treated with therapy and/or medication. Common treatment options include:
- Cognitive therapy (CT) involves identifying patterns and helping patients understand how traumatic memories are appraised. The goal is to replace negative appraisals with a new mental narrative to change the response.
- Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy teaches patients to approach traumatic memories and situations gradually. The goal is to learn that situations or memories are not dangerous and that avoiding them is not necessary.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) uses guided eye movements to change your reactions to memories that are traumatic.
- Medications such as anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants, and Prazosin to suppress nightmares and improve sleep.
Getting the medical care you need as soon as possible is important to recover from your crash. PTSD should be taken just as seriously as a broken bone. However, paying for treatment can be challenging after a serious accident, especially if you are unable to work. Psychological treatment can be expensive, and it may not be covered by your health insurance.
After a crash, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will pay for necessary medical care. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to hold them accountable for your damages if you meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold. This includes your medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help if You Suffer PTSD After a Crash
If you have been hurt in a crash and you are unsure what steps to take next, a car accident lawyer can help you. Contact an experienced law office for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident lawyer. They will help you explore your legal options for getting the care you need.
Contact a Car Accident lawyer at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law Today
For more information, please contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law to schedule a free consultation. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Orlando, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Titusville.
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Orlando, FL Office
633 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
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Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Palm Bay, FL Office
4620 Lipscomb Street N.E Suite #3K
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Phone: (321) 677-5964
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Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Melbourne, FL Office
1600 W Eau Gallie Blvd #205j
Melbourne, FL 32935
Phone: (321) 450-7134
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Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Cocoa, FL Office
717 S Cocoa Blvd STE 203
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 449-8042
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Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Titusville, FL Office
4527 S Hopkins Ave Suite B
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (407) 801-3000
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