In the aftermath of a car crash, it is normal to focus on physical injuries and the details of what to do about your vehicle damage and how you will pay your bills. With all that to deal with, it is easy to overlook the emotional and psychological ramifications or think you’ll just “get over it” with time. Although many people do get back to normal on their own, car accidents are the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in civilians. Untreated PTSD can be debilitating and can affect your ability to earn a living, interact with family and friends and just go about the necessary business of everyday life.
Recognizing the Signs of PTSD
PTSD can affect everyone differently, but there are some common symptoms including:
- Flashbacks
- Negative thoughts and feelings such as fear, anger, guilt, shame or hopelessness
- Detachment
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Nightmares
- Avoidance of reminders of the accident
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Easily startled
- Excessive irritability or volatility
Preventing and Treating PTSD
For some car accident survivors, PTSD may be preventable. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 13% to 21% of car accident survivors will experience a condition called acute stress disorder, occurring between three days and a month after the accident. About half of those people go on the develop PTSD, but the treatment of acute stress disorder can help prevent long-term PTSD.
Those who are already suffering from PTSD can benefit from treatment. PTSD will not just go away and for most, treatment is not a cure, but it can help you manage the effects so that you can get back to normal activities and enjoying your life again.
Full and fair compensation for your auto accident injuries includes compensation for the emotional and psychological harm you have suffered. To learn more about your rights and compensation after a Georgia accident, call Robbins Law, PC, at 800-772-5555 or email us today and schedule your free consultation.