Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after a Crash

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatizing event, and it is one of the most commonly-reported sources of trauma nationwide. The abrupt, unexpected crash, the possible near-death experience, seeing loved ones injured – all can contribute to emotional trauma that can take a serious toll. While some people recover quickly, about one in ten people involved in a serious crash develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Below are facts about the condition and the importance of treatment.

What does PTSD look like?

There are three main categories of symptoms associated with PTSD: Hyperarousal, Avoidance, and Re-experiencing. When someone is hyper-aroused, they may feel overly alert, anxious, unable to sleep, unable to concentrate, or more prone to bursts of anger. Avoidance symptoms may be an unwillingness to drive after the crash or go near the crash site, depression, feeling emotionally numb, or having difficulty remembering the accident itself. Re-experiencing symptoms include flashing back to the accident or having nightmares about the accident, and experiencing intrusive thoughts about the crash.

It might not seem as important to treat emotional health after a crash as it does to treat your physical health, but it is. PTSD symptoms can linger and have a negative impact on your quality of life, and if another driver was negligent in causing the crash, then you’re as entitled to compensation for these emotional injuries as you are for injuries to your body. A skilled New York personal injury attorney can assist you in making a claim for costs of therapy for you and any family members who were involved in the crash.

If you have been injured in an accident with a car or truck and are in need of a skilled personal injury attorney to ensure that you are fully compensated for all your injuries, contact Hudson Valley car accident attorneys Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello for a consultation on your claims, at 845-331-4100 in Kingston, 845-236-4411 in Marlboro, or toll-free at 800-566.4101.