Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can have an extraordinary effect on a person’s life. When most people think of PTSD, they tend to think of war veterans and people who have experienced unthinkable tragedies. What some people don’t realize, however, is that PTSD can be triggered by a wide range of stressful situations—including a motor vehicle accident.
Understanding PTSD Following an Auto Accident
There are many reasons as to why an auto accident could be traumatic enough on a person to cause PTSD. For starters, those who witnessed others being severely injured or even killed during an auto accident can go on to suffer from PTSD, as can those who have been seriously injured themselves. In cases where at least one other driver or passenger was killed in an auto accident, it is also not uncommon for people to experience extreme survivor’s guilt that leads to PTSD.
Unfortunately, post-traumatic stress disorder can have devastating consequences on a person’s life. Many people who experience PTSD after an auto accident show symptoms such as:
- anxiety and depression
- suicidal thoughts
- memory problems
- difficulty concentrating
- insomnia
- chronic pain
In extreme cases, some people with PTSD may find themselves unable to meet their daily obligations and responsibilities, such as holding a job or caring for their families.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Advice
For those who have been involved in an auto accident and are suffering from PTSD symptoms, it’s important to seek a professional diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Specifically, seeing a counselor or therapist is a good first step to take in order to confirm the diagnosis of PTSD and develop a customized treatment plan.
For those whose PTSD has had a major impact on everyday life and abilities, it may also be worth speaking with a legal professional regarding the possibility of seeking compensation from the party responsible for the auto accident (or their insurance company). Specifically, compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and even medical bills may be obtained through a PTSD personal injury case.
It is worth noting that proving PTSD was caused by an auto accident can be a challenge, and in some cases, expert witnesses and other professionals may need to be called in by the court for testimony. Furthermore, it is likely that additional witnesses will be called in to discuss your specific symptoms and how they have affected your life. This will probably include your therapist or any counselors your have been seeing since the accident.
This is where having an experienced legal team on your side can make all the difference. At Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A. we have experience in these types of personal injury cases and provide you with the legal advice and guidance you need along the way. Contact us today to set up your free case evaluation and find out more about how we can help.
Our case evaluations are free with no obligation, so if you think you may have a case, it’s best to reach out to talk it through. Request your free case evaluation today.