What Are the Symptoms of PTSD after a Car Crash?
A serious car wreck can throw your whole life into disarray. From expensive vehicle damage to severe physical injuries, you could be facing the effects for weeks or months afterward.
In addition to the financial and physical hardships, the American Psychological Association reported that motor-vehicle accidents are the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States.
According to the Mayo Clinic, just because a crash victim feels anxious after a collision does not necessarily mean that he or she suffers from PTSD. However, if you feel severe depression, anxiety, nightmares and other symptoms of PTSD, then it is critical that you seek treatment.
If you were injured by a negligent driver in Nebraska, contact an Omaha car accident attorney from Rensch & Rensch Law. With more than 45 years of combined legal experience, our personal-injury lawyers have the knowledge and resources to represent your interests.
Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also learn more about car accident injury lawsuits by visiting http://car-accident.usattorneys.com/.
7 Most Common Symptoms of PTSD after a Car Crash
Each case of post-traumatic stress disorder is unique. The symptoms can vary widely in intensity and duration from one person to the next, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several risk factors that make a person more vulnerable to PTSD. These include:
- Not having a support network of family and friends;
- Having other mental illnesses; and
- Working a job that exposes the person to traumatic experiences.
If you were involved in a car accident, your top priority is to seek medical attention. In addition to evaluating your physical wounds, it is equally important that you share any psychological symptoms with your doctor.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Irrationally blaming yourself or another person for the accident;
- Reliving the crash through nightmares;
- Avoiding people or places that remind you of the traumatic event;
- Severe depression or anxiety;
- Not being able to remember details about the traumatic incident;
- Sleep problems; and
- Inability to concentrate.
Treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
If you suffered PTSD after a car accident, your doctor may recommend a treatment plan that combines psychotherapy with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy will help you recognize and change irrational, negative thought patterns. Exposure therapy will help you overcome irrational fears by confronting the cause of your PTSD in a safe, controlled environment.
Medications for PTSD include anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants. Anti-anxiety medications will reduce anxiety and stress. Antidepressants can improve your mood and help with concentration and sleep.
If you were injured by a drunk, distracted or negligent driver in Nebraska, turn to Rensch & Rensch Law. An accident attorney in Omaha will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and non-economic damages. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation.
