Nobody goes out for a drive and expects to cause a car accident or to be a victim of a car accident, but it happens to thousands of people every single day. Each year, about 1.35 million people lose their lives in motor vehicle accidents worldwide, leaving countless people having to live with the trauma they experienced in a car crash.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is a mental disorder in which an individual has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. If you have ever caused a car accident, you may know how haunting feelings can seem like they will stick around forever. PTSD can last months or years, with triggers that can bring back negative memories and intense emotional or physical reactions.
PTSD Symptoms You Should Look Out for After a Car Accident
While many people involved in automobile accidents will not develop serious mental disorders after a car accident, some people will. Individuals who have experienced a severe motor vehicle accident have an increased risk of psychological issues, especially PTSD.
If you find yourself experiencing any of the following symptoms of PTSD for longer than three months or if they are starting to worry you or your friends, you may want to seek help from a mental health professional:
- Have flashbacks: Intrusive memories after a collision can cause victims to have flashbacks that cause them to be forced to relive the incident repeatedly. Exposure or cognitive behavioral therapy may be effective in curbing recurrent flashbacks.
- Dream about the accident: PTSD can cause distressing nightmares related to the events of the crash.
- Avoid talking or thinking about the crash: Actively trying to avoid thinking, seeing, or talking about the people or places that remind you of a traumatic event is not a healthy coping mechanism and is a sign you could be suffering from PTSD.
- Feelings of guilt: Persistent guilt that you could have done something differently can occur even if you did not cause the accident and could indicate that you may have PTSD.
- Changes in behavior: PTSD can cause depression, anxiety, hopelessness, irritability, and feelings of being emotionally numb or as if you are in a daze.
- Sleep problems: Whether anxiety is keeping you awake or you are waking up in the middle of the night shaking or shouting, problems falling asleep or staying asleep is a common sign of PTSD.
It’s important to remember to be kind to yourself after an accident, even if you were fully or partially at fault. Humans make mistakes. Just remember to focus on your recovery and that there is no shame in asking for help.
Recover Compensation for Your Damages from a New Mexico Car Accident
When you partner with Dominguez Law, you can rest assured that our team will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome on your behalf. We devote a considerable amount of time to ensuring that our clients understand the legal process and make sure they stay informed throughout every step of their car accident case.
Attorney Paul M. Dominguez knows that when someone is suffering from PTSD that the world can feel unsafe. That is why he goes the extra mile for all of our clients, and he will do the same for you. Call (505) 317-9837 or complete our contact form to schedule a free evaluation of your car accident case.
