Many victims of car accidents sustain both physical and psychological injuries. Serious car accidents can cause victims to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD,) with symptoms such as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or reluctance to drive. PTSD can cause long term disability and require many years of expensive treatment. That’s why it’s important to speak to a California personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights to monetary compensation.
Common Symptoms of PTSD After a Car Accident
The first course of treatment is usually for the physical injuries sustained in an accident, especially if those injuries are life threatening. As you recover, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of PTSD so that treatment can be commenced in a timely manner. These are the most common symptoms of PTSD after a car accident:
Arousal: This is an extreme feeling of alertness that can lead to sleep problems, hyper-vigilance, and sometimes paranoia.
Intrusion: Recollections of the accident make it difficult to concentrate on tasks or to fall asleep.
Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the accidents. This can lead to the refusal to drive or even to be a passenger in a car.
Numbing: Distancing oneself from friends and family can lead to a feeling of hopelessness or major depression.
These symptoms can be very subtle at first, but can increase rapidly into full blown cases of debilitating PTSD. That’s why it’s important to identify and treat symptoms promptly. Treatment with medication and therapy has been shown to greatly improve the outcome for victims suffering from PTSD and early diagnosis can improve the likelihood of a full recovery.
Compensation For Victims of PTSD After A Car Accident
If you’re suffering from PTSD after a car accident that isn’t your fault, you can make a claim against the negligent parties to recover money for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are reimbursement for medical costs, lost earnings and other out of pocket expenses. Non-economic damages are for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. The best way to find out how to collect a large amount of monetary compensation is to speak to a California personal injury attorney who can apply the facts of your case to the law. Filing deadlines can be short, so it’s important to make an appointment for a consultant as soon as possible after your accident.
Find Out How We Can Help
At Silva Injury Law we promote healing through compassionate advocacy. With each case tailored to the individual, we look our for your best interests by evaluating your unique circumstances. Contact us today for a FREE in person or remote consultation.