Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Caused by a Car Accident

Every year, millions of people are injured in car accidents across the country. Not only do these injuries result in physical pain, but often mental pain as well. In fact, 10 to 45 percent of individuals injured in car crashes will suffer from a condition known as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder is serious and can affect the ability to perform functions related to daily living. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the United States.

An article posted on PTSD Support Services’ website quoted physchologists Edward B. Blanchard, Ph.D. and Edward J. Hickling, Psy.D., authors of After The Crash: Assessment and Treatment of Motor Vehicle Accident Survivors, which was published by the American Psychological Association. The authors said, “Besides this being a national public health problem, it is also taking a psychological toll. Not only are almost half of those in car accidents at a noticeable risk for developing PTSD, but there are other non symptomatic signs that affect them, like having trouble on the job and in school, maintaining friendships and not being able to enjoy leisure time.”

If you have been injured in a car accident, you should be evaluated for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Some of the symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder include the following:

• Difficulty with concentration
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Detachment or feelings of isolation from others
• Trouble driving or riding in a car

There was one report of a 34-year-old man who experienced symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for 12 years after his car accident. His symptoms included insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, persistent worry and headaches. This man’s car accident occurred when he struck a bridge abutment and became trapped for more than an hour while he could smell gasoline. He suffered a broken leg and jaw. Six years later, he received a settlement from the car accident, but continued to suffer from psychological effects.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can affect the injured person’s ability to get behind the wheel. It is a serious condition that should be treated by a medical professional.

If you were in a car accident and believe that you may be suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Call the experienced car accident attorneys at Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at 713-224-7800 or 877-724-7800 for expert legal advice regarding your case.