Serious bodily harm, such as a broken bone or fracture, comes to mind when one considers personal injury claims related to a car accident. But the psychological and emotional damage you suffer in a car accident can be just as crippling, if not more so.
The National Center for Health Statistics states that approximately 31 million Americans are hospitalized each year as a result of nonspecific injuries. As for San Jose, the city saw 65 traffic fatalities in 2022. 33 of those 65 were pedestrians.
When you experience emotional trauma, it can be challenging to go about your daily life, whether at home or at work. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a San Jose car accident lawyer to seek fair compensation for your losses.
In severe cases, you may even begin to feel physically ill. Learn about the mental and emotional damage caused by car accidents and get the help you need to recover.
Table of Contents
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Multiple traumatic experiences, such as a car accident, can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While PTSD shares some symptoms with other mental health problems (such as anxiety and depression), other symptoms can help distinguish it. A car accident can cause PTSD, which manifests itself in the following ways:
- Having dreams or flashbacks that repeat and intensify the circumstances of the accident
- Avoiding situations (such as driving or being in a car) that bring up unpleasant memories of accidents
- A heightened awareness or state of suspicion about one’s surroundings
Depression and Anxiety
When a person is constantly worried about what might happen in the event of a car accident, it can limit their physical activity and force them to adjust their lifestyle accordingly. As these issues make full recovery more difficult for the patient, they may require access to specialized medical care and treatment.
Below are some symptoms of these conditions:
- Difficulty concentrating on daily activities
- Chronic anxiety
- Unwanted panic and fear
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep problems
- Sweating when faced with stressful situations
Long-Term and Severe Emotional Consequences
The emotional impact of a car accident does not necessarily fade with time. This can manifest itself in symptoms such as persistent anxiety, phobias associated with driving, and a general reduction in the quality of life of the person affected by the incident.
When a person survives a traumatic accident or other disaster, it is impossible to predict the long-term implications of the situation, especially the emotional damage that they sustain. This is why it is essential to exercise caution and assume that any psychological injury will be severe enough to require the assistance of a trained medical practitioner.
Conclusion
Injuries in a car collision can manifest physically as well as emotionally and psychologically. When mental illness gets in the way of your life, you should get help for your problems. Consequently, if you want to receive financial compensation for your emotional and physical damages after a car accident, you must consult a personal injury attorney.