Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that often follows a traumatic or life-threatening experience, such as combat, a natural disaster, physical assault, or a car accident. Sometimes, just witnessing the event is enough to trigger this disturbance. If you are experiencing PTSD from a Northglenn car accident, reach out to our compassionate
car accident attorneys for help pursuing justice and compensation.
How Do Car Accidents Cause PTSD?
Every year, there are more than six million traffic accidents in the United States, including in Northglenn, and doctors have begun more in-depth studies of the correlation between them and PTSD. If you have been in a car accident, you may be inundated with emotions in the days afterward. You might even relive the accident over and over in your mind. Some of these feelings might include:
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Fear
- Guilt
- Shock or disbelief that the accident happened
It is very common for people who have been in an accident to have some or all of these feelings. It can become a problem, however, if these feelings become obsessive or interfere with your ability to carry out your normal daily activities.
After their car accident, most people experience these feelings less often until they eventually subside entirely. If the feelings don’t subside but actually increase in frequency or intensity, or if the intense or persistent feelings begin altering the way you think or act, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Any of the following issues could be indicative of PTSD:
- Not wanting to drive or ride in a vehicle
- A persistent, overall feeling of uneasiness
- Dreading/avoiding medical tests or procedures
- Extreme anxiety, anger, or irritability
- Feeling disconnected from people and events
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Uncontrollable, nagging memories of the accident
Each year, millions of people are involved in car accidents. Recent studies have indicated that anywhere between 10 and 45 percent of those people develop some degree of PTSD. People who have existing anxiety or depression disorders are more susceptible. Additionally, women tend to be more affected than men are.
PTSD Treatment
After a Northglenn car accident, therapies for PTSD can be as individualized as the patients themselves. Some people are able to work through it with counseling, while others may require prescription medication. Duration of treatment varies as well, ranging from as little as 6-12 weeks, or much longer for some individuals.
In the days following your accident, there are several things you can do to help mitigate the effects of PTSD.
- Speak with family, friends or a counselor about the details of the accident. Recount your feelings and actions at the time of the accident.
- If your car accident injuries allow it, stay active. Your doctor can advise you about exercise and activities that are safe for your physical condition.
- Try to resume your normal schedule as soon as possible. Getting back into your routine will help you work through any fears or insecurities you may be experiencing.
- Practice defensive driving skills. By doing so, you’ll reduce your risk of being in another car accident while you regain your confidence behind the wheel.
- Follow up with your doctor to monitor your progress and be referred to other professionals if necessary.
Contact Our Northglenn Attorneys About PTSD From Car Accidents
If you or someone you love is experiencing PTSD from a Northglenn car accident, you need our dedicated car accident attorneys on your side from the start. Your lawyer can help ensure that you receive the money you need to pay for all your medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed personal injury lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice.
Contact us online or by calling
(303) 647-1999 or
(866) 385-3505.
