After a car accident, the physical trauma and injuries are often easily noticeable. What some people fail to realize is that the emotional distress and trauma is just as damaging. Being involved in a car accident is stressful and frightening, and being able to recognize the signs of emotional trauma is important. Below we outline the types of emotional trauma following a car collision, signs to look out for, and what to do if you have suffered emotional distress after an accident.
Types of Emotional Distress
Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety are common after being involved in a car accident. Anxiety after an accident can cause fear of driving or getting into a car. Anxiety can be triggered by everyday situations and disrupt your life in many ways. Some signs of anxiety after a car accident may include:
- Feeling uncomfortable being in a crowded area
- Being especially sensitive to sudden loud noises
- Avoiding certain places or situations that may trigger feelings of stress
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
After a traumatic event like a car accident, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is very common. PTSD can develop in different ways and those suffering from PTSD may have mild to extreme symptoms. Some signs of PTSD after a car accident may include:
- Avoiding the location of the accident
- Completely avoiding anything that involves a car such as driving or even being a passenger
- Flashbacks of the actual accident
Depression
Depression after a car accident can be especially debilitating. An individual could lack motivation to go about their daily life and may start to feel as though things may never improve. Physical injuries can often exacerbate these feelings because they make it difficult for an individual to engage with people and loved ones as they once did. Some signs of depression include:
- Lack of energy
- Unable to complete normal tasks
- Inability to sleep or eat normally
A therapist will be able to diagnose anxiety, PTSD, and depression and can determine whether they are related to a car collision or not. It’s important to see a therapist following any traumatic event as having a correct diagnosis by a medical professional can help you recover and establish your claim for compensation after an accident.
Proving Emotional Distress
If you believe you may have a case of emotional distress, you should consult with an accident attorney. The Denver car accident lawyers at Kane Dulin McQuinn Young, explain that “an attorney can help you determine which insurance policies can help cover your expenses” and “can negotiate your case to help fight for the settlement you need to cover medical care, lost wages and more”.
Your emotional distress claim will heavily rely on your attorney’s ability to prove that you suffered emotional trauma from the accident and that this emotional distress significantly impacted your finances or your life. To build a strong claim you may need to obtain evidence such as, witness testimonies, your medical professional’s notes on your diagnosis, and copies of your medical records.
Being in a car accident is an overwhelming and stressful experience, and suffering emotional distress is a common occurrence. Remember to seek professional medical attention and keep detailed records after any accident as it will help aid in your recovery and injury claim.