Car accidents can be traumatic. When you are involved in a collision, it is not uncommon to experience a range of intense emotions, such as shock, fear, and anger. For some people, these feelings may be short-lived and dissipate over time. For others, the emotional effects of a car accident may be more long-lasting and lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you are experiencing any of the following four symptoms of PTSD after a car accident, it is important to seek professional help.

The four following symptoms are the most commonly experienced among those suffering from PTSD after a car accident:

Sudden Flashbacks and Memories

Many individuals who experience PTSD after a car accident may find that they suddenly experience flashbacks or memories of the accident. These flashbacks can be extremely vivid and cause a great deal of distress, often leading to the person feeling like they are reliving the accident all over again. This symptom can be particularly difficult to deal with as it can interrupt daily life and make it difficult to concentrate on anything else.

Dreams/Nightmares

Another symptom that individuals commonly experience is having dreams or nightmares about the accident. These dreams can be so realistic that they cause a great deal of anxiety and fear. For some people, these dreams may be so intense that they have difficulty distinguishing between what happened and what didn’t.

Behavioral Changes

Many people who experience PTSD after a car accident also experience depression and anxiety. This can be extremely difficult to deal with as it can cause a great deal of stress and make it difficult to cope with everyday life. Some people may find that they are no longer able to do the things they used to enjoy or that they are constantly feeling anxious and worried about everything. This can be incredibly frustrating and can make it difficult to see any hope for the future.

Changes in a person’s behavior are a common side effect of depression and anxiety. People who have PTSD may find that they become more withdrawn and isolate themselves from others.

Avoidance

Many individuals who suffer from PTSD after a car accident will go to great lengths to avoid anything that reminds them of the accident. This may include avoiding driving, certain roads, or even leaving their house altogether. For some people, this avoidance can become so severe that it starts interfering with their daily life and routine.

Emotional avoidance is another way that people with PTSD may try to cope with their trauma. This can manifest in many ways, such as changing the subject when the topic of the accident comes up or harboring feelings of anger, guilt, or shame. People may also try to numb their emotions by self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.

Contact Our Legal Team

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident and is displaying any of the above symptoms of PTSD, a long road to recovery may be ahead. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers can offer you the legal guidance you need to get compensated and to help deal with the aftermath of your accident. Contact us today at (225) 240-4053 for a free consultation.