PTSD from Car Accidents

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

Being in a car accident can be a very scary experience, even for the most seasoned drivers. With the event being a sudden occurrence, the individuals involved in the car accident may not remember much at first. Over time, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can develop, with accidents being the most frequently experienced traumatic event among males and the second most frequently experienced traumatic event among females. Regardless, many survivors of car accidents frequently experience mental health difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is a condition that develops when people have experienced a scary or dangerous event. Nearly everyone who has been involved in a car accident will feel afraid immediately following the situation, but the majority of those individuals will recover from the “fight or flight” response rather quickly. Individuals who still feel afraid and experience the “fight or flight” response typically have PTSD and may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger.

How Many Car Accident Survivors Have PTSD?

Car accidents have been a major issue for a long time, as these types of events can cause serious injuries and even death. Research has shown that as many as nine percent of all car accident survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder. However, at least 14 percent of all car accident survivors tend to develop PTSD if seeking mental health treatment. At least three percent of car accident survivors who pursue mental health treatment and are diagnosed with PTSD have also been diagnosed with another mental illness, such as depression. For all car accident survivors who seek mental health treatment, as many as 27 percent of all individuals also suffer from anxiety, and as many as 15 percent of these individuals have a fear of driving.

Call a Cook County Personal Injury Attorney

Trying to manage emotional distress following a car accident can be difficult, as you can feel as if you are taken away from the best things in life, such as family and friends. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it may be necessary to seek legal representation. At Issa Law, LLC, we understand the trauma associated with car accidents, and we are ready to provide effective legal assistance for your matters. To schedule a free initial consultation, please call an Orland Park personal injury lawyer at 708-966-2408 to discuss your case.

Sources:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/trauma/other/traumatic-stress-vehicle-accidents.asp

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml