Accidents & PTSD
Car accidents are one of the most prevalent sources of trauma in American society. There are more than six million car accidents each year in the US, and experts estimate there are over three million people injured in these collisions. Although many of these accidents are simple fender-benders, many are serious accidents resulting in major physical trauma. Those physical injuries and losses are often the most noticeable thing about a serious accident, but the less obvious result is mental and emotional trauma.
About PTSD
Many people experience some type of emotional distress after a serious car accident, and experts estimate that 10-45% of those who are in a serious wreck develop PTSD. Although many of us associate PTSD with those who have experienced combat or been assaulted, car accidents are actually the most common exposure that American men have to trauma, and the second most common for women.
PTSD can arise after any incident that causes a person to believe that his or her life is in danger, or that he or she is in danger of significant physical harm. It can also occur if someone has these fears for a person they care about. While only a licensed professional can diagnose an individual with PTSD, the following are a few of the symptoms:
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma
- Avoiding emotions associated with the trauma
- Intrusive memories of the event
- Repetitive nightmares
- A constant sense of danger
People experiencing PTSD also may have difficulty eating and sleeping, or participating in social interactions. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may benefit from speaking with a mental healthcare professional.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident caused by another person or party and you are now experiencing signs of PTSD, contact a Stevens Point car accident lawyer from Habush Habush & Rottier S.C., at 800-242-2874 today.