Can you get PTSD after a car accident?

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There is nothing worse than getting injured in a car accident. In addition to having multiple doctor’s appointments, you may have to endure physical therapy. You will also have to miss time away from work which can cause you to lose money. There are emotional effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder as well.  

What is PTSD?

 
PTSD is a psychological disorder that is brought on when a person experiences or sees a traumatic event. It can be an accident, a crime, or a natural disaster. Soldiers often experience PTSD after a combat situation. It is so common in military veterans that it was once known as shell shock or combat fatigue.

About 1 and 11 people will experience this condition throughout their life, and women are 50% more likely to experience it than men.
 

What are the symptoms of PTSD?
If you think you have PTSD, it is a good idea to visit a mental health professional for a diagnosis. However, there are a few common symptoms of which it helps to be aware.

Intrusive Thoughts
Do you find yourself remembering your accident over and over again without wanting to? If you have upsetting dreams or reoccurring thoughts that are related to the accident, it is likely to be a symptom of PTSD. These thoughts can be extremely intense and might interfere with your ability to function.

Mood Swings and Cognitive Problems
If there are some aspects of the traumatizing event that you simply cannot remember, it could be a sign that you have PTSD. You can even end up having distorted views of yourself and other people. You may believe that people in your life are trying to hurt you or that you are a bad person. You might lose interest in doing things that you previously enjoyed.

Avoidance
A person with PTSD will end up avoiding certain things, such as social activities. In some cases, they might try to avoid driving or even riding in a car. They will often try to avoid talking about the accident.

Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity
A person with PTSD often feels angry without knowing why. They may have angry outbursts or physical ticks. They might suffer from insomnia, or they might end up thinking people that they don’t know are out to get them.

Unlike medical bills or lost wages, PTSD can be very hard to put a price on.

Proving Pain and Suffering

 
According to lawyer Eslinger, there is no set way for an insurance company to determine the amount of money you will get for pain and suffering. A good amount of your compensation will depend on your own testimony and the testimony of an expert witness.

It is important to save every medical bill you have and any bills you have for medications that you might have taken. It is also important to get the names and numbers of witnesses at the scene. When it comes to PTSD, the testimony of your friends, family, and coworkers is important as well.

It is essential to have the representation of an experienced personal injury attorney. They will be well-versed in negotiating with insurance companies, and they will understand accident law.

This is a guest blog entry.