The Psychological Effects of Car Accidents on Victims

A car accident is a frightening and traumatic event that can cause a great deal of damage to those involved. Car accidents can result not only in physical injuries but mental, emotional and psychological effects, as well. A victim may deal with lasting psychological impacts that require professional therapy, counseling or medication.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can arise from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it used to be referred to as “shellshock” and was reserved for soldiers returning from active war zones, PTSD is now recognized as a widespread psychological condition among survivors of many types of traumatic incidents, including automobile accidents.

Victims with PTSD from a car accident may experience flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, severe or chronic anxiety, trouble sleeping, nightmares, emotional detachment or numbness, feelings of fear, hypervigilance, mood swings, and anger or irritability. Treating PTSD often involves psychotherapy, meditation and self-care techniques, support groups, and (in some cases) medications.

Anxiety Disorders

Psychological trauma from a car accident could cause one or more anxiety disorders, which are mental health conditions characterized by strong feelings of nervousness, anxiousness, panic or impending doom. Acute stress disorder, for example, is a short-term condition that can cause stress responses and flashbacks or nightmares in the weeks following a traumatic event. A victim may also experience chronic or lasting anxiety surrounding motor vehicles.

Depression

A victim may experience symptoms of depression or depressive disorder after a car accident due to the trauma of the crash or the effects of a related injury, such as a permanent injury, disability, scarring or disfigurement. Depressive disorders can affect how a person feels and thinks. It can also impact a victim’s ability to eat, sleep and work. Several types of therapies and medications can be used to treat depression.

Phobia of Driving

After an individual is involved in a serious auto accident, he or she may develop a new phobia or fear of driving or riding as a passenger in a car (vehophobia). This fear can interfere with the individual’s daily life, affecting his or her independence and ability to travel outside of the house. This can be significantly inconvenient and psychologically stressful.

Survivor’s Guilt

If a victim survives an auto accident but other people do not, the survivor may experience lasting feelings of guilt or shame. With survivor’s guilt, a victim may blame himself or herself for the car accident, feel guilty about being unable to rescue or save others, and think he or she did not deserve to survive the life-threatening situation when others died. These thoughts and feelings can negatively affect the survivor’s daily life and mental health.

Seek Justice for the Psychological Effects of a Car Accident in Florida

As a car accident victim in Florida, you can seek financial compensation for the psychological effects of the crash as well as any physical injuries. You could potentially collect compensation for medical care, therapies or medications you need to treat a psychological condition or cope with the traumatic effects of the accident.

For assistance filing your claim and seeking fair compensation for pain and suffering or psychological trauma, contact Vanguard Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tampa car accident attorneys.