How Does PTSD Impact a Person’s Ability to Drive?

Not all accidents result in just physical injuries. There are some instances in which emotional trauma can arise after a car crash. While the physical damages are definitely a concern, there are some injuries that may heal. However, post-traumatic stress disorder may last a lot longer and have a significant impact on a person’s life.

In fact, there are ways it may affect the survivor’s ability and will to drive. It doesn’t damage the person’s actual physical ability to drive their vehicle, but it can create a mental state in which they feat driving because they’re concerned about the possibility of another accident.

The Will to Drive

Driving is something that many people enjoy. However, imagine having that joy taken away from you and replaced with the possibility of fear and anxiety because someone’s negligence results in a significant injury?

This is the reality for many individuals and the will to do something they once enjoyed may be gone. This forces a survivor to change their entire life: how they get to and from work, the ability to take their kids around, and more.

What Makes It Difficult to Drive?

For survivors who suffer from PTSD, the idea of the past accident and thought of another accident occurring can be a biggest fear. The moment they get behind the wheel of a vehicle—or even as a passenger—they run the risk of reliving the moments of the crash.

This can easily make the driver change their mind and get out of the vehicle. This makes simple tasks seem impossible for the survivor.

If your life has been affected and you have developed post-traumatic stress as a result of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have legal recourse. Hiring a Philadelphia car accident attorney should be one of the first steps you take.

At The Beasley Firm, we take these matters very seriously because we know how much your life may be impacted. We work hard to protect your rights at all times and you can trust our team to put your best interests at the top of our priority list.

Contact us today.