Post-Traumatic Stress After a Car Crash: How Does It Affect Survivors?

The injuries sustained in car accidents are well documented. Plenty of people know how serious these situations are and the lifelong effects that come along with the injuries. However, did you know that physical pain is not the only thing that could impact a car crash survivor?

In many cases, there is more than just a physical injury sustained. There may be emotional damages that result from the car accident as well, impacting a person’s entire life. Here are some things you should understand regarding trauma and how it impacts a survivor.

How Trauma Occurs

Typically, when an accident occurs, it can be a shocking experience. Initial adrenaline takes over and people deal with the following moments in their own manner, asking to see information, speaking to witnesses, and talking to witnesses.

It isn’t until long after the accident occurs that a person generally learns about their trauma. Out of nowhere, a trigger causes the survivor to panic; the feeling of anxiety overcoming them. This is a serious situation that often leads to emotional distress.

Triggers are events, sounds, sights, and anything else that reminds the victim of the situation that caused them an injury. For example, if one of the parties honked their horn during the crash, or if the tires screeched, any time that sounds occurs in the future, it can be a trigger to someone suffering from trauma.

How Trauma Impacts a Victim

Trauma can be serious when it comes to the survivor’s livelihood because it has the potential to prevent the individuals from completing tasks that were once normal. The survivor may even be afraid to get into a car and drive again.

It could impact a person’s ability at work, or even in a relationship. This is because a large number of individuals who deal with trauma also feel the psychological effects such as depression and anxiety.

It’s important to know what rights victims have and how they may be able to take legal action against the individual who was responsible for the accident. While getting compensation doesn’t help overcome the trauma, it can put some kind of ease on the victim who may deal with the expenses of medical treatment and therapy.

Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at The Beasley Firm dedicate ourselves to helping survivors understand their rights and what they’re able to do to seek compensation. Let us guide you through the entire process.

Schedule your free consultation with us by contacting our firm today.