A collision can be an incredibly traumatic event that can leave an auto accident victim with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a serious psychological condition that make it difficult for an auto accident victim to perform their daily routine.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
If can take days or weeks for an auto accident victim to show symptoms of PTSD but here are a few to look out for:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Vivid visual and auditory memories
- Obsessive thoughts about the accident
- Avoiding the location of the accident
- Difficulty remembering details of the accident
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Paranoia
These issues may cause sleep disorders and anxiety that reduce productivity and prevent the victim from returning to their normal life.
An auto accident victim may also experience physiological effects as a result of their PTSD such as:
- Increased heart rate
- Irregular or heavy breathing
- Excessive sweating
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Sudden outbursts of anger or sadness
How can an auto accident victim be compensated for PTSD?
PTSD is a complex mental health disorder that may require continuous treatment, such as counseling or medication. It may also affect someone’s ability to work. If the accident that triggered PTSD was caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a personal injury claim against the negligent party. This may enable you to receive compensation for
- Medical bills related to the treatment of your PTSD
- Lost wages if you were unable to return to work
- Pain and suffering caused by your diagnosis
