Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a traumatic experience in many ways. First, you may suffer physical injuries that require you to undergo painful surgeries and physical therapy. Therefore, your physical pain and suffering is one set of damages incurred in the accident. Second, you suffer financial losses because of the car accident. Your vehicle must be repaired, and you may miss a great deal of time from work depending on the type and severity of your injuries. Third, you can suffer mental anguish, emotional suffering, and anxiety because of the traffic accident. In some cases, the mental anguish and suffering can last much longer than the physical pain, especially if you suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
If you believe you have PTSD after a car accident, our New Orleans car accident attorneys can help. You may be entitled to recover compensation to pay for treatment and counseling as you work to overcome the trauma of being in a motor vehicle accident.
What is Motor Vehicle Accident PTSD?
A motor vehicle accident (MVA) can cause a significant amount of mental and emotional trauma for an accident victim. While PTSD is often associated with someone who has served during wartime, any frightening, traumatic, or dangerous event can result in the development of PTSD. For some accident victims, the fright and the shock of the traffic accident last much longer than it does for others. Instead of recovering from the trauma, some victims suffer ongoing stress and mental trauma from the crash.
It can be difficult to know if an accident victim is suffering from MVA-related PTSD until a doctor examines the person to determine if the symptoms suggest PTSD. However, if you or a loved one are displaying any of the following symptoms after a car crash, you could have PTSD after a car accident:
- Nightmares, night terrors, or periods of extreme fear during waking hours
- Flashbacks, especially when you hear certain sounds or see certain objects
- Withdrawing from daily activities, friends, family, and work
- Doing poorly in school or lack of interest in activities the child enjoyed before the accident
- Avoiding situations and places that remind you of the accident
- Depression and anxiety
- Easily frightened and startled, especially by sounds or things that did not cause these emotions before the accident
MVA-related PTSD can be a debilitating condition for adults and children. It is very important to seek treatment from a healthcare professional who understands PTSD.
If you believe you may have PTSD after a traffic accident, you can find more information by visiting the websites for the Perelman School of Medicine or the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Contact a New Orleans Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Accident victims who have PTSD can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. It is important to work with a New Orleans accident attorney who understands how to file claims for motor vehicle-related PTSD.
To learn more about filing an injury claim for a NoLA car accident, contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889. We want to help you receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries caused by a negligent driver.