Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be as debilitating and life-altering a consequence of an accident as any physical injury. According to a study of PTSD in motor vehicle crash patients, nearly 30 percent of traffic accident survivors suffer crash-related PTSD. Symptoms include flashbacks of the collision, distressing thoughts and emotions, fear of getting into a car, sleep disturbances, and being easily startled.
The first step toward recovery from PTSD is recognizing the symptoms and how they are affecting your life. If your trauma is a result of a collision, a skilled Washington, D.C., car accident attorney can help you assess whether you may be eligible for financial compensation.
How Soon After an Accident May Symptoms of PTSD Begin to Show?
PTSD symptoms can emerge at different times for different individuals. Some people experience symptoms immediately after the car crash, while others do not notice any signs for weeks or even months. Studies of PTSD in car accident victims demonstrate that patients often meet the criteria for PTSD within one to six months of the traumatic event. However, some victims may not experience PTSD symptoms until years later.
It is worth noting that experiencing stress or anxiety immediately following an accident is normal. These feelings often go away naturally over time. PTSD differs because its symptoms significantly impact daily life. These symptoms persist and may even worsen over time.
What Are the Common Symptoms of PTSD After a Washington, D.C., Car Accident?
While PTSD can manifest in various ways, the most common symptoms of PTSD after a car accident include:
- Intrusive memories – Car accident victims may experience unwanted recollections of the collision, nightmares, or vivid flashbacks.
- Avoidance – Consciously or subconsciously avoiding incident-related activities, such as taking specific routes, talking about the accident, or even driving in general, is a sign of PTSD.
- Negative changes in mood and thought processes – An accident victim can feel detached from others, a loss of interest in activities, or persistent negative thoughts about themselves or the world.
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions – Injury victims may start behaving differently, including startling easily, being constantly on guard, having trouble sleeping, or having angry outbursts.
Car accident survivors might also experience:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Heightened anxiety when in vehicles
- Physical symptoms like headaches or nausea when reminded of the crash
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a PTSD diagnosis requires an adult to present symptoms for longer than one month. Those symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with daily life. If this is the case for you, it may be time to seek professional help. Contact our Washington DC car accident attorney today.
How Long Can Recovery from PTSD Take?
The recovery timeline for PTSD varies significantly among individuals. Some people may find relief from symptoms within a few months, while others might struggle for years. Factors influencing recovery time include:
- The severity of the traumatic event
- Any personal history and coping mechanisms
- Access to support systems and professional help
- The chosen treatment approach
Effective treatments often involve therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). In some instances, these therapies may be paired with medication as necessary. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 50 percent of patients recover within 15 to 20 therapy sessions. However, some patients may require moderate or even long-term treatment to recover fully.
Remember, seeking help early can lead to faster recovery and prevent symptoms from worsening. An early diagnosis can also help you pursue fair compensation by demonstrating the link between your PTSD and the crash.
Can I Get Compensated for PTSD After a Car Accident?
You may be eligible to pursue compensation for PTSD resulting from a car accident in Washington, D.C. PTSD falls under the category of emotional distress, which courts recognize as a form of harm in personal injury cases.
The amount of your financial recovery will depend on the nature of the collision and the severity of your condition. It may account for losses such as:
- Medical expenses related to PTSD treatment
- Lost wages if PTSD affects your ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
However, proving PTSD in a legal context can be challenging, which is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney. A skilled Washington, D.C., car accident attorney can estimate how much your case might be worth after reviewing it thoroughly.
What Is Needed to Prove PTSD After a Car Accident?
Proving PTSD is often much more complicated than proving a physical injury. You will need to provide convincing evidence of your PTSD to recover compensation for its symptoms. This evidence could include:
- Medical records from mental health professionals diagnosing and treating your PTSD
- Expert testimony from qualified mental health experts explaining your condition and its connection to the crash
- Personal accounts from you, your friends, and your family describing how PTSD has affected your life
- Employment records, including statements from employers about the impact PTSD has had on your performance or ability to work
- Therapy records documenting your ongoing treatment and progress
It can also be helpful to keep a journal detailing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as it can provide valuable evidence of the ongoing impact of PTSD.
Contact a Washington, D.C., Car Accident Lawyer
PTSD is a serious condition that can significantly affect your quality of life. Do not hesitate to seek both medical and legal help if you are experiencing symptoms. With proper treatment and support, recovery is possible. You may also be entitled to compensation for your suffering and the impact of PTSD symptoms on your life.
The personal injury attorneys at Marks & Harrison understand the many challenges people face after car accidents because we’ve been handling their cases since 1911. Let us give you the support and advocacy you need at this difficult time, starting by listening attentively to your story so we can determine how best to serve you. Call or contact us online today for a free consultation with a member of our compassionate legal team, and let’s discuss your situation right away.
