Getting in a car accident can damage your head in more ways than one.
Car accidents are traumatic events that can throw a person’s emotional well-being into turmoil and cause a lot of mental suffering. Everyone experiences trauma differently, and for some, the psychological effects of a car accident can be even more devastating than the physical injuries.
What you may not know is that mental suffering is a compensable injury in Texas.
In this post we cover what the ‘psychological effects” of a car accident are, symptoms, health conditions that can arise, when to seek medical care and compensation that may be available to you.
Let’s begin.
What are the ‘Psychological Effects’ of a Car Accident?
The psychological effects of car accidents are the negative changes in mood, emotion, cognition, and behavior that develop after being involved in a car accident. Some changes may occur immediately following an accident, and others may take days, weeks, or even months to develop.
Individual variability and the severity of the trauma experienced have a significant impact both on the timing of the psychological effects and the persistence of symptoms.
Symptoms of the Psychological Reactions to Trauma
The psychological reaction to trauma can initially manifest in a variety of ways, and two people may have different reactions to the same trauma. Any of the following responses could be considered a normal psychological reaction in the hours, days, weeks, or months after a car accident.
- Shock, disbelief
- Fear, anxiety
- Confusion, inability to concentrate
- Irritability, mood swings
- Feelings of guilt, shame
- Withdrawing from people and activities
- Feeling sad, hopeless
- Deny feelings, numbness
Mental Health Conditions that can Develop from the Psychological Effects of Being in a Car Accident
Recent research demonstrates that experiencing trauma can change how the brain is wired, and the traumatic changes can allow for the development of more serious mental health conditions. The following mental health disorders are commonly experienced by persons involved in car accidents.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition that is frequently developed by persons involved in car accidents. Symptoms typically begin within 3 months of the traumatic event but may also develop even years later.
There are four general categories of PTSD symptoms.
- Fearful thoughts/flashbacks/nightmares
- Avoidance of anything related to the traumatic event
- Negative thinking and moods
- Hyper alert/on edge/jumpy
PTSD can interfere with the ability to perform the functions of daily life and tends to be more common in women than men. The duration of PTSD symptoms varies from months to years and can often be improved or managed with treatment.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent distress and can run the gamut from ceaseless fear and worry about another accident to full-blown panic attacks with racing heart and shortness of breath. Excessive anxiety can make people feel fatigued and have trouble concentrating.
Chronic anxiety can make it hard to sleep and is associated with an increased risk of developing other serious health conditions.
Depression
Depression is a persistent low mood that can result from dealing with the aftermath of a car accident. People may be dealing with injuries, unable to work, and feeling vulnerable and helpless. One of the core symptoms of depression is a lack of interest in activities or things that were previously enjoyed. Feelings of sadness, indifference, fatigue, and hopelessness are also symptoms of depression.
Phobias
A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder where a person has an intense fear of a specific thing or situation. After a car accident, a person may be afraid to drive a car or to ride in a car with anyone else driving. Phobias can have a significant impact on daily life.
Self-Care Strategies Can Help With the Psychological Effects of a Car Accident
Self-care is especially important for dealing with the psychological effects of being involved in a car accident. The following self-care activities can help people recover from traumatic events.
- Stay connected to friends and family – don’t isolate yourself
- Listen to your body – rest if you are tired, don’t push yourself too hard
- Be kind to yourself – do special things that make you feel good, like reading or taking a bath
- Journal – helps to release feelings and can be beneficial for an injury claim
- Exercise – experts agree that movement reduces stress and improves mood
- Join a support group – share your experience with others who can understand how you feel
- Seek professional help – advised when mental distress is interfering with daily life
When to Seek Professional Help for Mental Health Symptoms
Resolving the psychological effects of a car accident may take weeks, months, or years. Each person experiences something different and may take more or less time to heal their symptoms. Experiencing emotional distress after a car accident is common. However, when the distress persists or is interfering with daily functioning, seeking professional help may be necessary.
Some indications that professional treatment may be beneficial include:
- Unable to adequately handle responsibilities at home or work
- Constant state of distress – anxious, moody, negative, sad
- Relationships suffering – feeling distant, can’t connect with friends/family
- Relying too much on alcohol, drugs, or other mood-altering substances to feel better
- Persistent avoidance of any reminders of the trauma experienced
Compensation is Available for the Psychological Effects of a Car Accident
The injuries that can be compensated in Texas include the damage done by the psychological impact of a car accident. A car accident victim is entitled to compensation for both economic losses, like out-of-pocket expenses, and non-economic losses, like pain and suffering.
The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code specifically includes “mental or emotional pain or anguish” as a type of non-economic damage. Evidence supporting a damages claim for mental or emotional pain or anguish can include medical records, personal journals, and medical expert opinion.
Get a Free Case Review from a Lubbock Car Accident Attorney
The psychological effects of a car accident can continue to cause a person to suffer long after the physical injuries have healed. Recognizing the symptoms and determining the extent of the mental injury are necessary so that the proper compensation can be calculated.
Mental injuries can be difficult to quantify. Factors such as severity and duration of symptoms, impact on daily life, and effect on quality of life must all be considered when determining fair compensation. At Liggett Law Group, our Lubbock car accident lawyers know our clients both before and after an accident so we can confidently pursue compensation for psychological injuries.