Fear of Driving After an Accident
Everyone knows that traffic accidents can cause serious injuries that often require hospitalization and a long time to heal, rehabilitation and then rest at home. Not everyone realizes that emotional trauma can result after an accident, including fear of driving. When the trauma of the accident becomes extreme, professional care may be required to overcome it.
Jeff Morris - Personal Injury Lawyer
Morris Law in South Carolina understands what you’re going through when the trauma of a traffic accident is difficult to overcome. The lawyers and staff can help you get the compensation you need because struggling to pay your accident bills and dealing with the trauma shouldn’t have to be borne by someone injured by another person’s negligence. You need a personal injury lawyer to help. Call us at (843) 232-0944 in the area of Myrtle Beach or (807) 470-4444 in Aiken, and we can schedule a free review of your case. We can also be reached online.
The Emotional Aftermath of a Traffic Accident
When a traffic accident occurs, the body experiences an adrenaline surge, which helps mask injury pain and anxiety as the individual’s mind and body attempt to cope. With the removal of that danger, the adrenaline dissipates and the person involved in the crash may experience anxiousness or depression. Most people have these feelings go away with time. In others, this fear and depression remain and can make it difficult for them to cope. Some of the problems injury accident victims face following a collision are:
- Anxiety
- Fear, including the fear of driving or riding in a vehicle
- Depression
- Flashbacks of the accident
- Nightmares
- Sleeplessness
- Mood Swings
- Waking up in a cold sweat
- Fear of going out in public
- Loss of appetite
- Anger
- Feelings of helplessness
- Lack of interest in family activities
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Emotional Trauma After an Accident
People are probably familiar with the term PTSD as it refers to soldiers who’ve returned from a war zone. During World War 1, it was called shell shock. However, PTSD happens in some people after any traumatic experience, including a traffic collision. In 2003, the American Psychological Association reported that traffic accidents were the main reason for PTSD in members of the public.
Symptoms of Emotional Trauma With PTSD
Symptoms usually don’t appear right away and may not show up for weeks. The National Center for PTSD reports that those who experience psychological or emotional trauma for longer than a few months may have this disorder. Symptoms of PTSD may vary, depending on the individual, but can include:
- Avoidance: Those with PTSD try to avoid fear and anxiety by avoiding people, places and any circumstance that reminds them of the accident. At its extreme, the individual may develop anxiety attacks or agoraphobia, which is the fear of leaving the home. A fear of driving is another symptom but is treatable with professional help.
- Arousal: Some patients develop a state of hyper-vigilance that they can’t get out of following a traffic accident. It can include sleeplessness, problems focusing and paranoia.
- Intrusive thoughts: An accident victim sometimes experiences unwanted thoughts about their accident, including in their dreams. It can cause nightmares with the individual waking suddenly with feelings of dread and terror. The inability to get a good night’s sleep doesn’t help with the victim’s emotional and psychological state.
- Emotional numbness: Some patients with PTSD stay alert in a hyper way, but others numb their emotions in an attempt to block them out. The result is feelings of hopelessness and depression.
When PTSD or other severe psychological or emotional symptoms appear after a traffic accident, professional help may be needed. By filing a claim for accident injuries, the cost of that treatment can be recovered, enabling the injured party to seek relief.
Morris Law Firm
The injury lawyers with the Morris Law Firm can help you obtain the compensation you deserve after an accident. Call them at (843) 232-0944 or (803) 470-444 today to schedule a case review and determine what options are available for you to obtain compensation. The case review is free of cost, and because we work on a contingency basis, you owe us nothing until we win your case.
