Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects an estimated 6% of Americans. While this condition is often associated with war, assault, and other violent incidents, it can be caused by any traumatic event. The stress, fear, and overall emotional damage of a motor vehicle collision can last far beyond the initial impact, but can you get PTSD after a car accident?
Causes and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD is a psychological disorder that can occur following a scary, violent, or otherwise traumatic event, including a car accident. Many people experience varying degrees of fear and other emotions following a frightening incident, but when those feelings do not disappear over time, PTSD may be to blame.
Symptoms of PTSD can manifest in numerous ways and vary from person to person, but each symptom can typically be categorized into four groups:
- Intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
- Avoidance behaviors
- Hyperarousal
- Changes in mood and cognition
Within these categories are symptoms like the following:
- Nightmares
- Memory loss
- Fearful thoughts
- Emotional numbness or blunting
- Loss of interest in life
- Trouble sleeping
- Hypersensitivity to perceived danger
- Increased irritability and anger
People with PTSD are also more likely to develop depression and anxiety.
PTSD is not present in everyone who has experienced a car accident or other traumatic event, in part because there are risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including:
- Previous exposure to traumatic events
- Witnessing others seriously hurt or killed in the accident
- Suffering a severe injury in the accident
- A feeling of helplessness during the accident
- Lack of emotional support after the accident
- Added stress caused by the accident, like job loss
- A history of mental illness
Can You Sue for PTSD After a Car Accident in Georgia?
Georgia uses a system called modified comparative negligence when determining fault after a car accident. This is relevant because how fault is distributed will impact the outcome of any lawsuit or injury claims you file. This system says that you may seek damages after a car accident if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
You may be eligible to recover an award for economic and non-economic damages, including but not limited to:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
PTSD could be included in these damages if you can prove that the other party is at least mostly to blame for the accident, that the accident caused you to develop PTSD, and that your condition has caused you harm.
Legal Representation for a PTSD Claim After a Car Accident
Post-traumatic stress disorder can severely impact your ability to function day-to-day, lead to other psychological conditions, and, if left untreated, cause debilitating symptoms and complications. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you deserve justice for the physical and psychological harm you’ve endured. Contact Flanagan Law today to schedule a free consultation.
