Car accidents are traumatic, not just physically but emotionally as well. Survivors often face deep emotional scars long after the crash itself. While broken bones and bruises may heal with time, the psychological toll can linger for months or even years.
This emotional strain is something that can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life, and it’s essential to address these issues with the same urgency as physical injuries.
Get in touch with experienced car accident attorneys and discuss how they can help you get your fair compensation for emotional and psychological trauma.
What is ‘Emotional Trauma’?
Emotional distress refers to mental suffering as an emotional response to an experience that arises from the effect or memory of a particular event, occurrence, pattern of events, or condition. Emotional distress can usually be discerned from its symptoms (ex. anxiety, depression, loss of ability to perform tasks, or physical illness).
The Overwhelming Reality of PTSD After an Accident
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common emotional disturbances survivors face after a car accident. Survivors can get flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety when exposed to triggers like driving or even being in traffic. Some may even avoid cars altogether out of fear. For many, the experience of the accident keeps replaying in their minds, making it difficult to move on with everyday life.
According to studies from the National Center for PTSD, roughly 9% of motor vehicle accident survivors develop PTSD. This statistic highlights how frequent and real these emotional disturbances are for many survivors.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety often becomes a constant companion after a crash. Survivors may feel an overwhelming sense of dread or fear when thinking about driving again. They might struggle with hyper-vigilance, where they are constantly on alert, fearing another accident at any moment.
Depression is also a significant factor. The life changes following an accident, such as lost mobility, inability to work, or simply dealing with ongoing pain, can push survivors into a depressive state.
Some common symptoms could be:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Lack of motivation
- Isolation from loved ones
Without proper emotional support, depression can snowball, affecting relationships and overall well-being. For those dealing with this, working with an experienced car accident attorney can be a crucial step in seeking compensation that addresses not just physical injuries but emotional trauma as well.
Guilt and Shame
Another emotional hurdle that many survivors struggle with is guilt. Even if they weren’t at fault, survivors may question if they could have done something differently.
What if I had braked sooner?
or
What if I wasn’t on the road at that time?
These thoughts can lead to an unhealthy cycle of self-blame, which deepens the emotional wounds. For survivors who were at fault, even partially, the feelings of guilt can be even heavier. They may find it hard to forgive themselves, which adds an additional layer to their emotional recovery.
Shame is often intertwined with guilt. Survivors may feel ashamed of their limitations post-accident, or they may feel embarrassed when they can’t engage in normal activities due to their emotional state. Shame can prevent people from seeking the help they need, further isolating them.
Anger and Frustration
Survivors frequently experience anger—anger at the driver responsible, at the system, or even at themselves. This anger can be difficult to control and may manifest in outbursts, leading to strain in relationships and daily interactions.
Frustration is also a close companion. As survivors try to regain normalcy, they may feel frustrated with the slow pace of recovery or the limitations placed on their lives by their injuries.
Cognitive Issues and Memory Loss
Beyond emotional disturbances, many survivors report cognitive issues after an accident, often as a result of trauma or injury to the brain. Concentration difficulties, memory loss, and problems with decision-making are all common complaints. These cognitive issues can lead to added frustration and anxiety, making daily tasks more challenging and leaving survivors feeling less capable than they were before the accident.
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, even mild traumatic brain injuries can result in long-term cognitive issues that affect every aspect of life. This can further contribute to emotional distress, as survivors may feel they are no longer the person they once were.
Seeking Help for Emotional Trauma
It’s important to acknowledge that emotional recovery is just as crucial as physical recovery. Many survivors benefit from therapy, support groups, or even medication to help manage anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often recommended to help individuals process their emotions and develop coping mechanisms for triggers and stressors.
However, it’s also important that survivors seek compensation that reflects the emotional toll of their accident. Car accident lawyers can assist survivors in pursuing claims that account for not just physical injuries but also the emotional and psychological aftermath. Financial compensation for therapy lost wages due to emotional distress, and the general impact on quality of life are all factors to consider in such claims.
