Jason Stephens | July 2, 2024 | Car Accidents

The Psychological Effects of a Car Accident

Car accidents are traumatic events that can cause long-term injuries and financial hardship. In addition to physical damages, car accidents can also have significant psychological impacts. These can interfere with daily life, require ongoing treatment, and be as disruptive as physical injuries. 

Here’s a look at some common psychological impacts of car accidents and tips for dealing with them. Our Fort Worth injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation for the psychological effects of a car accident claim. 

Emotional Distress After a Fort Worth Car Accident

It’s common for car accident victims to experience symptoms of emotional distress after a car accident. More severe accidents usually result in more emotional distress. That said, drivers and passengers can experience psychological impacts even after minor accidents. 

Symptoms of emotional distress can last for a few weeks, months, or even years. Some of the most common symptoms include: 

In addition, accident victims often develop new fears, including fear of driving or being in the car. 

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, know that you’re not alone. It’s common to experience psychological impacts after car accidents. Mental health professionals can help you deal with emotional distress. You should seek professional help as soon as possible. 

PTSD After a Car Accident 

Car accidents are the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder in civilians. PTSD symptoms are common after car accidents, especially accidents involving injuries. 

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can interfere with all aspects of your life. 

Some notable symptoms of PTSD are: 

  • Flashbacks to the accident
  • Nightmares about the accident 
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Detachment from family and friends
  • Startling easily 
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Aggressive outbursts
  • Detachment
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Suicidal thoughts

PTSD can start immediately after a traumatic event or develop over time. Everyday activities can trigger flashbacks and cause powerful emotional and physical reactions. 

Getting Help With the Psychological Impacts of a Car Accident 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of emotional distress after a car accident, you should get professional help. A mental health professional can diagnose and treat your symptoms. 

A therapist or counselor will create a personalized treatment plan. The treatment plan could include counseling, medication, relaxation techniques, or referrals to other doctors. In some situations, physical injuries cause or exacerbate psychological symptoms. As a result, it’s vital to work with a medical team to get the treatment you need. 

Keep in mind that treatment for psychological issues can be a long process, and there’s rarely a “quick fix.” Even so, it’s important to address symptoms of emotional distress to minimize the impact they have on your personal and professional life. 

Compensation for the Psychological Impacts of a Car Accident 

The responsible party must pay for damages caused by the accident. Car accident victims are entitled to damages to “make them whole,” including both economic and non-economic damages. 

Examples of economic damages are: 

  • Medical bills 
  • Lost income 
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Reimbursement for property damage 

Examples of non-economic damages are: 

Reimbursement for psychological impacts can fall into both categories. For example, you can recover the cost of medical treatment for your emotional distress symptoms. In addition, you can seek damages for the emotional distress you experience because of the accident. 

Proving non-economic damages can be tricky, so you should work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will collect evidence to show the psychological impacts. Therapist records, medical diagnoses, witness testimony, expert testimony, journals, and personal accounts all help to provide evidence of emotional distress after a car accident. 

A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help With a Claim for the Psychological Effects of a Crash

Car accident victims should contact a Fort Worth Personal Injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will review your case, create a personalized strategy, and help you get the compensation you deserve. 

In addition, car accident victims should seek medical treatment for both physical injuries and symptoms of emotional distress. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your long-term prognosis will be. 

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX

Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000

Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000