The psychological effects of a car Accident can linger long after the physical injuries have healed. However many insurance companies and auto accident victims underestimate the severity of emotional and psychological effects that follow a car accident. Not only can the psychological effects of a car accident affect the quality of your life but it can also affect your ability to enjoy time with your loved ones, maintain employment or engage in your favorite hobbies.

After a car accident, your main focus will be recovering from bodily injuries and going for regular medical examination to monitor your recovery process. You can hire a Fall River auto accident attorney to file a legal claim against the at-fault party on your behalf. They will use your medical bills and records to prove that your injuries were a result of the car accident and you deserve compensation.

Unfortunately, many auto accident victims do not pay attention to the state of their mental and emotional health after the accident. A car accident, regardless of how minor it was, can be a traumatic event. At Kevin P. Landry Law Offices we believe that you deserve compensation for injuries sustained in an accident that was not your fault

What is emotional distress? 

Emotional distress is the state of mental anguish that an auto accident victim experiences even though they do not have a medical diagnosis for the air condition. Symptoms of emotional distress include: 

•  Anxiety
• Crying
• Mood swing
• Fearfulness
• Nightmares or insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Feelings of humiliation

The above psychological symptoms can significantly interrupt your life and it may make it hard for you to go to work, attend school, or even get out of bed in the morning. You might also fear getting into a car because you do not want to get into another accident. This can prevent you from attending your medical appointments, social activities,  or even work. The amount of time that emotional distress lasts varies from one individual to another and lingering physical injuries or scars can be a constant reminder of the trauma they underwent at the time of the car accident.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Trauma from an auto accident can interrupt a person’s daily life significantly. in severe cases, auto accident victims may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD  is commonly associated with people who undergo stressful situations such as War. However, studies show that extremely traumatic events such as violent car accidents can also lead to PTSD.

Research shows that 9% of auto accident victims suffer from PTSD or a related anxiety disorder. symptoms of PTSD include: 

•  terrifying nightmares
• Intense physical or emotional distress when they come across a reminder of the accident
• Recarrying memories of the accidents
• Self-harm
• Depression

Dealing with PTSD requires regular therapy. In some instances, you might require medication to help you return to daily life. The cost of treating PTSD can be just as high as treating physical injuries.