Statistics indicate that three million people or more suffer physical injuries from auto accidents every year, but new studies indicate that an auto accident causes more than just physical pain, it can cause psychological pain as well. Experts are finding that people who have experienced traumatic accidents with serious and painful injuries may also experience symptoms up to and including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. It is important for victims to know that if they do suffer such injuries, they have the right to seek medical and psychological treatment for them. In addition, if the accident was due to the negligence of someone else, they have the right to seek compensation from the liable party, as well.
Psychological Injuries
New studies show that up to forty-five percent of people who have suffered physical injuries from auto accidents eventually suffer psychological damage, often leading to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When those kinds of injuries occur, they can be debilitating, interfering with the victim’s ability to function normally, especially when it comes to traveling in or driving a car. The primary symptoms exhibited by accident victims suffering from PTSD include:
- Re-experiencing the traumatic event
- Avoidance of situations similar to those that caused the trauma
- Decrease in responsiveness or interest in normal life activities
- Increased intensity of reactions to stimuli, including insomnia, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or an increased startle response
Psychologists believe that there are effective treatments of auto accidents suffering from PTSD. However, it is important for physicians to watch for its symptoms to ensure that victims get that treatment when needed.
