How Common is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often characterized as an anxiety disorder that can occur after a person has been through a traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle accident. According to research, about 39% of traffic accident victims suffer from PTSD. A post published in the British Columbia Medical Journal reported about 15% of motor vehicle accident victims still experience PTSD a year after the crash.
According to our car accident lawyers in Halifax, most of the victims’ lives change after a traumatic event because they do not only have to deal with physical injuries but also serious psychological conditions such as PTSD.
Signs & Symptoms of PTSD after a Traffic Accident
Most car crash victims, even after recovering from physical injuries, may still have to deal with PTSD and other psychological disorders including anxiety, sadness, stress, and a wide array of emotions.
Below are common signs and symptoms of PTSD that may arise in victims:
- Physical symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, chills, sweating, breathing difficulties, and other physical symptoms may be experienced by victims due to extreme emotions.
- Uncontrollable thoughts: Some victims may experience negative thoughts that won’t go away due to anxiety and fear. The victim should be provided with medication or long-term therapy to help them control their thoughts.
- Fear & anxiety combined with sensations of terror and vulnerability: After a traumatic event, most victims are left battling overwhelming forces and extreme rapid onset fears that can affect their mental wellbeing.
- Avoiding reminders: Most victims avoid anything that will remind them of the accident. They may avoid driving a car, riding in a car, or even passing near the site of the accident – some will prefer a longer route than the site of the crash.
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating: People with PTSD often have trouble sleeping. This may lead to exhaustion and reduced resource for countering the disorder.
- Feelings of restlessness: Most victims’ bodies may be on constant alert for danger which may last long even after the traumatic event has ended. This becomes a vicious cycle that drains their energy, leaving them exhausted and unable to relax.
Our car accident lawyers in Halifax advise victims who have been involved in a car crash and suspect they are suffering from PTSD to contact a healthcare professional to get help.
Options for PTSD Compensation Claims
Victims who’ve been injured in a car crash and are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder may seek financial compensation to cover:
- Lost income
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Costs of medication & treatment
Contact our Accident Lawyers in Halifax Today
Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident and are living with PTSD? Well, PTSD being a psychiatric disorder requires treatment and medication – which comes at a cost. However, if you’re suffering from PTSD that resulted from a motor vehicle accident, our car accident lawyers in Halifax will help build your compensation claim.
We will work with you to ensure that you only get the compensation you deserve to help you move forward with your life. Reach out to us today so that we can help get you started on your case.