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Signs You May Have PTSD From an Auto Accident

Last year, more than 252,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in Florida; 16,000 of them were in Palm Beach County[1]. Oftentimes, when thinking about injuries resulting from car crashes, physical injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, or soft tissue injuries, immediately come to mind. Car crash victims can also experience a serious, yet underrecognized, injury – psychological trauma. Some victims are able to work through this trauma in a matter of days or weeks. Others are not so lucky.

A serious psychological consequence of being involved in a car crash is developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many people associate PTSD with the trauma soldiers experience on the battlefield, however, PTSD is a very real psychological consequence of motor vehicle crashes as well. Studies have shown that up to 33% of survivors of motor vehicle accidents suffer from PTSD[2]. It may develop right away or slowly over time for car crash victims. PTSD eats away at sufferers’ quality of life and requires prompt psychological care.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, someone suffering from PTSD will experience symptoms in each of the following four categories for at least one month:

Re-experiencing Symptoms

• Flashbacks of the accident
• Recurring dreams about the accident
• Distressing thoughts
• Physical symptoms of stress, such as a racing heart or sweating

Avoidance Symptoms

• Avoiding experiences or objects that remind them of the accident, such as driving or riding in a car
• Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the accident

Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms

• Easily startled
• Feeling tense
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
• Feeling irritable, angry, and lashing out at others
• Engaging in risky behavior

Cognition and Mood Symptoms

• Trouble remembering parts of the accident
• Ongoing negative thoughts and emotions
• Loss of interest in previous hobbies
• Difficulty feeling happy[3]

PTSD is a serious mental health condition; if you think you may have developed PTSD due to a car accident, seek care from a mental health professional right away. Treatments can include different types of therapy as well as taking medication for anxiety and depression.

In South Florida, you may be entitled to compensation from the negligent driver for the costs of therapy, medication, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. Contact ECanter Lawyers, based in Boca Raton, for a free consultation about your case. We will advise you if you have a legal case against the other driver and your rights for seeking compensation.

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[1] Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Crash Dashboard – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Accessed October 31, 2024.

[2] National Library of Medicine. Assessment and treatment of PTSD after a motor vehicle collision: Empirical findings and clinical observations – PMC. Accessed October 31, 2024.

[3] National Institute of Mental Health. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Accessed October 31, 2024.