PTSD is a mental condition. Anyone who has experienced a traumatizing incident is prone to acquiring PTSD. Various studies have shown that 9% of the people who went through a road car accident developed PTSD later, and 60% sought mental health treatment.
Therefore, it is no secret that auto accidents have the potential to shock or traumatize a person to the point where they become mentally unstable. Treatments for such conditions are available, and they are expensive. If you or your loved one has acquired PTSD following an auto accident, Philadelphia, PA personal injury attorneys can help you get compensation for medical treatments.
Is it possible to get PTSD after an auto accident?
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a psychiatric disorder in people who have experienced or witnessed a shocking and traumatizing incident, such as an auto accident. An auto accident can be traumatizing in various ways, including the following.
- You suffered from significant injuries that resulted in long-term or permanent disability.
- You witnessed a loved one die in the accident.
- You nearly died in the accident.
No matter what gender, nationality, or culture you belong to, any person can develop PTSD. You may experience disturbing thoughts about the accident long after the traumatic event has ended. You may see flashbacks, fear talking or meeting with people involved in the incident, avoid talking about it and detach from your loved ones.
If you have a history of prior trauma, or if you already suffer from similar illnesses, you are more prone to developing PTSD.
Will I develop PTSD if I do not have physical injuries?
Many people believe that if they do not acquire physical injuries from an accident, they are safe from PTSD. However, that is farthest from the truth. PTSD has nothing to do with how your body was physically hurt by the accident but everything to do with how it affected you mentally, your emotions.
The severity of your injuries and the seriousness of the accident do not have a part to play in this situation. Some people may not experience PTSD even after surviving a near-death event, while some may experience it even after a fender bender. It solely depends on how the individual feels and reacts to the situation.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD can make you feel as if the world is a dangerous place and you are not safe anywhere. The symptoms that may indicate the development of the condition may include the following.
- Nervousness
- Numbness
- Flashbacks
- Anxiety
- Avoidance behaviors
- Irritability
- Despondency
- Vulnerability
- Change in previous routines and lifestyles
If you are suffering from PTSD, the first step you should take is to seek medical care. Mental stability is very important for a person’s well-being; therefore, you should not leave it be. You may be scared and confused, but we assure you skilled attorneys will provide you with the guidance you need to get through this time.