Auto Accidents and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder By Larry A. Tawwater on November 07, 2015

While it is understandable that most people think of car accidents and other motor vehicle accidents in terms of the physical injuries that they cause, the psychological and emotional injuries can be equally severe and, in some cases, even more so. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), the world’s largest association of psychologists, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the general population in the United States. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a major pathological anxiety disorder resulting from exposure to a traumatic event, one that has serious effects on a person’s quality of life and requires significant long-term psychological treatment.

At The Tawwater Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys are able to identify and provide compelling evidence to support our clients’ rights to collect the full measure of damages to which they are entitled for the losses and expenses resulting from their injuries. If you or a member of your family has suffered PTSD due to an auto accident, whether on its own or in addition to physical injuries, our attorneys can help to ensure that your rights are properly asserted. As experts in litigation involving auto accidents and PTSD, our Oklahoma City, OK lawyers have the resources, skills, and pure tenacity to handle even the most complex cases successfully.

We urge you to arrange for a free evaluation of your auto accident and PTSD case today.

The Symptoms of PTSD

The full extent of a person’s psychological injuries after an auto accident may not be immediately apparent. Indeed, many of the symptoms of PTSD only become apparent over time. The most common symptoms of PTSD after an auto accident are:

Intrusion: This refers to recurring and unwanted recollections of the auto accident. These recollections can occur during waking moments and dreams. Often, they are accompanied by extreme emotional responses.
Avoidance: This refers to a tendency to avoid activities associated with the auto accident. Some accident victims may avoid driving or riding in vehicles altogether, while others may avoid the roadway where the accident took place.
Numbing: This refers to the development of emotional detachment after the accident. Many auto accident victims become depressed and irritable, while some lose the ability to feel or express emotion altogether.
Arousal: This refers to difficulties with sleeping and concentration after an auto accident. Many victims of auto accidents find themselves waking up constantly during the night and having problems focusing on their work and other activities during the day.

Other, less common symptoms of PTSD include substance abuse, aggressive behavior, uncontrolled bursts of anger, and amnesia.

If you have experienced any or all of the above symptoms in the aftermath of an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our personal injury attorneys will fight for your right to obtain compensation for your psychological injuries.