PTSD After A Car Accident

Car accidents are among the most terrifying of human experiences. There’s the sudden loss of control or the unforgettable image of another vehicle barreling toward you followed by the crash of metal and glass, and then the fear and pain of serious injuries while waiting for rescue. In the worst cases, a loved one in the car might have suffered severe or fatal injuries—a trauma that no person ever forgets. But what happens when a car accident victim cannot move on from the accident but instead experiences ongoing psychological symptoms of fear and trauma? Over 39% of car accident victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with unhealthy thought patterns that have a negative impact on their lives. 

What Is PTSD?

When people experience or witness a traumatic event they may be left with lingering emotions that make it difficult for them to get past it. Instead, it haunts their lives long after the actual event and interferes with their ability to feel content. People suffering from PTSD often avoid any circumstances, places, or people that remind them of the traumatic event. PTSD causes intense feelings of sadness, fear, and anger, and may startle easily at loud sounds or sudden movements. Historically, post-traumatic stress disorder was identified as an emotional disorder experienced by soldiers returning home from war and was first known as “shell shock.” Now it’s clear that this emotional disorder isn’t exclusive to the trauma of war. Car accident victims are among the most common victims of trauma diagnosed with PTSD. 

The criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD include meeting the following four elements:

• Having experienced or witnessed a traumatic event
• The event causes the person to suffer recurrent and intrusive memories and other reactions that impact their enjoyment of life
• The trauma victim avoids circumstances that trigger flashbacks and negative emotions
• Suffering persistent intrusive negative thoughts, moods, and difficulty feeling positive emotions
• Experiencing changes in reactive response to loud noises or other sources of startlement, as well as mood and personality changes such as angry outbursts, recklessness, or self-destructive behavior

When these experiences last more than a month, they may be diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Symptoms of PTSD After a Car Accident

The symptoms of PTSD can vary widely from person to person, but they generally fall into four categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking or mood, and changes in physical or emotional reactions. Recognizing these symptoms after a car accident is crucial to getting the help you need. Common PTSD symptoms after a car accident include:

• Persistent intrusive thoughts and fears
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares and other sleep disturbances
• Problems remembering or recounting portions of events leading up to the accident and during the accident
• Isolating from others
• Disinterest in activities they used to enjoy
• Exaggerated response to startlement or hypervigilance
• Anger, irritability, recklessness, or self-destructive behavior
• Feeling anger, guilt, shame, or blame
• Feeling emotionally numb

If you or a loved one notice these symptoms after a crash, it’s important to acknowledge them. PTSD is not a weakness or flaw—it’s a legitimate medical condition that can have a profound impact on your mental health and quality of life. Speak to a South Jersey car accident lawyer to learn more.

Are There Risk Factors for PTSD?

While anyone can develop PTSD after a car accident, certain individuals may have a higher likelihood of experiencing it due to specific risk factors. These factors can make the mental and emotional aftermath of an accident more intense or prolonged. Some known risk factors include:

• A history of previous trauma: Individuals who have experienced prior traumatic events, such as childhood abuse, combat exposure, or a previous car accident, may be more vulnerable to PTSD. These earlier experiences can intensify the emotional impact of a new traumatic event.
• Psychological adjustment problems: A history of anxiety, depression, or difficulty coping with life’s challenges can increase the risk of developing PTSD. These conditions can make it harder for a person to process and recover from the trauma.
• Fear of death during the accident: Survivors who felt an acute threat to their life or the life of a loved one during the crash often experience heightened psychological stress. This intense fear can leave a lasting imprint, contributing to PTSD symptoms.
• Family history of psychological illnesses: Genetics and family history can play a role. If an individual’s family has a history of mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or PTSD, they may be more predisposed to developing similar conditions after a traumatic event.

It’s important to remember that PTSD does not reflect a personal weakness or failure to cope. Risk factors only increase the likelihood of developing the condition; they do not determine it. Understanding these factors can help survivors and their loved ones recognize when professional support may be needed to facilitate healing and recovery.

Is PTSD a Recoverable Damage in a New Jersey Car Accident Claim?

There are two types of damages claimed in most car accident compensation claims covering the economic and non-economic consequences of the accident. Economic damages are tangible and easy to calculate, typically including medical expenses, income loss, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages aren’t as easy to calculate and include intangible consequences like pain and suffering. In some cases, a judge considers PTSD as part of a car accident victim’s non-economic damages. To recover compensation, a car accident victim typically must show that they’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, are undergoing treatment, and that the PTSD resulted from the car accident.