Car accidents and emotional trauma

Being involved in a serious car accident can change your life forever. Physical injury can be very damaging in an accident, causing pain and suffering for months, if not years. However, what is less commonly talked about is the emotional trauma that people can suffer.

It is estimated that nationally, around 9 percent of car accident survivors go on to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a consequence of their experience.

What are the markers of emotional trauma?

Some of the most common symptoms of emotional trauma are flashbacks of the traumatic event, nightmares, sleep loss and chronic fatigue. It can also result in obsessive behaviors, and fears of certain actions that are associated with the traumatic event. In addition, this can bring on feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression and social withdrawal.

The severity of your experiences can depend on many different factors. It can depend on how much you saw, the amount that you were physically injured and whether any of your loved ones were involved in the incident. It can also become more severe if you did not have access to emotional support or therapy right from the beginning.

How can I prove my suffering as part of my claim?

If you wish to make a damages claim in relation to your emotional suffering, it could be a good idea to talk to your doctor or therapist. They can give a testament to the extent of your suffering. Keeping a diary of your thoughts and feelings can also be helpful and will help to give some substance and understanding around your claim.

Source: Findlaw, “Emotional Trauma After a Car Accident,” accessed March 02, 2018