Many of the injuries that result from a car accident are immediately apparent, such as lacerations or broken bones. Other physical injuries are less obvious but detectable through X-rays or MRIs. However, people often overlook the psychological effects of personal injury accidents, which are invisible but just as harmful.Â
If you were in an accident and now suffer from depression, anxiety, or another psychological disorder, you could be entitled to compensation. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the invisible aftermath of car accidents, how to identify psychological symptoms, and how a lawyer could help.
Invisible Aftermath of an Accident
The underlying physical injuries of a motor vehicle crash or another accident are not always apparent, but they frequently cause severe problems for the injured party. Some common psychological injuries after accidents include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a common reaction for accident victims following a traumatic event like a car crash. You might experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, or uncontrollable thoughts about the accident.
- Depression: After an accident, it’s not uncommon to feel a deep sense of sadness or hopelessness. These feelings might manifest as a lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed, changes in appetite, or a persistent feeling of emptiness.
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Anxiety after a serious car accident can be overwhelming. You might experience intense, persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. In some cases, this can lead to panic attacks, where you feel sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, sweating, or a feeling of impending doom.
- Phobias: Developing a specific phobia, such as a fear of driving or being in a car, is a typical response after an accident. This phobia can limit your ability to return to your routine, cause emotional suffering, and can be debilitating in your daily life.
- Sleep Disturbances: Trouble sleeping, including difficulties falling or staying asleep, is common after an accident. These issues can lead to a cycle of fatigue and stress, impacting your overall health and well-being.
Identifying Psychological Symptoms
One of the significant challenges in recovering compensation for psychological trauma after an accident is proving it exists. A knowledgeable attorney can gather evidence to demonstrate how an accident has affected you psychologically and emotionally and use that to strengthen your personal injury case. This evidence might include:
- Medical bills and records
- A personal diary or journal
- Notes from mental health professionals
- Testimony from expert witnesses
- Accounts from friends, family, or coworkers
Can You Be Compensated for Psychological Trauma?
You can seek compensation for psychological trauma or other mental effects of an accident. However, proving emotional distress can be challenging, as mental health issues do not have obvious physical signs. An experienced attorney can help you pursue compensation for psychological trauma after a car or motorcycle accident by filing a personal injury claim. This can aid in your mental health recovery as you move forward from a traumatic event.
Contact Our Phoenix Accident Attorney for More Information
Did you experience psychological shock after a car accident? If so, the legal team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer can help. We understand that proving this trauma can be challenging, and we will fight to help you pursue the psychological trauma after car accident compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
