The effects of most car accidents are not only limited to the physical harm that the victims sustain. Fractures and whiplash may be treated and the effects fade away, but the trauma of the crash may take months or even years to wear off.
Therefore, it is essential for the people of Cincinnati, especially those who have been involved in car accidents, to learn about the possible mental impact and find ways to deal with them.
After a car accident, it becomes crucial for victims to look for the right help they need. Medical assistance can help with physical injuries, but what about legal issues?
This is where a car accident lawyer steps in.
The top car accident attorneys in Cincinnati will offer all the assistance a victim needs to get fair compensation. This includes everything, from determining the liable party to representing the victim in court if settlement negotiations fail.
This article talks about some common psychological issues that car accident victims may experience.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Among all the psychological effects that can occur because of a car accident, post-traumatic stress disorder is the most severe one. The National Center for PTSD estimates that 9% of car accident survivors develop PTSD.
Symptoms may include:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the accident
- Extreme fear when in cars or at the scene of the accident
- Nightmares and sleep disturbances
- Refusal to drive or be a passenger in cars
- Hyperalertness or increased sensitivity
Depression
A car accident and its subsequent physical injuries and changes in lifestyle can lead to depression in many victims. Signs of depression may include:
- Involuntary and sustained sadness or hopelessness
- Reduced pleasure in activities that were previously found enjoyable
- Disturbances in appetite and sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal tendencies
- Self-harm
Anxiety Disorders
Victims may experience generalized anxiety after an accident. There are also chances that they may end up with specific phobias connected with driving after a car accident. Victims may experience:
- Agitation when in traffic or near the place of the accident
- Constant preoccupation about the possibility of future mishaps
- Rapid pulse rate
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Refusing to drive or be a passenger in motor vehicles
Survivor’s Guilt
Those who are involved in an accident that has caused the death or serious injury of other persons may experience a lot of guilt. This can manifest in the following ways.
- Cognitive preoccupation with why they survived the incident
- Having a sense that one does not deserve to be happy or to succeed
- Self-blame and dwelling on the facts of the accident
Cognitive Issues
The stress resulting from a car accident also has an influence on a person’s mental health. Victims may experience the following symptoms.
- Memory problems
- Impaired ability to concentrate or to make decisions
- Confusion and disorientation
- Reduced decision-making and response speed
Relationship Strain
The emotional consequences of an accident can often lead to severe tensions in interpersonal relationships. The following are some symptoms individuals may experience.
- Getting easily annoyed or socially isolated from friends and family
- Inability to express their feelings
- Intimacy issues
Sleep Disorders
Many car accident survivors struggle with sleep disturbances. They experience the following symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Psychological trauma linked with the accident
- Breathing disorders such as sleep apnea
- Excessive daytime fatigue
Substance Abuse
Some victims may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the emotional aftermath of an accident. This, in turn, leads to,
- An increased risk of addiction
- Aggravation of pre-existing mental health problems
- Difficulty in recovering from existing physical injuries
Seeking Help and Recovery
These are some of the psychological problems that one may be likely to develop. Acknowledging them is the first step to recovery. Car accident victims in Cincinnati should consider:
- Going for therapy or counseling with a professional mental health worker.
- Attending support groups of the survivors of the accidents.
- Using stress-reducing strategies such as meditation and mindfulness.
- Addressing the phobia associated with driving
Conclusion
Remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is important to seek the help of the right professional to deal with whatever you’re going through now.
An experienced car accident lawyer will be instrumental in helping victims get fair compensation. With their assistance, victims can fully focus on their recovery and work on getting back to their old lives.
