The Mental Impact of a Car Accident: What to Expect and How to Cope

Car accidents can have serious physical and psychological effects on those involved. Learn more about the common psychological effects of car accidents and how to cope with them.

The Mental Impact of a Car Accident: What to Expect and How to Cope

It's no secret that car accidents can have a serious physical impact on those involved. But what many people don't realize is that car accidents can also have a profound psychological effect. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cites that 9% of all car accident victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a serious mental health condition that can interfere with daily life. Other common psychological effects include anxiety, depression, fear, and difficulty sleeping.

The physical body may not suffer any injury, but the emotional state can be shattered. Traumatic memories of the accident can cause long-term mental and emotional health conditions, such as anxiety and even depression. It's normal to experience increased stress after an accident, and these intense emotions can lead to avoidance. Some may avoid having to drive again by avoiding going to work, appointments, events, school, etc.

for fear of suffering another accident.A common and destructive consequence of car accidents is difficulty concentrating. Concentration after a car accident can decrease for several reasons; the most serious cause is traumatic brain injury or TBI. A traumatic brain injury following an accident can cause confusion, lack of concentration, and difficulty completing simple tasks. For many people, a lack of focus can mean the loss of their job or even their career.If you suspect that you may be struggling with depression, talk to a health professional today to get the treatment you need.

To receive maximum compensation, you'll need to demonstrate how much the car accident has negatively affected your psychological health. If you experience a combination of symptoms after suffering a car accident, you should talk to a psychologist as soon as possible.If you experience prolonged anxiety or an anxiety attack after a car accident, don't hesitate to contact your doctor or other medical professional for help. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, certain exercises and controlled breathing can help calm mental and emotional states. Similarly, the stress and worry experienced by victims regarding the financial effects of their car accident can also lead to depression.If you or a loved one has been in a serious car accident that resulted in mental health problems or physical injuries, contact Myers Law Firm today for your free consultation.

Assessing your physical pain and psychological suffering is a complicated process, but an experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.