When North Carolina residents are involved in a car accident, they may suffer serious physical injuries that could include broken bones, damage to internal organs, and even a traumatic brain injury. However, those who were in a collision may also suffer from emotional trauma known as a post-traumatic stress disorder.
It is normal for individuals to feel anxious or guilty after surviving a crash. In most cases, these feelings fade over time. However, if a person is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, these feelings may continue long after the accident occurred. A person may remain in shock or have feelings that are so strong that they may relive the event. In severe cases, the feelings may keep crash survivors from being unable to live normal lives due to fear and uneasiness. Someone suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder may have problems with driving, excessively worry and refuse medical tests.
Coping with post-traumatic stress disorder can be difficult for some. However, there are ways that victims may ease the severity of the feelings they are suffering from. For example, they can talk with their doctor to see if they need a referral to a specialist. A doctor may also help the victims with returning to their daily activities and routines. Finally, someone suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder may benefit from learning how to be a defensive driver.
Not all injuries that a person may suffer as the result of an auto accident are physical. A person who suffers emotional trauma that was caused by being involved in a crash may have the ability to seek compensation for rehabilitation or for the cost of therapy in addition to medical bills. This is usually accomplished by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Source: FamilyDoctor.org, “Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Post-traumatic Stress After a Traffic Accident”, accessed on Jan. 9, 2015