Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder May Haunt Injury Victims Long after Car Crash Injuries Heal
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that there are more than 2.3 million people per year injured in motor vehicle accidents in the United States. These reported injuries are physical injuries that may have physical manifestations and symptoms or that may be subject to verification by a diagnostic tool. However, there is a less apparent harm suffered by many motor vehicle accident victims in Georgia that can have just as devastating an impact on an injury victim’s quality of life as any physical injury. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often causes enormous hardships for accident victims long after their physical injuries have healed.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that may be manifested in a range of symptoms that include nightmares, flashbacks, anger, hallucinations and even aggression. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), this anxiety disorder typically stems from experiencing a traumatic incident that causes actual or threatened serious injury or death. The APA also reports that victims may repeatedly re-experience the event through dreams or flashbacks. The condition often leads motor vehicle accident victims to avoid situations they associate with the traumatic event, such as refusing to drive a motor vehicle. While most motor vehicle accident injury victims suffer emotional pain, stress and anxiety in the aftermath of a collision, these feelings can become debilitating and persist for months or even years if you suffer from PTSD.
Many people injured in Atlanta car accidents do not realize how prevalent post-traumatic stress disorder is among those who are involved in a collision. A publication from the American Psychological Association reports that nearly half of all those who suffer injury in a crash experience PTSD. Because this is a serious mental condition, the cost of treatment can be extensive and may include medication, therapy and psychological assessments. The condition can impact one’s life for years necessitating many therapy sessions so a personal injury claim may provide the financial means to cope with the cost of treatment and to compensate you for your psychological as well as physical injuries.
Many people have no idea how extensive motor vehicle accident-related PTSD is among those who are involved in car crashes. However, an article in the Professional Psychology: Research and Practice Journal estimates that between 2.5 and 7 million people in the U.S. are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder related to involvement in a motor vehicle crash.
If you or a family member suffers injury in a car crash, we understand the importance of assessing not just physical injuries but also psychological harm like PTSD. We work diligently to assist our clients in obtaining compensation for the full spectrum of their physical and emotional injuries, our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are available to provide effective legal representation to those throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.