Even if you survive a serious car accident without significant physical injuries, that does not mean you did not suffer as a result of the crash. Studies have shown that about 9 percent of people who get in accidents end up with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a potentially severe disorder that can change the rest of your life. You may have flashbacks to the event, you could have panic attacks and you may find yourself unable to do things you used to do with ease, such as riding in a car.
Things that make it more likely you will have PTSD after a crash include:
- Having a history of traumatic events
- Dealing with other psychological difficulties before the accident
- Seeing a loved one pass away in the crash
- Coming from a family with a notable history of psychological disorders
- Seeing someone suffer life-threatening injuries, or suffering them yourself
- Feeling shame or guilt for surviving a deadly accident
- Not getting enough support after the crash
The key here is to take something like PTSD seriously. It may not leave you with physical ailments, but that does not mean you do not need help from medical professionals. There are treatment programs. You can work with a therapist. This is a very real disorder, but people are sometimes more hesitant to talk about it than physical injuries. Don’t be. Seek out the help you need.
Of course, that help may be expensive. If you are facing high medical bills after the crash, make sure you know if you have a right to financial compensation.
