Franklin Gray and White Blog

A Car Accident Can Lead to PTSD

Did you know that car accidents are the leading cause of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the United States?  Most people associate Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with veterans who have fought in wars or victims of violent crimes.  The truth, however, is that a car accident can cause this debilitating disorder.  The article, Car Accidents are Leading Cause of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, discusses this topic in depth. 

Every year, over three million people are injured in car accidents that cause serious injuries and sometimes psychological problems.  It has been suggested that almost half of the people involved in car accidents are at a significant risk of developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can be defined as an intense emotional response to an event that was extremely traumatic or disturbing.  This disorder can lead to such problems as difficulty with concentration, irritability and insomnia.  Some people who are injured in car accidents that lead to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder become too fearful to drive or ride in a vehicle, as it brings back many painful and frightening memories.  This fear can seriously impact their lives, making it difficult to go to and from work and participate in family activities.  Families are also often impacted when a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Physical injuries, such as cuts, bruises and broken bones are easy to identify and treat after a car accident, but psychological damage from an accident is harder to identify.  Any time someone is involved in a car crash and starts to experience the signs of PTSD, he or she should be evaluated by a mental health professional.  There is treatment available for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, which includes antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication.

If you have been injured in an auto accident in Kentucky and have developed PTSD, you need to contact a car accident attorney who can help you recover compensation.  Contact Franklin, Gray and White at (502) 637-6000 or (800) 637-6033 for legal advice regarding your case.