When we go out for a drive, we are never expecting to cause or be involved in a car accident, but unfortunately, we can’t plan everything. Unexpected car accidents happen to numerous people every single day, and sometimes they change our lives forever. In fact, each year, about 1.35 million people lose their lives in auto accidents worldwide, leaving countless people to live with the trauma they experienced.
If you have ever been in a car accident, you may know how those haunting feelings can seem like they will stick around forever. In Oregon, car accident victims are eligible to seek compensation for mental anguish. With a successful claim, you could recover a monetary award to help cover expenses for mental health treatments related to your accident.
PTSD Symptoms You Should Look Out for After a Portland Car Accident
While many people involved in automobile accidents will not develop serious mental disorders after the crash, many people will. If you have difficulty mentally recovering from a car accident you experienced or witnessed, you could be suffering from a mental disorder known as post-traumatic stress disorder (more commonly referred to as PTSD). PTSD can affect victims for months or even years after a crash and triggers that can bring back negative memories along with intense emotional or physical reactions.
In general, individuals who have been involved in a severe motor vehicle accident have an increased risk of psychological issues, especially PTSD. If you were in an accident and are experiencing any of the following symptoms of PTSD for longer than three months, you may want to consider seeking help from a mental health professional:
- Flashbacks: Intrusive memories can cause auto accident victims to experience flashbacks, forcing them to relive the incident repeatedly. In some instances, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be effective in reducing recurrent flashbacks.
- Dreaming about the crash: PTSD can cause victims to relive the accidents via nightmares related to the events of the crash.
- Avoid thinking or discussing the accident: Actively trying to avoid thinking or talking about the places, people, or things that remind you of a traumatic event, such as a car crash, is not a healthy way to cope and is a sign you could have PTSD.
- Feeling guilty: Persistent guilt or feeling like you could have done something different to prevent the crash could indicate that you are suffering from PTSD.
- Behavioral changes: PTSD can result in feelings of hopelessness, depression, anxiety, irritability. Conversely, PTSD can make you feel emotionally numb or as if you are in a daze.
- Problems sleeping: Whether it’s anxiety keeping you up, or you are jolting awake in the middle of the night, problems falling asleep or staying asleep is one of the most common symptoms of PTSD.
It’s important to be kind to yourself, especially after a traumatic event like a car accident. Even if you were fully or partially at fault, we all make mistakes; it’s human nature. Just remember to stay focused on your recovery, and keep in mind that there is no shame in asking for help.
Portland car accident victims who have PTSD may be eligible to recover compensation for their pain, suffering, and mental anguish. If you or someone you care about is suffering from PTSD after being involved in a Portland car crash, contact a Rizk Law personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options today.
Recover Compensation for Damages Obtained in a Portland Car Accident
When you partner with the Rizk Law lawyers, you can rest assured that our team will work tirelessly to help ensure the best possible outcome on your behalf. We devote a considerable amount of time to ensuring that our clients understand the legal process and make sure they stay informed throughout every step of their car accident claim.
Attorney Richard Rizk knows that when someone is suffering from PTSD, the world can feel unsafe. That is why he goes the extra mile for every one of his clients, and he will do the same for you and your family. Call (503) 245-5677 or complete our contact form to schedule a free evaluation of your car accident case.