Mark Roman | February 13, 2025 | Car Accidents
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from car accidents is a very real and serious condition. The American Psychological Association reports that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of PTSD in the general population. Auto accidents can result in life-changing injuries, financial devastation, and fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision, understanding the symptoms of PTSD and your legal rights could help minimize suffering and get your life back on track.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can occur after an extremely distressing event or series of events. Everyone reacts to stress differently, and two people can live through the same trauma, but only one may develop PTSD.
Adjusting to normal life after a traumatic event can be difficult, but PTSD goes beyond normal adjustments.
The symptoms of PTSD can make it difficult to perform daily functions. They include:
- Distressing memories of the event
- Dreams or nightmares
- Problems with memory
- Shame, guilt, or anger
- Emotional numbness
- Being easily startled or always on guard
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
PTSD can occur after any type of trauma, including an assault, a natural disaster, or even a workplace accident.
Understanding Car Crash PTSD
Symptoms of PTSD can occur immediately after an auto accident, or they may develop many months later. They can last a few weeks and resolve on their own, but that’s rare. Typically, PTSD worsens without treatment, and the results can be fatal.
A person who is struggling with PTSD from car accidents might become a “backseat driver” who acts fearful and hypervigilant about every traffic detail when they are driving or riding. Even someone simple, like a car honking, can feel like a threat.
Many people with this type of PTSD avoid being in cars as much as possible. They may begin isolating because the thought of getting into a car or even taking public transportation is too frightening.
Sometimes, the symptoms of PTSD after a car accident don’t seem related to a collision at all. The person may have angry outbursts, feel tired, or complain of physical illnesses such as a stomach ache.
Collision-related PTSD isn’t something a person can just “get over.” It is a real condition that requires treatment. A combination of therapy and medication may be recommended to manage symptoms.
The Legalities of PTSD From a Car Accident
People who develop PTSD after an auto accident have the same legal rights as those who’ve suffered physical injuries. If a personal injury attorney can prove your PTSD is directly connected to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Recovering from PTSD can be costly, especially if the condition has caused the loss of wages as well as the need for therapy.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help if You’re Dealing With Collision-Related PTSD
No matter how it’s caused, PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can lead to depression, anxiety, isolation, and suicide. In most cases, symptoms don’t go away on their own. PTSD is treatable, but it can take months of dedicated therapy for some people to find relief.
Post-traumatic stress disorder isn’t always evident immediately after an accident. If you have been in a car accident and can’t seem to move on, you could be suffering from PTSD. Don’t wait to take action — it could be helpful to speak with a mental health professional and to talk with a lawyer about pursuing compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Contact the Tampa Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Tampa. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
