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Are You Suffering From PTSD After a Car Accident?

Home   /   Personal Injury Blog   /   Are You Suffering From PTSD After a Car Accident?

February 13, 2025 | By Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
Are You Suffering From PTSD After a Car Accident?

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 Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and 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 Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763

(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615

(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655

(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695

(727) 787-2500

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I have worked closely with Miles Hickman of Roman Austin and he combines a rare blend of fierce trial capabilities with the kind of bedside manners that clients greatly appreciate. This is a standout office...
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I have worked closely with Miles Hickman of Roman Austin and he combines a rare blend of fierce trial capabilities with the kind of bedside manners that clients greatly appreciate. This is a standout office of trial attorneys that we feel confident referring clients to get a great resolution.

C Sanchez, Esq.

They did a great job and even advised what to do if there was no insurance for the at-fault driver and I had to self represent. Ended up being able to get me the fullest...
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They did a great job and even advised what to do if there was no insurance for the at-fault driver and I had to self represent. Ended up being able to get me the fullest payout possible, team was easy to keep in touch with, and Miles was clear in his explanations and helpful with his advice. I still use some of the doctors I connected with through their firm. Would recommend Roman Austin and would use them again.

J.P.

I cannot say enough incredible things about Roman Austin Law Firm. John Austin is a phenomenal lawyer. I was in a bad crash that involved a truck totaling my vehicle and sustaining neck and back...
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I cannot say enough incredible things about Roman Austin Law Firm. John Austin is a phenomenal lawyer. I was in a bad crash that involved a truck totaling my vehicle and sustaining neck and back injuries.Going into this process, I was honestly apprehensive about even hiring a lawyer. I was especially wary of those large, commercial firms that just want to move cases quickly. I had heard some great things about Roman Austin, but did my own extensive research and now know why they are a five star firm. What could have easily been a stressful and overwhelming experience turned into something completely different because of John Austin and his team. Choosing them was one of the best decisions I have ever made.John is truly exceptional. He is incredibly detailed, meticulous, and completely devoted to his work. He worked tirelessly on my case, going above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. He spent countless hours (even on weekends), and was always available whenever I needed him. His level of dedication, care, and precision is something you rarely find.Beyond that, he is patient, kind, and deeply compassionate. You never feel like just another case. He genuinely cares about you as a person and wants the absolute best for you. He made what could have been a difficult process feel manageable and supported every step of the way.His entire team was phenomenal. They were responsive, professional, and just as committed. Every interaction felt thoughtful and intentional.The outcome we achieved was fantastic, and I am beyond grateful. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.If you are considering legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend John at Roman Austin Law Firm. They are professional, dedicated, and truly invested in their clients.Choosing John Austin made all the difference. He fought tirelessly to ensure that everything I endured was recognized and fairly compensated, and that level of dedication is something I will never forget. I am profoundly grateful not only for the outcome, but for the care, integrity, and unwavering commitment shown every step of the way. Forever thankful I chose them, and truly forever grateful.

C.M.

After my accident, I didn't know where to start. Roman Austin made the whole process feel manageable and honestly took a huge weight off my shoulders. The team was kind, responsive, and truly cared about...
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After my accident, I didn't know where to start. Roman Austin made the whole process feel manageable and honestly took a huge weight off my shoulders. The team was kind, responsive, and truly cared about what I was going through. I always felt heard and supported. I'm so thankful I found them and would absolutely recommend them to anyone who needs help.

S.S.

Once again Roman & Austin and their team has been a helping hand through hard times after being rear ended by a driver not paying attention. The same day I was set up with community...
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Once again Roman & Austin and their team has been a helping hand through hard times after being rear ended by a driver not paying attention. The same day I was set up with community care to make sure I had to physical and emotional support I needed and they checked on me with updates every week. They got me the full compensation I deserved for my injuries and are the best at what they do.

J.K.

“They held our hand the entire time.” “Rebuilt our lives.“Helped with doctors and wage loss.” “Felt like family.” “Prompt resolutions.”
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Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

1811 N. Belcher Road Suite I-1,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2360 Congress Ave STE 100,
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 725-7661

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2515 Seven Springs Blvd,
New Port Richey , FL 34655
(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

401 E Jackson St Suite 3319,
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 422-7772

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

840 Beach Drive N.E. Suite 202,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 335-1373

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

202 9th Avenue South, Suite A-2,
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 214-5001

At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we practice across the entire state of Florida. We primarily serve the following localities: Clearwater, Countryside, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, East Lake, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Holiday, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, Westchase, Tampa, Town N Country, Egypt Lake Leto, Citrus Park, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Starkey Ranch, and all surrounding communities in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties.

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