One of the most profound and often overlooked consequences of a car accident is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Victims relive the terror of the crash through flashbacks and nightmares, experience severe anxiety at the mere thought of driving, or feel constantly on edge and unable to relax. These are just a few of the symptoms that can haunt car accident victims long after the physical wounds have healed.
If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD after a car accident in Florida, know that help is available. With the help of an experienced car accident attorney, you may also be entitled to compensation.
What is PTSD After a Car Accident?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a car accident. It affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year. PTSD can cause intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic experience that last long after the event has ended.
For car accident victims, PTSD can manifest in various ways, including reliving the crash through flashbacks and nightmares, avoiding places or activities that remind them of the accident, and experiencing severe anxiety or hyperarousal. These symptoms can persist for years, significantly disrupting daily activities and overall quality of life.
Types of Car Accidents More Likely to Cause PTSD
Some types of car accidents are more likely to result in PTSD. For instance, high-speed collisions, accidents involving fatalities, and near-death experiences are particularly traumatic. The sheer force and suddenness of high-speed collisions can leave lasting psychological scars. When an accident involves fatalities, survivors may grapple with intense guilt and grief, compounding their trauma. Near-death experiences, where victims believe they are about to die, can profoundly impact their mental health, leading to severe PTSD symptoms.
Symptoms of PTSD in Car Accident Victims
PTSD manifests through various distressing symptoms that can severely disrupt a victim’s life. Common symptoms include:
- Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the accident.
- Avoidance: Steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind them of the accident.
- Negative changes in thinking and mood: Persistent negative emotions, feelings of detachment, and difficulty enjoying life.
- Hyperarousal: Being easily startled, feeling tense, experiencing difficulty sleeping, and having angry outbursts.
To be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must persist for over a month and cause significant distress in social life. They can make everyday activities challenging and interfere with personal relationships, work, and overall well-being. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward seeking help and recovery. The sooner PTSD is diagnosed, the sooner you can begin treatment to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Treatment Options for PTSD
Several effective treatments are available for PTSD:
- Psychotherapy:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradually exposes you to trauma-related thoughts and feelings in a controlled environment.
- Medications:
- Antidepressants: Can help manage symptoms like anxiety and depression.
- Anti-anxiety medications: Used to reduce severe anxiety and panic attacks.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can provide comfort and understanding.
These treatments can help reduce PTSD symptoms and improve your ability to function in daily life.
Eligibility for Compensation in Florida
In Florida, if you have developed PTSD as a result of a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Determining eligibility involves several factors:
- Proving Negligence: To claim compensation, you or your car accident attorney must prove that the accident was caused by another party’s negligence. This involves showing that the other driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the accident resulting in your PTSD.
- Medical Documentation: With the help of a car accident lawyer, you must provide medical evidence to support your PTSD claim. This includes a diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional and detailed records of your symptoms, treatment, and how PTSD has impacted your daily life.
- Causation: It is crucial to establish a direct link between the car accident and your PTSD. Your car accident lawyers can demonstrate this through medical records, expert testimony, and your personal statements about how the trauma of the accident led to your PTSD symptoms.
Compensation for PTSD from Car Accidents in Florida
Victims of car accidents who suffer from PTSD in Florida may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of ongoing therapy, psychiatric treatment, medication, and any other medical expenses related to treating PTSD.
- Lost Wages: If PTSD has prevented you from working, you may be compensated for lost income. This can include both past and future lost wages if your ability to work is affected long-term.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the emotional distress and mental anguish caused by PTSD. The amount awarded for pain and suffering can vary significantly based on the severity of your condition and its impact on your life.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation may be awarded if PTSD has significantly affected your ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies that you previously engaged in.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including claims for PTSD resulting from a car accident, is typically two years from the date of the accident.
Contact Us for Expert Legal Help
If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD after a car accident, and you think that it is because of another’s negligence, Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP can help. Our experienced Miami car accident attorneys will guide you through every step of the process, fight for the compensation you deserve, and ensure your rights are protected. We understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to providing the support you need. Call us at 305-371-2692 or schedule a free consultation with Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP today. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.