Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms & Treatments after a Car Wreck

Most people think that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs only in soldiers who have returned from war, shell-shocked from the horrors that they witnessed. However, the reality is that PTSD can result from any traumatic event that threatens the victim's safety and makes him or her feel hopeless or not in control.

PTSD can be an unfortunate result of any traumatic event, which may include a plane crash, sexual assault, natural disaster, and much more. In fact, catastrophic car wrecks, especially if they are caused by another driver, are a prime trigger for PTSD.

Statistics show that between 10 and 45 percent of all people who suffer serious injuries and psychological distress in car accidents later exhibit some symptoms of PTSD. Considering that this includes a group of over three million people per year, the widespread effect of PTSD is clear.

The symptoms of PTSD range in severity in each case. However, they may include:

• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Insomnia or anger
• Intense anxiety
• Constant reminders of the trauma
• Emotional numbness
• Fear and disconnection

If you or a loved one is experiencing any number of these symptoms, it is important that you seek help from a therapist or doctor right away. PTSD can be treated, integrating the traumatic event into a painful but accepted part of your past, but you need professional help in order to do so effectively.

You may also want to consider calling a South Dakota car accident attorney. PTSD can be the expensive and emotionally-consuming result of a car accident caused by a negligent driver, and you may be eligible to recover damages for its related costs through a personal injury lawsuit.

Call the South Dakota car accident lawyers of Zimmer, Duncan & Cole today at (877) 789-5238 to learn more about your legal rights in these cases.