Posted in Car Accidents on January 13, 2025
Car accidents often cause serious physical injury to victims, but they also carry the risk of psychological damage. What are the emotional effects of car accidents, and how does that play a role in your decision to pursue compensation for your losses? The emotional effects of vehicle accidents vary widely, including the onset or worsening of mental health disorders, including trauma. Talk to a Long Beach car accident attorney from Harting Simkins and Ryan, LLP, today.
Car Accidents Often Cause Trauma
Trauma occurs when a person experiences some type of intense event in which they fear for their life or that of another person. The brain does not process what occurred properly, creating delayed symptoms, including a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder. The National Institutes of Mental Health shares that PTSD can be so significant it can make it hard for a person to engage in their normal day-to-day activities and can impact their overall mental health, including worsening or leading to conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or substance use.
Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Flashbacks or instant memories of the car accident
- Nightmares
- Emotional distress when reminded of the event
- Difficulty with concentrating and focusing
- Mood swings
- Detachment from people and places you enjoy
- Severe anxiety onset
- Aggressive outbursts
- Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
If you are experiencing any of these or other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, do not wait to get help. Seek out medical and mental health care right away.
How Emotional Effects of Car Accidents Can Play a Role in Your Life
The intensity of PTSD can be overwhelming. Though people use PTSD to justify short-term bursts of fear or stress, those with diagnosed conditions may be crippled by the onset and continuation of symptoms. This can impact a person in many ways:
- Create difficulty with working
- Challenge a person’s ability to interact with others
- Create intense bouts of stress that may create reckless behavior risks
- Interfering with self-care
In some situations, it can be challenging for a person with a mental health disorder to engage in activities they enjoy. It may make daily life seem impossible. When all of this happens because of a car accident another person caused, holding them accountable is the right thing to do.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for Emotional Distress After a Car Accident
Under California statute of limitations law, a person has two years from the date of the car accident to take legal action in a courtroom to hold those who hurt them accountable for their losses. This two-year limitation applies to economic and non-economic losses the party may be entitled to as a result of being hurt in a negligent manner. You may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Mental health care support from a licensed professional
- Missed time at work due to symptoms
- Pain and suffering related to the incident
- Ongoing loss of earning capacity if unable to work
- Emotional trauma and the impact on your health and well-being
These can be complicated cases. If you suspect someone owes you for these losses, seek out an experienced attorney to guide you. At Harting Simkins and Ryan, LLP, our Long Beach truck accident attorneys will help you pursue full and fair compensation for all of your losses, including for emotional trauma and mental anguish. Seek out the medical and mental health care you need. Let us handle the legal processes to recover the damages owed to you. Call today to schedule a free consultation.