Motor Vehicle Accident
Being in a motor vehicle accident, no matter how big or small can leave a lasting impact on you and how you live your life. Beyond the physical, financial, and logistical consequences, being in a collision or car wreck can take a toll on your psychological health as well. Here are some symptoms that you might experience after a motor vehicle accident:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PIP insurance does not cover costs that are not related to personal injuries:
• PIP insurance does not cover damage to your vehicle.
• PIP insurance does not cover damage to other people's property.
• PIP insurance does not cover medical expenses and lost wages that exceed your policy limits.
Intrusive Thoughts
Some of the most common psychological symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts of the accident or upsetting dreams. Some may even have flashbacks that make them relive the incident as if they are still there. The severe emotional distress of these thoughts cannot be understated. It's advised for anyone experiencing PTSD to see a licensed mental health therapist to work through their triggers and feelings.
Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal is another symptom of PTSD that you might experience after a motor vehicle accident. This can manifest in different ways, from having an exaggerated startle reflex, increased irritability, or disturbed sleep. You may feel paranoid or on high alert, even for no real reason. These feelings occur as compensation for the terror and lack of control you experienced in your accident.
Avoidance
Other symptoms may include avoidance, reluctance, or refusal to do certain activities, such as driving or riding in a vehicle, getting on the interstate, driving over a bridge, etc. It may also include the avoidance of certain external stimuli such as sights, smells, or sounds. This avoidance is your brain's attempt at avoiding psychologically triggering situations and sensations.
Numbing
After a motor vehicle accident, many people also exhibit some emotional numbing or anhedonia. This lack of ability to feel emotions may make it difficult to find pleasure in everyday activities and experiences, and even in events that might have brought you great joy prior to your accident (a family outing, seeing a musical, playing sports, etc.). You may find yourself withdrawing from social occasions, feeling detached from others, having a complete lack of libido, and experiencing nagging aches and pains. These depressive symptoms are a result of the trauma and severe stress of the accident that affect your brain's responsiveness to rewards.
Time to Heal
While it's easy to recognize the physical ailments that result from an accident, the psychological effects can be just as damaging. Many of the symptoms of PTSD fade over time and with help from a licensed mental health practitioner or medications. With the proper assistance, patience, and time, you can take back your life again.
Accident Statistics:
- Over 50% of the five million yearly motor vehicle accidents in the United States are caused by aggressive drivers, with speeding being the most prevalent contributor to this statistic. (TeenSafe, 2018) (Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/)
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In 2019, pedestrians accounted for about 17% of all motor vehicle accident fatalities. Twenty-one percent of pedestrian deaths occurred in hit-and-run accidents. (IIHS, 2021) (Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/)
William John DiPetrillo & Associates, P.A. offers free consultations. We have over 24 years of experience in Personal Injury settlements and is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar Association.