What Are the Psychological Effects of Being in a Car Accident?

The effects of a car accident extend beyond physical injuries. Many survivors experience lasting psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional struggles can disrupt daily life, making it difficult to work, drive, or even engage in social activities.

The severity of psychological effects often depends on factors like the crash’s intensity, pre-existing mental health conditions, and the level of support received after the accident. Understanding these impacts and seeking proper care can be crucial for recovery, both emotionally and legally. If you need help during your personal injury claim, including getting compensation for the psychological effects you’ve faced, please contact Knowles Law Firm for support.

Understanding the Psychological Impact of Car Accidents

Car accidents can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental health, leading to a range of psychological effects that can be both short-term and long-term. The psychological impact of a car accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries sustained in the crash. In fact, research has shown that the psychological effects of a car accident can last for years after the incident, affecting an individual’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

The psychological impact of a car accident can be influenced by a range of factors, including the severity of the crash, the individual’s pre-existing mental health conditions, and the level of support received after the accident. Additionally, the psychological impact of a car accident can be exacerbated by the physical injuries sustained in the crash, as well as the emotional distress caused by the accident.

Most car accidents do not cause physical injuries alone. They can also affect a victim psychologically, mentally and emotionally. Car accident trauma can significantly impact victims, making it essential to address these challenges. The psychological effects of being in a car accident can remain long after physical injuries have healed. In Nebraska, the civil courts give crash survivors the right to pursue compensation for their nonphysical as well as physical injuries. You may be eligible for an emotional injury award, including compensation for psychological distress, as a car accident victim in Omaha.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common psychological effects of being in an auto accident. PTSD is a mental health condition that can arise after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a car accident, physical assault or dog attack. PTSD can last a few days up to several weeks or months. In some recorded cases, especially in children, PTSD from a car accident has lasted longer than a year after the collision. 

You might have post-traumatic stress disorder from a car accident if you notice related symptoms.

• Flashbacks
• Severe or ongoing anxiety
• Nightmares
• Sleep problems
• A feeling of detachment
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Mood swings
• Stress
• Depression

PTSD can impact your ability to function and continue with normal life. Phobias or anxiety about getting into a vehicle could prevent you from going to work, for example. PTSD may require treatment from a mental health professional. Although many symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are normal for a car accident survivor to experience in the aftermath of a serious crash, if the symptoms persist over time and/or become debilitating, it could lead to a diagnosis of PTSD and require professional care. Mental trauma from a car accident can also have long-term effects, necessitating professional care to address both the emotional and psychological impacts.

Acute stress disorder is another condition that can occur shortly after a car accident, with symptoms resembling PTSD, such as emotional numbing, dissociation, and avoidance behaviors.

Short-term and Long-term Psychological Effects

The short-term psychological effects of a car accident can include anxiety, depression, flashbacks, hypervigilance, irritability, mood swings, and nightmares, in addition to any physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach problems. These symptoms can be intense and overwhelming, making it difficult for an individual to cope with daily life.

The long-term psychological effects of a car accident can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and chronic mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Permanent Injuries and Lost Quality of Life

Aside from anxiety, stress and phobias connected to a traumatic car accident, a survivor could also suffer negative psychological effects due to a catastrophic or permanent injury. Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant outcome of motor vehicle crashes and can lead to extended coma and profound long-term health impacts, both physically and psychologically. An injury that scars, disfigures or maims a crash survivor could present a source of anxiety, embarrassment, low self-esteem, shame and/or depression.

An injury that interferes with the victim’s ability to move and do the things he or she loves could also have a significant psychological effect. Underlying physical injuries can exacerbate these psychological effects, impacting a person’s emotional well-being and playing a role in maximizing settlement claims for damages. The victim may experience grief or anger over lost quality of life or diminished enjoyment of life. These are feelings that may dissipate over time, with or without professional treatment, or that the survivor may combat for life.

Pursuing Compensation for Emotional Distress in Nebraska

Many factors can determine whether a victim of a motor vehicle accident will experience adverse psychological effects from the crash. These can include the circumstances of the accident, the severity of the wreck, the type and degree of the injury, and whether a loved one died. If you notice emotional distress, mental anguish, lost quality of life or loss of consortium after being in a motor vehicle accident, ask an Omaha PTSD attorney whether these emotional injuries make you eligible for financial compensation.

If a negligent driver or another party caused your car accident in Omaha, that person may owe you money for your damages. The law might entitle you to a payment to cover your economic and noneconomic damages. This can include any psychological effects you were or still are experiencing from a car accident. The at-fault party could be liable for these damages as well as the economic costs of the collision for you and your family. Mental health recovery is crucial in the compensation process, as it addresses the emotional distress and overall well-being of the victim.

Proving psychological damages may take an official psychological evaluation and/or the diagnosis of a condition such as post-traumatic stress disorder, an anxiety disorder or depression. It may also require testimony from a mental health expert during your car accident case. Keep copies of all mental health records and bills in the aftermath of an auto accident. Then, pursue compensation for your noneconomic losses with help from an auto accident lawyer in Omaha.

The Road to Recovery: Healing and Growth

Recovery from the psychological impact of a car accident requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the individual’s experience. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, mindfulness techniques, exercise and physical activity, and social support from family and friends.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic technique that focuses on retraining the mind to change thinking patterns and behavior. CBT can help individuals discover better ways to cope with fear and calm their minds and bodies. Supportive therapy is effective in mild cases of post-accident trauma and provides reassurance, education, advice, and encouragement to help individuals overcome distress.

In addition to therapy, self-care and self-compassion are essential for recovery from the psychological impact of a car accident. This can include engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, practicing mindfulness and meditation, and seeking support from loved ones.

It’s also important to note that recovery from the psychological impact of a car accident is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, patience, and effort to heal and grow from the experience. With the right support and resources, individuals can recover from the psychological impact of a car accident and go on to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Pursuing Compensation for Emotional Distress After a Car Accident – Knowles Law Firm

The emotional impact of a car accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Anxiety, PTSD, and depression can linger long after the crash, affecting your daily life and overall well-being. At Knowles Law Firm, we recognize that psychological distress is a serious consequence of motor vehicle accidents, and we work to ensure that victims receive compensation for these hidden injuries.

We have helped Nebraska accident victims recover compensation for both economic and noneconomic losses, including emotional trauma. Our legal team knows how to document psychological damages and present a strong case for recovery. If you’re struggling with the mental effects of a car accident, let us advocate for the compensation you deserve. Call (402) 431-9000 or fill out our contact form.