Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a psychiatric condition that can stem from a traumatic experience, such as being involved in a serious car accident. Many crash victims report some level of PTSD in the days and weeks following their collisions. If you find yourself dealing with this effect after a car accident in Albuquerque, find out how to heal and contact a Fine Law Firm car accident lawyer in Albuquerque to hold someone accountable.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition that can arise after someone lives through or witnesses a traumatic event. It can occur as a result of being in an active war zone, witnessing an assault or act of violence, surviving a natural disaster, or being involved in a motor vehicle accident or similar harmful incident. Any situation that causes an individual intense fear, horror, anxiety or stress can cause PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD After a Car Accident
Recognizing the signs of PTSD in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can help a victim get the diagnosis and treatment he or she needs to recover. Although each case is unique, common signs of post-traumatic stress disorder include:
- Heightened anxiety or reactivity
- Sudden flashbacks or reliving the crash
- Nightmares and trouble sleeping
- Physical reactions to triggers
- Avoidance of certain places or things, such as driving
- Feelings of attachment, depression or hopelessness
- Irritability or aggressive outbursts
The signs of PTSD are often not immediate. They can take days, weeks or even months after the traumatic event to appear. PTSD can last a long time after a car crash – sometimes for years.
Effects of PTSD on a Crash Survivor
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious condition that can have a major impact on an individual’s daily life. It can be extremely difficult to live with an immense amount of anxiety or fear. In severe cases, PTSD can interfere with an individual’s quality of life, relationships with others and ability to work.
Healing from post-traumatic stress disorder after a car accident is possible with the right type of help. Speak to a health care provider right away about what you are experiencing after your car accident. You may be prescribed treatments such as medications, cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, psychiatric care, and support groups.
Can I Recover Compensation for PTSD After a Car Crash in Albuquerque?
PTSD can be compensated as part of a car accident claim in New Mexico. It is classified as a type of non-economic damage, otherwise known as general or intangible losses. This category also includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and other personal changes caused by the car accident.
Holding another driver or third party liable (financially responsible) for your PTSD after an automobile accident in Albuquerque takes evidence of fault and the existence of this mental health condition. You or your car accident attorney must prove that the accused party caused the car crash and that you were diagnosed with PTSD by a mental health professional as a result of the collision.
When to Contact an Albuquerque Car Accident Attorney
If you wish to claim financial compensation for your PTSD after a car accident in Albuquerque, start by contacting an experienced attorney near you. Mental, emotional and psychological damages can be difficult to prove in a car accident claim. An attorney can help you get the proper medical care and documentation needed to support your case. Holding someone accountable for a serious collision can deliver justice and the compensation you need to move forward more comfortably. Contact The Fine Law Firm today at (505) 494-1646 for a free consultation to learn more about car accident cases involving PTSD in Albuquerque.