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More Vehicle Accidents Mean More PTSD

By Brown Moore

June 30, 2021

Home News & Resources More Vehicle Accidents Mean More PTSD

Every year, 2.5 million injuries are caused by an estimated six million vehicle accidents in the United States. But the injuries you do not see are the psychological ones. As more studies are conducted, more becomes known regarding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how the condition affects the body and mind.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you need lawyers with experience. We have more than 50 years of combined legal experience. The Charlotte car accident attorneys at Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC will conduct full investigations of accidents to determine liability, calculate the expected expenses and pursue the maximum compensation for injury victims.

Risks And Predictors Of PTSD

Recent studies conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) state that nearly 40% of motor vehicle accident (MVA) survivors have developed symptoms of PTSD. This makes vehicle accidents the leading cause of PTSD in America’s general population.

The risk of developing PTSD is increased by several key factors or conditions. These conditions include:

  • If someone has high emotional levels like fear, helplessness, horror, guilt, or shame during or immediately after the traumatic event
  • If someone perceives their life or other lives are threatened
  • If someone suffers from dissociation during or immediately after a traumatic event
  • If someone lacks social support after a traumatic event
  • If someone has a history of prior trauma, psychopathology, or psychological adjustment problems

It really does not matter how severe or minor an accident is, or the degree of the injuries sustained in an accident. What matters about the development of PTSD is how a victim perceives the accident and their response during the accident’s aftermath.

Studies show the strongest predictor for PTSD is the victim’s perception that their life was in danger. During the aftermath of an accident (two to six months), symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Avoidance behaviors like fear of driving or avoiding driving in certain areas
  • Changes in emotional reactions from suppressing thoughts like the continued feelings of confusion, fear, helplessness, shock, grief, guilt
  • Intense and intrusive memories about the accident
  • Negative changes in thinking and mood

According to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, PTSD is a natural response if you experience or witness serious traumas like a car accident. Sometimes, these symptoms naturally subside over time. Sometimes, they do not, and in many cases, these symptoms worsen over time.

We Are Here To Help 

If you or a loved one were recently involved in an accident or trauma and are displaying these symptoms, you need to seek help. We are here to offer that help. The Charlotte car accident attorneys at Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC have your best interest in mind, and we have the experience and skills to help you fully recover from all your injuries.

To start that journey of legal justice, and physical and mental healing, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.