After the accident: What is PTSD and how to handle it

It was only a quick ride to the grocery store. You headed home and sailed through a green light. Unfortunately, another driver sped through a red light and t-boned your car. You saw the lights blaring, remember the ambulance ride and now find yourself in the hospital. What just happened?

No one plans a motor vehicle accident. The aftermath is harrowing. Medical bills and lost wages only increase the stress of your life. Within a month or so, you notice sleep problems, startled responses and a fear of riding in a car. What does all this mean?

What is PTSD?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) causes myriad symptoms. Symptoms sometimes appear immediately and sometimes develop years later. It is not unusual for accident victims to develop PTSD. In fact, according to a study done by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), as many as 7 million people suffer PTSD from motor vehicle accidents.

What should you look for?

Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares and re-experiencing the accident, hypervigilance, avoiding anything related to the accident, fear of driving and feeling detached. Treatment is essential for recovery, but is it covered by the at-fault driver?

The good news is that effective treatment is available and legal action can hold the driver liable.

Where to turn?

We all need an advocate and support system after an accident. Turning to an attorney who has experience in this area can save you time and money, as well as allow you the time and space you need for healing and recovery. Making the decision to retain help can mean the difference between healing now, or having your healing delayed.