Car accidents can leave lasting impacts, not only physically but emotionally. While physical injuries may be visible, the psychological effects, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), can be harder to identify. PTSD can develop after traumatic events like car accidents, even when physical injuries are not severe. It’s a serious condition that can affect your mental health, daily life, and relationships.
If you’ve been in a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, it’s important to recognize the signs of PTSD and understand your legal options for seeking compensation. This blog post outlines 10 common signs of PTSD after a car accident and explains what steps you can take if you think you’re affected.
What is PTSD and How Does it Relate to Car Accidents?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that arises after exposure to a traumatic event, such as a serious car accident. Even if you don’t have severe physical injuries, the emotional impact can be profound. PTSD can affect your ability to function in daily life, disrupting your work, relationships, and mental well-being.
In St. Louis, car accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for both physical injuries and emotional distress, including PTSD. In Missouri, individuals may seek damages for emotional distress, including PTSD, when linked to a personal injury caused by another’s negligence. If you are experiencing PTSD following an accident, a car accident lawyer in St. Louis can assist in seeking compensation for your emotional and psychological injuries.
10 Common Signs of PTSD After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, here are 10 signs of PTSD to watch out for:
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Avoiding triggers or talking about the accident
- Hypervigilance
- Mood swings or emotional detachment
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Physical symptoms
- Anxiety or depression
Regardless of how you’re feeling after a car accident, you should seek immediate medical attention.
What to Do If You Suspect PTSD After a Car Accident
If you recognize these signs, it’s important to take action. Here are the steps you should take:
Seek Professional Help
Consult a mental health professional as soon as possible. Therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is effective for treating PTSD. A therapist can help you manage symptoms and begin the healing process.
Contact Your Insurance Company
In Missouri, promptly reporting your accident to your auto insurance company is crucial. Missouri operates under a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Documenting your PTSD symptoms and treatment is essential when claiming emotional distress or medical treatment.
Document Your Symptoms and Treatment
Keep a detailed record of your PTSD symptoms and treatment. This will help if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. Documentation of your condition is essential for showing the extent of your emotional distress and its impact on your life.
Engage in Self-Care
In addition to seeking professional help, taking care of your physical health is also important. Regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones can support your recovery and reduce symptoms of PTSD.
Consult a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer
If your PTSD was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury attorney in St. Louis can help you understand your legal options. Missouri law allows victims to seek damages for emotional distress, therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Damages for PTSD in St. Louis, Missouri
If PTSD has disrupted your life following a car accident in St. Louis, you may be entitled to compensation. Missouri law, specifically Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 537, allows you to seek damages for emotional distress in personal injury claims. This means you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll caused by the accident.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in St. Louis due to someone else’s careless or negligent actions, contact an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer to discuss your case. Your attorney will fight for fair compensation, and they don’t get paid unless you win.
For more information, contact the attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
