Road traffic collisions can take a severe toll on a person’s physical health. Head trauma, spinal cord injuries and broken bones can all take a long time to heal. In some cases, the damage done may be permanent.
In such instances, victims are generally able to pursue legal compensation for their injuries, medical costs, property damage and time off of work. One factor that is commonly overlooked is the effect that a crash has on an individual’s mental health.
While mental health conditions can be more tricky to quantify, they can significantly impair a person’s ability to live as they did before the accident. If you find yourself in this position, you may also be able to claim compensation for non-economic damages.
The risk of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the more prevalent mental health issues suffered after an accident. The condition is commonly associated with soldiers. While many soldiers do suffer from PTSD, it can affect anyone who has survived a traumatic experience.
Some of the most frequent symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks of the accident, hypervigilance, paranoia and personality changes. When left untreated, PTSD can be fatal, with many sufferers sadly taking their own life each year.
Some further mental health risks
Depression and anxiety are also common among victims of road traffic collisions. Anxiety induced by car accidents can result in panic attacks, trouble with sleeping as well as phobias of driving. Sufferers of depression frequently report feeling fatigued all the time, being unable to concentrate and failing to enjoy any daily activities.
Ultimately, mental health conditions after a road traffic collision can be life-altering and even fatal. If you have been caught up in a collision in New York, make sure you explore all of your legal options.