An unexpected event like a major car accident can cause significant damage, but the biggest mistake you could make is focusing exclusively on the physical consequences. They’re only one part of what you could go through. Your mental state could be compromised, and healing can be complicated.
Ignoring your mental health after an accident is not recommended, as your mental health can impact every facet of your life. Seeking a car accident lawyer who understands what you’re going through is necessary if you want to receive a fair settlement offer. Here’s what to know about your emotional distress and your claim.
Signs of Mental Health Concerns
It’s important to recognize symptoms related to an affected mental state. The consequences can be devastating, from being unable to focus to refusing to leave your house so there’s no chance of awakening memories about a collision.
Here are a few common types of emotional distress and disorders you may experience in the wake of a car accident.
Depression Following a Car Accident
Depression, which is often linked to physical injuries and disabilities, can make it difficult or impossible to return to your daily routine.
Symptoms of depression can make recovery more difficult. It’s not just a lack of motivation, either; it can even lead to self-harm and other destructive behavior that impacts your health.
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Anxiety can cause constant uneasiness in a victim’s mind, to the point that fear starts to control every single moment and significantly lowers their quality of life. This emotional distress can make even daily tasks a panic-inducing experience.
This panic can make even traveling by car as a passenger impossible. You may experience panic attacks that leave you unable to cope with everyday events.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a tragic event that interrupts your daily life and changes many things for a long amount of time, if not forever.
Patients suffering from PTSD may require therapy, medication, and coping strategies. This process constantly interferes with your life and can end up being expensive in the long run, which is why you should seek compensation for mental health issues too.
Is There a Way to Recover Emotionally?
If you’re experiencing emotional distress after a car accident, there are other options you can consider along with therapy and medication. Building a support network where you can speak with other car accident victims can be helpful and make you feel understood.
Focusing on yourself is also crucial when you’re looking to recover emotionally. Recovery can be difficult, so protecting both your physical and mental recovery is vital.
Part of that recovery may include speaking with a lawyer and filing a claim. The funds you may receive after a car accident can provide the support you need for a swifter, easier recovery.
Speak with a Car Accident Attorney Today
When you’re dealing with severe physical injuries and emotional distress, taking legal action against someone else’s negligence can be daunting. But you don’t have to forfeit your legal rights to compensation, and you’re not alone in this fight.
The legal team at Spencer Calahan Injury Lawyers understands what you’re going through and that you need to receive proper treatment to get out of this difficult situation. You can get started as soon as today, give us a call at 225-387-2323 or fill out the online contact form.
