Car Accidents: The Psychological Aftermath

Car accidents are often traumatic and result in painful injuries. However, the effects of car accidents can leave behind more than physical scars. They can cause emotional scars that profoundly impact a person’s mental health and well-being. If you are struggling with the aftermath of a car accident, you are not alone. Keep reading to learn about common psychological responses to car crashes, when to seek professional help, and how an attorney can advocate for you.

Common Psychological Responses to Car Accidents

Study after study shows that violent car accidents can be profoundly shocking, causing “hidden” or “invisible” injuries, such as mental health conditions and psychological trauma. Some of the most common psychological responses to car accidents include the following:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Adjustment disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a car accident, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor. You don’t need to suffer in silence. Mental health concerns are common following collisions. Help is available.

The Impact of Car Crashes on Your Daily Life

After a car accident, physical injuries often have a noticeable impact on a person’s daily life. These injuries might prevent an accident victim from performing their job duties or daily routines. On the other hand, invisible injuries like mental health issues can impact a car accident victim’s everyday life in less apparent ways.
When a crash victim suffers from depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder following an accident, they may struggle to interact with others and navigate the world around them. Personal and professional relationships can suffer. Other people in the accident victim’s life may struggle to understand the problem or be unaware of it, leading the accident victim to isolate further and suffer additional emotional harm.

Often, the psychological aftermath of a car accident can result in problems with:

• Professional and working relationships
• Personal relationships with family and friends
• Concentration
• Communicating with others
• Completing tasks or staying on task
• Eating patterns
• Sleeping habits

When your mental health causes rifts in your personal relationships, changes in how you function, or difficulties completing everyday tasks, it is time to talk to a mental health professional.

Seeking Professional Help

Seeking professional help for your mental health problems after a car accident can be daunting, but it is vital. If you notice changes in your behavior or mood, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you come to terms with the trauma of the car accident and suggest treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or medication.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may also be entitled to seek compensation for your medical expenses and the emotional distress caused by the collision. A car accident lawyer can review your case and identify your legal options for pursuing compensation.

When the Worst Happens, We Fight for What’s Best for You

If you were in a car accident and are dealing with the psychological aftermath, you are not alone. At Swenson & Shelley, we fight for what’s best for you. Contact our office today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer and learn more about how we can help.

Author: Swenson & Shelley PLLC

Kevin Swenson was raised in Bountiful, Utah, and is a co-founding partner of Swenson & Shelley. After graduating from Bountiful High School, Kevin attended business school at Westminster College.