Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone who has been through an extremely trying experience. While it is not commonly thought of as being related to car accidents, the truth is serious auto collisions can be quite unnerving. How common is auto accident-related PTSD and can South Carolina residents who have suffered mental health issues due to motor vehicle collisions seek compensation for their losses?
According to the National Center for PTSD and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately three million people in the United Stated are injured in auto collisions every year. Of those individuals, 9 percent are believed to develop mental health problems as a result. PTSD is the most commonly noted, but depression and anxiety have also been seen in some car accident victims. As this subject has been studied, researchers have identified several variables that seem to contribute to one experiencing mental health problems following a major motor vehicle collision. These include:
- Inadequate social support
- Ability to reengage personally and professionally
- Severity of the injuries suffered
- Witness to the death of a friend or loved one
- Speed of recovery
- Physical limitations
Treating PTSD and other significant mental health issues that are related to car accidents takes time and usually therapy and medication. As such injuries can have a significant impact on one’s life, it may be possible to seek damages for one’s losses. A skilled attorney can assist South Carolina residents is seeking full and fair compensation by bringing claims against those believed responsible for their injuries.
Source: ptsd.va.gov, “Traumatic Stress and Motor Vehicle Accidents“, Todd Buckley, PhD, Accessed on April 22, 2017