There’s no way around it—auto accidents can be overwhelming and debilitating. Suffering an auto accident injury can lead to a long physical recovery, costly medical bills, lost wages, and other unanticipated expenses. It’s common for many auto accident victims in Oregon and Washington state to experience stress and anxiety after the incident, which can put them at greater risk for developing mental health issues. Let’s take a look at some common mental health complications that may develop in auto accident victims and what steps they can take to find relief and obtain the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur when a person experiences a traumatic event, such as an auto accident. According to the American Psychological Association, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include recurring thoughts and flashbacks of the accident, difficulty concentrating and connecting with others, paranoia, hyper-vigilance, and anxiety. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to anger management issues, loneliness, and depression. It’s a good idea to visit a therapist or physician to discuss ways of managing your PTSD following an auto accident.
Chronic Anxiety or Depression
After enduring a stressful event like a car accident, it’s common for victims to experience acute and persistent anxiety for weeks or even months after the incident. Anxiety can lead to panic attacks, fear of driving, sleep issues, headaches, chest pain, and other physical symptoms. Depression can also occur in auto accident victims, especially if the injuries you sustained have impacted your quality of life. If you’ve developed anxiety or depression after an auto accident, schedule a visit with your doctor or a mental health counselor to learn about your options for managing your anxiety symptoms.
Pursuing Compensation After an Auto Accident
While many people recognize that they are entitled to collect compensation after an auto accident that can cover medical expenses and lost wages resulting from the crash, they may not realize they can also pursue compensation for pain and suffering. If you’ve suffered mental health issues after an auto accident in Portland or Vancouver, you should discuss your options with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Together, you can determine the most strategic path forward to obtain the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Call Henderson Taylor Law Firm today at (360) 737-1478 to speak with a compassionate Vancouver and Portland personal injury attorney.
