The consequences of an auto accident injury extend far beyond physical injuries. As you focus on your physical recovery, you are likely overwhelmed by the medical bills, the wages you are forced to miss out on because of your injuries, and other financial concerns that have arisen since the accident. In fact, it’s quite common for auto accident victims to experience far-reaching emotional and mental consequences after this traumatic event. If you are struggling with increased anxiety, feelings of depression, or other psychological consequences, you are far from alone. Enlisting the support of a knowledgeable and understanding Riverside County auto accident lawyer is a solid way to help you regain control of your situation and obtain the compensation you need to facilitate your recovery. Below are some of the many ways that a car accident injury can impact the emotional and mental aspects of your physical recovery.
Car Accidents are Traumatic Events
When most people think of emotional and mental trauma, they assume that soldiers returning from combat or other survivors of a horrific incident are most likely to experience these consequences. However, a car accident is often a traumatic event, meaning that victims may develop feelings of anxiety, depression, or hopelessness after the incident. Whether you suffered trauma during the collision or you have developed anxiety or depression on the path to your physical recovery, validating your feelings is crucial to navigating the days, weeks, and months ahead. Resist the temptation to dismiss or downplay what you are experiencing and reach out to your doctor or mental health therapist as soon as possible to discuss your concerns.
Understanding Signs of Emotional Distress
The hours and days following an auto accident can be confusing, especially as the majority of your focus goes towards seeking treatment for your physical injuries. As the days pass, pay attention to how this experience is impacting you emotionally. Car accident victims may start exhibiting signs of emotional distress, which include feelings of anguish, anxiety, mood swings, bouts of anger, fearfulness, feelings of humiliation, crying, loss of appetite, insomnia, nightmares, and other symptoms that could interfere with your daily life. These disruptions may prevent you from feeling hopeful about the future or interfere with your ability to perform everyday tasks and activities. While many signals of emotional distress resolve on their own, some symptoms may persist and even complicate your physical recovery.
Seek Immediate Help For PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often arises in those who have experienced intense trauma. However, anyone can develop symptoms at any time, even those who have lived through an auto accident. Car accident victims may have recurring nightmares about the accident or avoid traveling by car because they fear experiencing another collision. Common symptoms associated with PTSD include recurring memories of the incident, flashbacks to the accident, nightmares, avoiding travel by car, feelings of intense distress when thinking about the accident, withdrawing from society, or developing depression. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor or mental health therapist as soon as possible.
An Accident’s Lingering Impact
For the most part, mental and emotional issues stemming from the accident will fade with time. However, there are some concerns about the long-term consequences of some of these symptoms. Some car accident victims may not develop PTSD symptoms until months after the accident, which can interfere with their path to physical recovery. Additionally, passengers can develop mental and emotional fallout from an accident, even if they barely suffer physical injuries themselves. While much progress has been made to destigmatize topics surrounding mental health, many people find it difficult or even shameful to talk about their mental and emotional health, intensifying feelings of isolation during an already challenging recovery. It’s essential to recognize that you are never alone in your recovery— your friends and family are there to support you as you move forward and get your life back on track.
Supporting Every Aspect of Your Recovery
Suffering physically in an auto accident is hard enough, not to mention the financial, emotional, and mental impacts the accident can have on your overall health. Above all else, focus on locating the support and resources you need to facilitate your recovery. Lean on friends and family members to connect you with a therapist or attorney who can support you and help you achieve your goals. Consulting with a trusted and experienced Temecula auto accident injury attorney can give you the confidence and reassurance you need to face the future with clarity and hope. Your attorney will step in to negotiate a fair and favorable settlement on your behalf while you continue to prioritize your recovery.
If you need help collecting compensation following an auto accident in Temecula or Murrieta, call Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation, today at (951) 489-3320 to discuss your goals with a trusted auto accident lawyer.