HOW CAR ACCIDENTS CAN EMOTIONALLY AFFECT VICTIMS

With the thousands of vehicle accidents that occur annually in Kansas and throughout the U.S., those who are affected may experience a variety of emotional repercussions that could interfere with their quality of life. While many accident victims experience guilt, anger and anxiety, others suffer with shock, fear and continual distressing memories of the incident.

In many cases, these symptoms go away after time. However, some people who struggle with these lingering feelings following a car accident may be suffering from a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder. Some signs of the disorder include insomnia and nightmares, irritability and persistent worrying that includes a phobia of being in a car, either as a driver or a passenger. Additionally, some victims of PTSD may develop a fear of having a medical evaluation or procedure.

Individuals who are dealing with PTSD may find relief by sharing their feelings and details of the car accident with their doctor, close friends and family members. Returning to a daily routine, staying healthy and learning how to drive defensively may also help some individuals gain confidence so they can overcome their emotional difficulties.

A serious car accident can cause a plethora of consequences for injured victims. Besides the financial losses they may incur from huge medical expenses and an inability to work, they may also experience physical and emotional damage caused by the accident.

Car accident victims may benefit from the advice of an attorney who could help them pursue compensation for their losses through a personal injury claim. The attorney might be able to uncover information from the accident report and eyewitness accounts showing that another driver was negligent at the time of the crash that caused the plaintiff's injuries. If the plaintiff succeeds in the suit, they may receive a monetary award, which could include non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.