Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often associated with military veterans, but it can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event, including a motor vehicle accident. While once misunderstood, our understanding of PTSD has evolved significantly. Today, it is widely recognized as a serious mental health condition that can arise from many forms of trauma.
The concept of PTSD can be traced back to World War I, when soldiers returning from battle experienced a range of psychological symptoms. At the time, it was referred to as “shell shock” due to the intense stress soldiers faced during combat. However, the condition was poorly understood, and many believed soldiers who experienced shell shock were suffering from personal weakness, rather than a legitimate psychological injury.
Over time, the need for a deeper understanding of this condition became apparent. In 1980, PTSD was officially recognized as a mental health condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III).
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of PTSD in civilians. The trauma of an accident, even one that does not result in severe physical injuries, can leave lasting psychological scars. Victims may relive the incident through intrusive memories or flashbacks, experience intense anxiety about driving or being a passenger, and develop a fear of certain driving conditions (like night driving or highways).
In some cases, victims of car accidents may avoid driving altogether due to the overwhelming emotional distress associated with getting behind the wheel. PTSD can also affect relationships, work, and other areas of daily life.
Many people believe they must have suffered physical injuries in the accident to have a viable personal injury case. However, this is not true. PTSD and other psychological injuries are real and compensable under the law. In some cases, victims of motor vehicle accidents experience PTSD without any significant physical injuries.
Correia & Collins represents motor vehicle accident victims who are experiencing the symptoms of PTSD. Contact us by phone at 506-648-1700 or online for advice. Your first consultation is free.
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Human rights and helping others has always been a passion of mine. In high school, I took human rights courses. At St. Thomas University, it was one of my undergraduate majors. Eventually, I channelled my passion into a career in law. Today, I value the significance my services have in making my clients’ lives easier. Helping them navigate the insurance and legal systems and guiding them during a challenging time is a priority and a privilege for me.