Feeling Unusually Upset After A Car Accident
Being aware of any physical injuries is usually top of mind for individuals involved in a car wreck. If there is physical harm, it is essential to have your injuries treated. There may be testing required to land on the correct diagnosis. Then, surgery or physical therapy treatments may be necessary. But beyond physical injuries, it is important to take note of feelings of emotional distress as well.
Many individuals are unable to heal from the emotional upset of a car accident on their own. Working with a counselor or therapist can be a relief, but the process can take months or years. Ongoing care for emotional trauma and anxiety may be possible, both for children and adults involved in a car accident. In fact, one study discovered about a third of minors involved in traffic collisions experience emotional distress following the event. To learn more about your compensation options for medical bills and counseling fees, talk to a Bucks County personal injury attorney.
Symptoms of Emotional Upset Following a Traffic Collision
It is common for individuals to feel shaky and anxious after an accident. For some people this feeling is transitory, they are able to process the event and move forward within days or weeks. But this is not true for everyone. Others find themselves coping with emotional distress for months or years.
Indicators of feeling distress:
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Crying
- Change in appetite
- Sleeping issues
- Irritability
- Frustration
- Withdrawal and disinterest
- Using alcohol or drugs
- Flashbacks
These issues can make it difficult to impossible for a person to productively work or adequately care for family members. Help is available. When you connect with a mental health professional they can share coping techniques and develop a diagnosis, when applicable. For example, some are diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress syndrome after a traffic accident.
Healing Takes Time
Both physical and emotional injuries take time to heal. It is important to follow the treatment plans developed by health professionals and not rush yourself into the lifestyle you enjoyed prior to the collision. With care and time, it may be possible for you to heal completely. If not, support systems can be accessed.
Of course, care can be expensive. Rather than focus on the financial repercussions of an accident, talk to a Bucks County personal injury attorney about damage recovery options. A legal professional can strategize your financial recovery while you take the time you need to recover. A type of non-economic damage, emotional distress can be part of a settlement. When physical injuries are severe and are in need of high settlements, non-economic damages often increase as well.
Is emotional distress an issue for you after a car accident? Talk to a lawyer. A member of the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. has the experience and knowledge you need. Our attorneys know how to secure the maximum settlement amount possible. Accidents happen every day. When they happen to you, it is essential you have a lawyer fighting for your rights. Reach out today, call 215-968-6602.
