How PTSD Can Affect Your Ability to Drive Again (After an Accident)
Being in a car accident does not always mean getting physically injured only. Depending on how severe the accident is, it may affect you emotionally and mentally as well.
Sometimes, the psychological impact of a car crash can cause PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). This often has a cascading effect. PTSD can cause nightmares or night terrors. The lack of sleep can result in health issues.
For some accident survivors, these distressing symptoms form part of a larger struggle that they only realize later: driving anxiety.
PTSD After a Car Accident
PTSD is classified as a mental health condition. A traumatic event usually triggers it. As such, a car accident is a major cause of PTSD. This is especially true when an accident is severe or involves fatalities.
Studies show that nearly 40% of car crash survivors develop PTSD. In most cases, the severity of PTSD is strongly linked to how serious the accident was and the victims’ personal risk factors.
PTSD symptoms do not always show up immediately after an accident. Sometimes, it appears weeks or even months afterward.
If you experience any of the following after a car accident, you may have PTSD:
- Intrusive thoughts or memories
- Terrifying flashbacks of the accident
- Consciously avoiding driving or going past the site of the accident
- Increased anxiety and a high resting heart rate
- Difficulties to fall asleep or experiencing nightmares or night terrors
- Unexplained irritability or feelings of depression.
How PTSD May Impact Your Driving Ability
It is normal to be nervous when getting into your car again for the first time after an accident. PTSD makes this process worse.
While you are trying to feel normal again, PTSD can make it seem impossible. This condition can manifest in several ways that interfere with your ability to drive again:
- Panic attacks. You may suffer panic attacks when driving again. These attacks usually include excessive sweating, increased heartbeat, and dizziness. If this happens while you are on the road, it will be hard to control the vehicle.
The worst part is that this can increase the risk of another accident. If you experience mild symptoms of a panic attack, you should not get behind the wheel.
- Distracted driving. Flashbacks can cause instant distraction on the road. You may inadvertently drive past the accident scene and get an intense flashback. This will distract you to the point where you may react inappropriately to the current traffic conditions.
- Avoidance. You may not want to get behind the wheel after an accident. If you do, you may find that you cannot drive on a highway or through intersections.
It may indeed reduce your driving anxiety and help you stick to quiet roads. But, in the long term, your ongoing avoidance can reinforce your fear of driving. This will make it much harder to regain confidence to drive everywhere.
- Hypervigilance or overreacting. PTSD makes you more aware (and suspicious) of everything happening around you. This can create an exaggerated, startling response when something frightens you.
If you are driving and there is a loud noise or sudden movement, it may cause you to overreact. If you overreact, you may slam on the brakes or swerve widely. This can also cause another accident.
Getting Help for PTSD
If you experience PTSD symptoms, it is important to get help. Cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy can help you gain confidence again. These steps can also help reduce the fear and anxiety associated with driving.
You may also need medication to help you manage your symptoms. But this is at the discretion of your doctor or therapist.
Seeking Compensation for PTSD
If a negligent driver caused your accident, you can claim compensation for non-economic damages like PTSD.
You must get copies of your medical records as evidence to file a claim. These records should detail your PTSD diagnosis as your treatment.
You should also keep a journal to note your symptoms and their effects on your daily life.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you through the legal process is important. This is the easiest way to build a strong compensation case.
You Can Reclaim Your Life
PTSD can make driving feel overwhelming. But you can overcome this condition with a support system and professional treatment. If you are struggling with PTSD after an accident, getting medical and legal assistance can help you move forward. That way, you can reclaim your independence behind the wheel.
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