Getting in a car crash is clearly a frightening event that is usually sudden and shocking. If someone else caused that crash, you might have thoughts about what it means for the rest of your life and how safe you really are.
Much of the time, these negative thoughts will decline in the wake of the accident, and you’ll be able to move forward with your life. However, it’s also possible for that accident to lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
PTSD could make driving impossible
The problem with PTSD is that it lasts for a long time, and it can be triggered by things that remind you of the initial event. In some cases, this means people can no longer drive because the mere thought of getting into a car is too frightening. You may also struggle with stress, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares and many other continuing issues that change the way that you live and function from day to day.
For some, the PTSD only kicks in when they get close to the area where the accident occurred. This may mean that you can drive most of the time, but going near that crash site could bring on a panic attack. If that’s a difficult place to avoid – such as if it’s on your daily commute – you may struggle to find any way to get around these feelings.
PTSD often feels overwhelming and requires medical treatment. This can be expensive. If you need mental health treatment after someone else caused a crash, then you need to know if you can seek financial compensation.