Tens of thousands of car accidents occur every day, and many of them are straightforward incidents where the most of the physical damage is done to the cars involved. However, other car accidents are much more severe, and often, these crashes can result in temporary, or even permanent, brain damage. Unfortunately, this damage can lead to minimal or severe physiological disorders that plague victims for years to come.
Common Psychological Disorders that Stem from Car Accidents
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is one of the most common side effects of car accidents because it can develop without physical trauma. Many mental illnesses stem from physical damage to the brain, however, PTSD is an anxiety disorder, which means the diagnosis can be unrelated to physical trauma. People who suffer from post-accident PTSD will often have a hard time falling asleep, and are prone to relive the accident that caused their disorder. Additionally, someone with PTSD will often avoid driving their car if at all possible. Therefore, PTSD can affect work, family, and personal life.
Depressive Disorders
After a severe car accident, some people fall into deep depressive states. Depression can result from post-accident guilt (even if the person is proven not at-fault,) post-accident neglect, and as a side effect of more severe dissociative disorders. For those who are depressed, it may be difficult to enjoy activities that were once life-giving, and goals that he or she was pursuing may fall to the way side.
Personality Disorders
When accident-related brain trauma does occur, victims are more likely to suffer from personality disorders. These disorders can cause someone to act out in ways that are socially awkward or not acceptable. Common traits of personality disorders include:
- Paranoia
- Narcissism
- Schizophrenia
- Obsessive-Compulsive
- Mood swings
As you can see, there are a variety of mental illnesses that can stem from car accidents; the good news is that if someone’s mental complications were caused by another driver’s negligence, he or she maybe able to pursue just compensation through a civil lawsuit.
If you were injured in a car accident and are suffering from mental complications, call (267) 457-5570 now to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys!