Car accidents are traumatic events that can lead to lasting psychological effects on those involved. Other than the physical damage, victims sometimes deal seriously with mental health issues including anxiety, depression, obsession with car accidents, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological shock after a car accident is a common and serious issue that needs attention.

We will also explore the psychological impacts of car crashes and how you can recover from the aftermath of mental stress because of car crashes.

For more information about your legal options after an accident and whether you can get compensation for psychological suffering, talk to a car accident lawyer for help.

What are Psychological Effects of a Car Accident?

Imagine driving down a peaceful road, where everything seems perfectly in sync, a sunlight road with windows down and your favorite song on the radio. And all of a sudden, you are involved in an accident. The calm in your heart is disturbed by the sound of crunching metal, tire screams, and jolt of impact. Everything changes instantly.

It's not just the physical injuries that need healing; the mind also bears scars that can linger long after the wounds have healed. Psychological shock after a car accident can hurt your mental health intensely. Some people might face a mental condition where people are obsessed with car accidents, replaying the incident repeatedly in their minds.

Possible signs of emotional trauma, cognitive effects, and behavioral and physical effects for car accident survivors can include:

How Car Accidents Can Cause Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

A car accident's emotional trauma may be severely disruptive to someone's daily life. Studies show that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development and auto accidents have a notable connection.
According to one study, almost half of all victims of car accidents suffer from PTSD. Given that 4.4 million Americans alone suffer injuries in car accidents severe enough to call for hospitalization, this translates to almost two million Americans likely suffering PTSD from such events alone in the United States.

What are the common symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD manifests in various debilitating ways, significantly affecting a person's quality of life. Symptoms of PTSD can include:

• Recurring, intense, and involuntary memories of the accident
• Flashbacks that may lead to periods of "blackout"
• Terrifying nightmares
• Avoidance of anything related to the accident, such as driving, riding in cars, or even being near a car
• Intense emotional or physical distress when encountering reminders of the accident
• Depression and social withdrawal
• Self-harm

Additionally, many individuals with PTSD also experience a severe fear of driving or related anxiety disorders. The psychological impact of PTSD can be profound, making everyday activities daunting.

Car-Crash OCD: Intense Fear or Anxiety About Driving

Car Crash OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder related to car accidents, is a mental condition where individuals develop an intense fear or obsession about car crashes. This fear can manifest in various ways, including obsessive thoughts about being involved in a crash, compulsive behaviors to avoid driving, and severe anxiety when near or in vehicles. Unlike general anxiety about driving, Car Crash OCD is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the perceived threat of a car accident.

What a Person Feels with Car-Crash OCD

Individuals with car crash OCD experience overwhelming fear and anxiety when it comes to driving or even being a passenger in a car. Common feelings and behaviors include:

Obsessive Thoughts: Constant, intrusive thoughts about car accidents, often imagining worst-case scenarios.

Compulsive Behaviors: Repetitive actions such as checking mirrors excessively, avoiding certain routes, or ritualistic behaviors meant to prevent a crash.

Avoidance: Avoiding driving altogether or refusing to travel by car, which can severely impact daily life and mobility.

Panic Attacks: Experiencing intense panic or anxiety attacks when driving or even thinking about driving.

Hypervigilance: Being excessively cautious and alert to potential dangers on the road, which can be mentally exhausting.

How to Mentally Recover from a Car Accident?

Unfortunately, accidents can have more than just a physical effect. Below is a resource on how to mentally recover from a car accident, process trauma and action steps to begin your healing.

Lean on Friends and Family for Help:

Being surrounded by friends and family who are familiar with your situation can offer solace in the form of emotional support. If it helps, talking with them about your feelings and experiences can be very therapeutic.

Mental Therapy After Car Accident:

A licensed mental therapist provides tailored counseling and coping strategies, mental therapy after a car accident may include relaxation methodology or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapy provides that nonjudgmental environment where you can express those feelings.

Practice Self-Care:

Self-care is crucial for managing post-accident trauma. This includes attending to both physical and mental health needs. Regular exercise, nutritious meals, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices like deep breathing or yoga can help.

Helpful Resource: PTSD: National Center for PTSD

What kind of non-economical compensation I can get after a car accident?

You can receive some non-economic compensation for the emotional and psychological impact of your car accident. This harm can be more difficult to quantify than monetary losses, but they are equally important. Here's a breakdown of what you can pursue:

Pain and Suffering: Pain is an actual experiential reality. This includes the physical pain you went through from your accident, as well as any other discomfort due to your injury.

Emotional Distress: You will have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, grief, and other emotions from the accident. The emotional consequences can be just as severe, and we want to make sure you get compensated for your mental health too.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the accident has taken away your ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies, you can seek compensation for this loss. Your joy and quality of life are important and should be recognized.

Loss of Consortium: The accident might have affected your relationships, especially the companionship and support you receive from your spouse or family. This kind of compensation acknowledges the emotional toll on your personal life.

To pursue these damages, we need to gather thorough evidence of your emotional and psychological suffering. This includes:

• Medical Records: These document your physical and mental health treatments.
• Therapy Notes: Notes from your therapist detailing your sessions and progress.
• Personal Journals: Your accounts of how the accident has affected you emotionally.
• Testimonies: Statements from mental health professionals about your condition.

How Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C. Can Combat Your Non-Economical Compensation and Maximize Your Settlement

At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., we value the opportunity to represent those in need of non-financial compensation as well as recovery from the psychological consequences of car accidents. As your committed Los Angeles car accident attorney, getting you compensation for your emotional suffering, physical injuries, and pain is our objective.

Our experienced team knows how to navigate the complexities of non-economic claims. We gather evidence from medical records to therapy notes, to build a compelling case. Whether you're dealing with a mental condition where people are obsessed with car accidents or struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD, we're here to help.

By choosing Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., you'll have a personal injury lawyer who's committed to maximizing your settlement and ensuring that your emotional and psychological suffering is fully recognized and compensated. Let us fight for you, so you can focus on healing. (323) 524-8994 to schedule a car accident legal consultation and start your journey to recovery today.