Yes, it is absolutely possible to get a diagnosis for post-traumatic stress disorder due to your involvement in a car accident.
People often think of PTSD as something that comes from a person’s occupation or an especially traumatic experience, like serving as a soldier in a combat zone. And it is certainly true that these types of things can cause PTSD.
But it is also important to remember that a serious car accident, especially where a person suffered serious injuries or witnessed the death of a loved one, could be one of the most traumatic events of their lives. Even though car accidents themselves happen every day, they are not a common occurrence for an individual, and so could leave them with PTSD after the fact.
What do studies tell us?
When looking at the rate of PTSD, some studies have found that it is fairly common. One report indicated that 26% of those involved in the study reported PTSD, or slightly more than one out of every four people involved in a car accident.
Exactly what post-traumatic stress disorder looks like can vary significantly from person to person. One person may have flashbacks or nightmares. Another person may practice extreme avoidance behavior, such as being unable to ride in a car after the accident. Another individual could experience panic attacks due to triggering events, such as if they have to drive through the intersection where the crash occurred.
PTSD can be very emotionally difficult, and it can impact someone’s personal relationships. It can even change the course of their professional career, especially if they run into issues like being unable to drive and find reliable transportation. Those who have been involved in an accident caused by another driver need to know how to seek financial compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and other damages.