When most people are asked to think about car accident injuries, they tend to consider the physical injuries that people who are involved in motor vehicle accidents can sustain. While physical injuries are undoubtedly serious and often need medical attention, it is important for victims and family members alike to recognize that car accidents can result in emotional and psychological issues as well. Fortunately for victims, these kinds of injuries are often compensable under Michigan law,1 so it is important for anyone hurt in an accident to contact an auto accident attorney with a track record of success representing people that have been injured in car accidents.
Some of the more common kinds of emotional and psychological issues that car accident victims often experience are discussed below.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after a traumatic event such as an unexpected motor vehicle accident. The symptoms associated with PTSD can be severe and make it difficult for victims to engage in everyday activities that most of us take for granted. According to the Mayo Clinic,2 there are four main groups of PTSD symptoms, which are as follows:
- Intrusive memories of the event
- Reliving the traumatic event, in the form of a flashback
- Having bad dreams about the traumatic event
- Experiencing significant emotional or physical distress when reminded of the traumatic event
Physical injuries can have a significant emotional impact
When people are seriously injured, they often are unable to go back to work for an extended period of time and may experience difficulty engaging in everyday tasks or activities that they used to enjoy. For this reason, car accident victims often experience negative emotions regarding the effects of their injuries and may develop clinical depression. Additionally, many people who have been injured in car accidents develop chronic pain, which has been directly linked to depression.
TBIs have been linked to depression and other emotional issues
Motor vehicle accidents often leave victims with extremely serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries often occur when a victim hits his or her head against the interior of the vehicle or another object, but can also happen when the head jerks violently back and forth on the neck. While the link between TBIs and depression is not completely understood, many people who sustain TBIs develop symptoms of depression later.
Contact a Michigan car accident lawyer today to discuss your case
People that have been injured in car accidents should be certain to consult with an attorney who will pursue compensation for all losses, including those arising from emotional or psychological injuries. The attorneys of Michigan Injury Lawyers understand the toll that an accident can take on victims and work tirelessly to obtain the best possible result for each client they represent. Importantly, meeting with one of our lawyers incompletely free, so there is absolutely no risk associated with having an attorney review your case. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Michigan car accident lawyers, please call our office today at 313-438-4357.
References:
1 http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28qafv1gxsroekegbt2puqldin%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=chapterindex
2 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20022540