How a Severe Motorcycle Accident Can Affect You Emotionally

When you are the victim of a severe motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is get immediate attention for your physical injuries.  Next, many people are concerned about contacting their insurance company to file a claim.  While these are both crucial steps, many people overlook the enduring emotional effects accidents have on our psychological health.  While most physical injuries can heal over time, emotional damage can last much longer. 

Whether it is the motorcycle accident itself, or the stress of coping with serious injuries, emotional distress can alter the state of your life tremendously.  The motorcycle accident attorneys and staff at Marsalisi Law understand that emotional injuries can be even greater than physical injuries.  In fact, great emotional stress can inhibit your body’s natural healing ability, which can, in turn, delay your recovery from the physical injuries you have suffered.  At Marsalisi Law, we will guide you through the entire process to recover compensation for both your physical and emotional injuries.  

Emotional Distress After A Motorcycle Accident 

Emotional distress is an emotional reaction to trauma.  Feelings of being upset, confused, or shocked after your accident are subjective; thus, they cannot be seen on an x-ray or MRI.  Yet, these are all too common reactions.  Emotional distress after a motorcycle accident can manifest through several symptoms, including:  

• Anxiety;
• Anger;
• Fear;
• Mood swings; 
• Humiliation;
• Crying; 
• Loss of appetite; 
• Nightmares and other sleep issues; 
• Loss of interest in everyday activities.

Motorcycle accidents can change the course of your life.  While some symptoms may be mild, others can be debilitating and affect your ability to do day-to-day tasks.  You may be terrified to get back on the road, which can limit your access to medical treatment and other commitments you may have, including work.  Even though emotional distress can be temporary, for some, the distress and disturbances following a motorcycle accident can last indefinitely depending on the severity of the crash. 

Mental Illnesses After A Motorcycle Accident 

Feeling distraught from a motorcycle accident can be a significant complication that interferes with your daily life.  One of the most common mental illnesses that develop after a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, car accidents and motorcycle accidents have become a leading cause of PTSD, with more than 9% of accident survivors suffering from it. 

For most people, an indication of PTSD may include psychologically reliving the motorcycle accident over and over, actively avoiding thoughts about the incident, lack of emotions, and increased irritability.  Other symptoms of PTSD include: 

• Intense memories; 
• Frightening nightmares; 
• Flashbacks;
• Depression; 
• Withdrawal; 
• Self-harm. 

To successfully manage PTSD and cope with its many triggers, you may require psychological counseling until the effects subside.  On top of therapy, you may have to take medication to counter some of your symptoms.  Medical treatment can be costly; therefore, make sure you consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help you get the funds you deserve for proper medical care. 

How to Alleviate Some of Your Long-term Emotional Distress

Mental conditions like PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and depression can last for years after your motorcycle accident.  However, there are some ways to alleviate your long-term emotional distress, including: 

• Do not shy away from getting the help and treatment you need.  Family, friends, and doctors are great support systems to assist you with your recovery; 
• Stay busy in your daily routine.  Depression and anxiety can quickly rule your life, but by staying engaged in your daily tasks like work, exercise, and self-care, you may be able to take back control of your life; 
• Stay in constant communication with your doctor.  Your doctor will be able to refer you to any specialists or prescribe you any medications you might need, as well as keep track of your progress; 
• When it comes time to operate your motorcycle again, take extra caution by avoiding distractions, driving carefully, and always wear protective gear. 

Best Motorcycle Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg, FL

If you suffer emotional distress from a motorcycle accident, the insurance companies typically do not willingly give you money to get the mental therapies you need to recover fully.  Most insurance companies will only give you the minimum amount for physical injuries, and not even consider the damages caused by emotional conditions. Therefore, it is important to act fast and speak to an experienced and trusted motorcycle accident attorney skilled in handling these types of complex cases. 

 Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law assists motorcycle victims in St. Petersburg with their recovery by providing personalized attention throughout your entire case.  His experience and knowledge in personal injury law involving motorcycle accidents have allowed him to achieve the award of 2020’s Top 3 Personal Injury Lawyers in St. Petersburg.  To schedule a free consultation with Frank, fill out a contact form or call today at (727) 800-5052. 

Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal.