Car accidents are distressing no matter how much damage was caused. Every year, there are over six million car crashes in the United States, and 39% of the survivors will develop post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a study done by the National Institute of Mental Health. This makes motor vehicle accidents the number one cause of PTSD in the general population.

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is an anxiety disorder that develops after a traumatic event which often involves death, serious injury, or severe anxiety. PTSD can cause lifelong anguish, missed work, and strained relationships if left untreated. In the State of Florida, an experienced attorney may be able to fight to recover compensation for your mental anguish and related lost wages. If you are suffering from PTSD after a motor vehicle accident, Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi can help you ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.

Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

There are some risk factors that can increase your risk of PTSD. If you have previously experienced any of the following, you may have a higher chance of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder:

Anxiety;
Depression;
Lack of social support system;
Family history of mental health disorders;
Former exposure to a traumatic event;
Being a first responder; and
Dissociation

Although these factors may increase the possibility of acquiring PTSD, a 2012 study showed that the strongest predictor for PTSD six months after the accident was the perception that your life was in danger.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

After a car accident, it is normal for your emotions to run rampant. Shock, fear, confusion, and anger are all common feelings to experience. However, when you have PTSD, these feelings could strengthen over time rather than dissipate. You may have PTSD if you are experiencing any of the following signs:

Insomnia;
Nightmares about the collision;
Depression;
Forgetting details about the accident;
Guilt about the crash;
Anxiety about driving or riding in a car;
Flashbacks of the incident;
Avoiding reminders;
Irritability;
Emotional numbness; and
Disconnection from people.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can be treated through a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Both exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have proven to be effective in many PTSD sufferers by changing negative thought patterns and encouraging them to confront their fears.

Experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg

Car accidents cause emotional distress in thousands of victims every day. If your feelings of uneasiness and anxiety did not disappear after your motor vehicle accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your mental anguish. However, due to the subjective quality of these cases, it can be difficult to recover fair compensation without an experienced car accident attorney and being evaluated by the appropriate physicians. In Florida, any car accident injury claims must be filed within four years from the date of the traffic accident, so it is imperative that you seek legal assistance right away.

If you have been in a car accident in the St. Petersburg area, the auto accident attorneys at Marsalisi Law will vigorously fight for you. Call (727) 800-5052 or complete one of our online contact forms to schedule a free consultation for your case today.

Marsalisi Law Is Where Law Gets Personal!