Serious injuries can happen in even a minor car accident. In the aftermath, there is a rush of dealing with police, other drivers, and medical providers responsible for your treatment. At first, it may be hard to comprehend what actually occurred. In time, you could find that thoughts of the crash come up when you least expect them, such as at work or when you are trying to sleep. You may also find yourself relieving the sensation of impact or obsessing over the threat that another crash will occur. As experienced car accident attorneys in Virginia, we frequently see these types of trauma symptoms in clients we represent. It is important to be aware of the emotional impacts collisions can have on you and the types of compensation you may be entitled to as a result.
Car Accidents and Post Traumatic Stress
As car accidents are unexpected, violent events, it is natural to feel somewhat in shock afterward. Particularly if you or your passengers suffer injuries as a result, it is understandable for it to take some time to recover emotionally. However, there is an unfortunate number of cases where the shock, sadness, and anxiety you feel over a crash only seem to intensify with time.
Post-traumatic stress is something that many car accident victims end up suffering from. It involves intrusive thoughts, emotional disturbances, and the feeling that you are reliving the accident over and over. Common symptoms include:
- A fear of driving or getting into vehicles
- Generalized anxiety or panic attacks
- Nightmares about the accident or thoughts that make it impossible to fall asleep
- An increasing sense of isolation and avoiding normal activities
- Headaches, stomach pains, and other physical symptoms
If you suffer the symptoms of post-traumatic stress after a car accident, it is important to let your medical providers know. Talking about it with friends and family or a licensed therapist can also help you.
Compensation for Car Accident Trauma
Post-traumatic stress is a serious condition that can impact your general health and your day-to-day activities. When seeking compensation in a car accident claim, it is important to make your attorney aware of what you are suffering, as it could entitle you to additional amounts of compensation in your claim. Under Virginia law, there are two types of damages you may be eligible for:
- Economic damages – These include the lost wages and medical expenses you suffer as a result of emotional trauma.
- Non-economic damages – These cover the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life you experience as a result.
Contact Our Office Today
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a crash as a result of another party’s negligent or reckless actions, contact a Virginia car accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. It is critical to remember that Virginia has placed a statute of limitation on how long victims have to file a claim for damages against those responsible for their injuries, so do not delay. Failure to file before that legal deadline could mean you lose any chance of ever filing your claim or getting justice against the person responsible for you or your loved one’s injuries.
Contact our office today to set up a free and confidential case evaluation with one of our dedicated Virginia accident attorneys. You may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, permanent disability, scarring, and disfigurement. Call our office to find out how we can help.
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