Millions of drivers fill the roads of Connecticut every day on the way to and from work. However, driving is not without risks. Every time you get behind the wheel, you take a gamble.
Even if a driver is fortunate enough to evade physical injury after an accident due to the negligence of a reckless motorist, there is another kind of invisible trauma they may face.
Suffering is not always visible
A crucial factor sometimes overlooked after a car accident is the emotional distress and suffering it inflicts. The immediate effects after an accident can often include panic, shock and confusion.
However, car accidents are also known to cause long-term effects on one’s mental and emotional state. One study published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) found that victims of crashes faced an increased risk of psychological problems.
Some examples include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Fear of driving again
These are just a few of the effects that you are at risk of in the aftermath of a car accident, but there are ways to move forward.
The road to recovery
With the knowledge that a car accident can potentially have significant effects on your mental and emotional health, it’s good to remember that you don’t have to undergo your healing process alone.
If you notice the symptoms of mental and emotional trauma in yourself or in a loved one after a crash, it can be helpful to:
- Seek counseling: Seeing a licensed professional to talk about your struggles after a crash can help you navigate these problems and get you back on track.
- Talk to family and friends: Your trusted loved ones will always be there to guide you through your thoughts and emotions without judgment.
A car accident can leave you dealing with devastating property damage, traumatic, life-altering physical injuries and even invisible emotional stress. All of this combined can be overwhelming, but it is possible to seek compensation.
