• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Chappell Smith & Arden, P.A.

Chappell Smith & Arden, P.A.

South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers

  • Attorneys
  • Personal Injury
    • Wrongful Death
    • Car Crashes & Collisions
    • Truck Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Nursing Home Abuse
    • Slip and Fall
  • Workers’ Comp
  • Results
  • Resources
    • Attorney Referral
    • Injury Guide
      • Personal Injury Guide
      • Car Crash Guide
      • Work Injury Guide
      • FAQ
    • Blog
    • Community Outreach
    • Scholarships
  • Contact

Free Consultation (803) 929-3600

Can a Crash Victim Experience Post-Accident PTSD?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Injury Attorneys (Home) / Types & Causes of Car Accidents in South Carolina / Can a Crash Victim Experience Post-Accident PTSD?

Columbia Car Accident Lawyers discuss post-accident PTSD.Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most commonly associated with war veterans. However, PTSD can happen to anyone who has undergone a traumatic event, including car wreck victims. As the American Psychological Association has noted, among non-military individuals, car accident victims are most likely to present symptoms of PTSD. For this reason, every person who has experienced a vehicle collision needs to understand their risks when it comes to developing PTSD.

What Is PTSD?

Unlike a broken nose or a bruised rib, PTSD cannot be seen after a car accident. Therefore, it is a completely invisible injury that may not make itself known for days, weeks, months, or even years after the event.

PTSD does not happen to every car accident victim, but it does happen routinely to many. Because the car crash is so intense, it causes a fight-or-flight adrenaline rush and reactions. Yet often, the brain becomes so overwhelmed that it cannot shut off the resulting behaviors. Put simply, someone who suffers from PTSD feels like the trauma is happening over and over again, which can interfere with everyday enjoyment.

Symptoms of Post-Accident PTSD

How do you know if you or someone you care about has PTSD after being in a car accident? You might notice some of the biggest indicators of PTSD.

  • Numb feelings. Many PTSD sufferers report feeling like they are in shock all the time. They see the world as something out of their reach, because they no longer feel a connection with others. Their emotions are completely out of touch and buried.
  • Hallucinations and recollections. One of the most troubling aspects of PTSD is that it can cause the victim to recollect the accident again and again. Not surprisingly, undergoing the psychological feeling of being in a crash all the time is jarring and depressing.
  • Sometimes, a PTSD sufferer will develop new phobias, such as the need to avoid certain places; or compulsive behaviors, such as the need wash their hands a certain number of times after using the restroom. The behaviors give them stability, even as they reduce their healthy ability to respond to normal situations.
  • PTSD post-accident victims may feel like the world is out to get them. They may display hyper-vigilance and stay up at night, concerned about what is happening. They may not be willing to get behind the wheel of the car, or take any type of transportation, for fear of a repeat of their collision. 

Treatment for Post-Crash PTSD Sufferers

The good news for any person who has been in a wreck and subsequently diagnosed with PTSD is that treatment is available. Usually, treating PTSD involves some type of psychological therapy, and may even include temporary or permanent prescription medications to ease symptoms. With time and patience, PTSD victims can regain hope, wellness, and personal enjoyment.

Columbia Car Accident Lawyers at Chappell Smith & Arden, P.A. Work With Post-Accident PTSD Victims to Recover Damages

Recovering from PTSD can be a slow, expensive process. A Columbia car accident lawyer can help you or your family member recover damages to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to post-crash PTSD. Call Chappell Smith & Arden, P.A. at 803-929-3600 or (803) 929-3600 to arrange a free consultation to discuss your situation. You can also submit an online inquiry.

We are proud to serve individuals and families across South Carolina, including those in the communities of Columbia, Aiken, Camden, Sumter, Orangeburg, Greenville, Florence, Beaufort, Irmo, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, West Columbia, Rock Hill, Charleston, Lexington, Winnsboro, Summerville, and throughout Lexington County, Richland County, Sumter County, Charleston County, Aiken County, Florence County, Lancaster County, York County, Spartanburg County, Orangeburg County, Kershaw County, and Newberry County.

Still Not Finding What You Need?

Check out our other articles on car crashes in South Carolina.

  • 9 Common Mistakes to Avoid After An Auto Accident
  • Accidents Caused by Auto Defects
  • Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions
  • Accidents With Emergency Vehicles
  • Aggressive Driving and Road Rage Accidents
  • All About Insurance
  • Can a Crash Victim Experience Post-Accident PTSD?
  • Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
  • Distracted Driving Accidents
  • Drowsy Driving Accidents
  • Drunk Driving Accidents
  • Fatal Auto Wrecks
  • Head-On Collisions
  • Hit and Run Accidents
  • How to Obtain a Copy of a Car Accident Report
  • How to Prove You are Not at Fault for a Car Accident
  • Multi-Vehicle Accidents
  • Negligent Driver Accidents
  • Rear-End Collisions
  • Rollover Accidents
  • SC Traffic Law Most People Don’t Know About
  • Speeding Accidents
  • Uber and Lyft Accidents
  • Uninsured and Underinsured Driver Accidents
  • What Are the Reporting Requirements for Auto Accidents?

Footer

Start Your Free Consultation

  • Messages sent using this form are not considered private. Avoid sending highly confidential or private information via email.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

We Serve Clients All Across South Carolina


FREE Case Evaluation

(803) 929-3600 Phone

(803) 929-3604 Fax



Columbia

2801 Devine St, Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29205
Map & Directions



Charleston

1052 Gardner Rd, Suite 200
Charleston, SC 29407
Map & Directions



Aiken

322 Laurens St, NW
Aiken, SC 29801
Map & Directions



Florence

601 W Evans St
Florence, SC 29501
Map & Directions



Fort Mill

1030 Assembly Dr
Fort Mill, SC 29708
Map & Directions



Greenville

812 Lauren's Rd
Greenville, SC 29601
Map & Directions

  • Facebook icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Twitter icon
  • Youtube icon
  • Instagram icon
Attorney Partner for Enjuris Alabama

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. We welcome your calls, letters and email; however contacting us does NOT create an attorney - client relationship. Copyright © 2022 Chappell Smith & Arden, P.A. All Rights Reserved. Website design and SEO optimization by SEOAdvantage.com