In the aftermath of a car accident, prioritizing both your physical and mental well-being is crucial. It’s not uncommon for survivors to grapple with severe psychological impacts in addition to physical injuries. Fortunately, in New Jersey, there are provisions to file a claim for emotional distress and psychological damages, provided you have proper evidence.
In the United States, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the general population. PTSD is a mental health condition that arises from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While symptoms may manifest immediately after a collision, in rarer cases, they can emerge months or even years later. There are four primary categories of PTSD:
Intrusive Memories: This category involves the victim mentally reliving the event, experiencing upsetting dreams, and dealing with unwanted memories. Additionally, it can lead to physical stress responses triggered by reminders of the event.
Avoidance: Victims of trauma might go to great lengths to avoid any reminders of the incident, and in some cases, refuse to discuss it altogether.
The next two categories are closely tied to the development of anxiety and depressive disorders:
Mood and Thought Changes: This can lead the victim to harbor negative feelings about themselves, feel disconnected from loved ones, experience hopelessness about the future, and lose interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: This can result in heightened anxiety, exaggerated anticipation of danger, excessive guilt and shame, and difficulty sleeping. It can significantly impact one’s overall quality of life and often leads to engagement in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse.
Without proper treatment, these conditions can persist for extended periods after the accident. Consulting a mental health professional is vital to accessing the necessary resources and support for coping with the trauma and moving forward. If you’re considering a claim for emotional damages, collaborating with a specialized medical professional is crucial. They can help identify your condition and recommend appropriate treatment. This also establishes a documented trail of evidence linking your emotional distress to the incident, which is essential for proving causation in legal proceedings.
Dealing with car accidents and their aftermath can be overwhelmingly stressful. If you’re experiencing any of the effects mentioned above, don’t hesitate to reach out to an attorney and seek guidance from a mental health expert. Your mental health should always be a top priority, and at the Harrell Law Firm, we’re committed to ensuring you receive full compensation for the impact of your accident.
Contact the Harrell Law Firm today for expert legal assistance and support in your journey to recovery. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Your well-being is our top priority.
Kenneth M. Harrell
Founder, Harrell Injury Law
