Imagine you are in a car crash, where through no fault of your own, a small child dies. How would you feel? Do you think you would sleep soundly at night, knowing the other driver caused the accident? Or would you lie there thinking, “What if?” What if I had braked earlier? What if I had swerved across the road instead? What if, somehow, I could have avoided it, and that child was still alive today.
The amount of psychological damage between car crash victims can really vary
Car crashes happen every day. However well you drive, it is always possible you will be in one. People often overlook the long-lasting psychological damage vehicle accidents can cause. Most physical injuries are easy to spot. What you cannot see is what has happened inside your mind. You may not realize there is anything wrong or understand why until someone comments that you have been acting strangely ever since the collision.
There are many ways a car accident can affect you. You may have feelings of guilt. Perhaps you become scared to drive or can no longer take the route where the crash happened. You may have trouble concentrating, problems sleeping or flashbacks. Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among survivors of traffic accidents.
If you are in a car crash, you will need compensation for any physical injuries, as well as damage to your vehicle. Before accepting a settlement offered by an insurance company, remember that this will not cover any psychological harm done and the significant effect this could have on your life. You may need counseling and therapy to help you cope. Seek legal help to ensure you receive the compensation you need and are not left to suffer financially due to another driver’s negligence.
