Jason Stephens | April 1, 2025 | Car Accidents
Car accidents can be extremely traumatizing and disruptive. Some people experience lifelong psychological challenges after being involved in or even just witnessing a particularly tragic car accident. It is crucial not to overlook the psychological injuries accident victims experience after a car crash. Rest assured, any psychological problems you’ve suffered due to a collision are just as valid as your physical injuries.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a misnomer—it’s not a disorder; it’s an injury as a result of enduring a significant trauma. If you sustained a serious injury, witnessed a fellow passenger not survive, or the crash came out of nowhere, PTSD is more likely to develop. Some research indicates that as much as 46% of people develop PTSD after a serious car accident.
Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Flashbacks
- Exaggerated startle response, consistent with fight or flight
- Nightmares and insomnia
- Intrusive, disruptive thoughts or difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Hypervigilance
- Irritability
- Suicidal thoughts
- Panic attacks
- Extreme distress at even small reminders of the accident
If you recognize these symptoms, please know that none of this is uncommon. Reaching out for help can be terrifying, but you need support. There are also medications that can reduce your symptoms and make your daily routine more tolerable.
Insomnia & Nightmares
Some accident survivors develop just one or two PTSD symptoms after a crash, such as insomnia and nightmares. It’s not uncommon for the crash to be endlessly on repeat in your mind as you try to sleep. The subconscious mind often hesitates to let itself be off-guard after a trauma, which can make a restful night of sleep impossible.
If any of these experiences are plaguing you, please speak to your doctor and/or therapist:
- Having a hard time falling and staying asleep
- Feeling tired when you wake up because of not sleeping deeply or continuously
- Distressing, detailed bad dreams relating to the crash
- Waking up often
Sleep disturbances are one of the most common after-effects that crash victims experience. It is challenging but often temporary.
Depression
Depression can result from a car accident for a variety of reasons. People become clinically depressed over the financial strain due to painful, life-altering injuries and simply because of the tragic nature of the crash.
These are symptoms of depression to look for:
- Heavy, ongoing feelings of sadness
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Hopelessness
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Losing interest in normal activities
- Constantly feeling tired and unmotivated
Remember that depression is indeed a medical condition and a psychological injury. Please reach out for help, even if moving forward seems impossible. Again, these feelings are not permanent. Discuss treatment options with your medical team.
Get Legal Help if You Have Psychological Problems After a Car Accident
A Weatherford car accident attorney can include your depression or insomnia in your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit if it’s documented. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and follow their recommended treatment plan. Not only is it vital for making a full recovery, but it can help strengthen your case. You should also speak to an experienced car accident attorney.
You should keep a journal after the accident to help document the timeline, communications, medical appointments, and how you feel. Journal entries are another great way to document nightmares, anxiety, flashbacks, and other crash-related psychological issues. Tell the truth and try to explain what’s happening to you in clear detail.
For more valuable information on strengthening your case, schedule a free consultation.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth and Weatherford personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Weatherford Office
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000
