The Correlation Between Car Accidents and Mental Health Issues

Car accidents can have far-reaching consequences that go far beyond physical injuries. They affect victims’ mental health in significant ways. Understanding the correlation between car accidents and mental health issues is an important part of addressing the needs of victims and helping them get the treatment they need after an accident.

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your physical injuries, mental health struggles, and financial losses. Call Olmstead & Olmstead at 703-260-8752 to set up a consultation now.

How Car Accidents Can Impact Mental Health

The trauma of a car accident can trigger a variety of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia. Survivors may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to the accident, leading to emotional distress and functional impairment. Those who suffer severe mental health concerns may develop agoraphobia and begin feeling that the only way they can prevent another car accident is by never leaving home.

The sudden and violent nature of car accidents can shatter a person’s sense of safety and security, resulting in heightened anxiety and hypervigilance whenever they are in a car. Physical injuries sustained in these accidents, such as traumatic brain injuries or chronic pain, can exacerbate mental health symptoms.

Factors Affecting Mental Health After a Crash

Mental health issues can affect any car accident victim, but not every victim develops mental health issues after a crash. Some of the factors that play a role include:

• Severity of the accident: The severity of the accident, including the speed of both vehicles, the extent of property damage, and the presence of severe injuries, can determine the type and level of mental trauma that victims develop.

• Personal vulnerability: Individual factors, such as prior trauma history and the existence of strong support networks, can influence how a person responds to a car accident. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions may find that being involved in a car accident makes them significantly worse.

• Perceived control: Feelings of helplessness and loss of control during the accident can intensify feelings of distress and anxiety. Survivors who perceive themselves as powerless to prevent or mitigate the outcomes of the accident may struggle to recover from their mental health concerns.

Difficulties With Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing and treating mental health issues resulting from car accidents can be challenging due to various factors. Many accident survivors may not recognize their psychological issues after a crash, particularly if they are also battling serious physical injuries. They may fail to report these issues to their care providers, which leads to delays in care.

It’s also possible that mental health issues may develop long after an accident—and long after a victim has sought medical care. They may not make the connection that their sudden insomnia, mood swings, and recurring nightmares are related to the crash they were involved in months ago.

Finally, even for those who do recognize that their mental health is suffering, mental health care is not always easy to find. It’s often prohibitively expensive and local care providers may have months-long waiting lists. When faced with these issues, some victims choose not to seek care at all.Despite these issues and potential roadblocks, it is still worth the time and energy it takes to seek mental health treatment after a car accident. Cost does not have to be a barrier. With a personal injury claim, a car accident victim may be able to secure the compensation they need to get effective and meaningful mental health treatment. That’s why we recommend that accident victims start seeking legal counsel as soon as possible after a crash. Doing so can mean the difference between getting necessary care immediately or not at all.

Injured in a Car Accident? Call Olmstead & Olmstead

Don’t let a car accident leave you dealing with physical injuries and mental stress for the rest of your life. The team at Olmstead & Olmstead is here to help you with your Manassas personal injury case. It all starts with a free consultation. Claim your consultation now by calling us at 703-260-8752 or filling out our online contact form.