For many survivors of serious car accidents in Texas, their physical injuries only represent part of the struggle. While physical scars may heal with time, psychological issues may remain with victims for life. A serious car accident is perhaps the most common example of a “near-death experience” in the modern world – affecting countless survivors across Texas today. What can you do if you are struggling with legitimate mental health concerns after a car accident? Could a Texas auto accident lawyer help you recover compensation?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common issue for survivors of serious car accidents. This is a legitimate psychological disorder, and it was first documented after major world military conflicts. At this point in time, it was known as “shell shock,” but doctors soon realized that it affected more than just military veterans. Car accident survivors often develop PTSD, which can have several worrying symptoms.
Those with PTSD often have unwanted flashbacks of their traumatic events. These can come in the form of nightmares or “waking dreams.” PTSD victims often become socially withdrawn, and they may struggle to engage in normal everyday tasks like work and cleaning. Depression is common among PTSD victims. Although most PTSD patients stop experiencing symptoms within two years, some cases last much longer.
Disfigurements
While disfigurement is a physical health issue, it can lead to psychological challenges for victims. For example, a survivor of a serious car accident might suffer burns after a vehicle explodes nearby. These facial burns may completely destroy their self-confidence, making it impossible for them to pursue normal careers and relationships. Burns can be difficult to treat, even with the most advanced modern reconstructive surgery techniques.
Aside from burns, there are many other examples of disfigurements. Broken glass and metal shards can cause serious facial lacerations. Airbags can explode, sending dangerous gases flying into victims. Some accidents cause catastrophic damage to limbs, making amputations necessary. Facial fractures can also lead to permanent disfigurements.
Fear of Driving
Many accident survivors become paranoid about driving after their accidents. This may cause them to limit access to entertainment, social gatherings, and even work opportunities. Less experienced drivers may feel discouraged about driving after being harmed. For example, a teenager on a learner’s license may feel too scared to ever get behind the wheel again.
In some cases, this fear of driving can lead to “loss of enjoyment of life” – legitimate non-economic damage that survivors can claim in their injury lawsuits. If an accident prevents someone from doing the things they love, they may pursue additional compensation.
Survivor’s Guilt
Another common psychological challenge is something called “survivor’s guilt.” This tends to affect sole survivors of serious car accidents, and it involves self-blame. For example, a father might be the sole survivor of a crash that killed his entire family. He may continue to blame himself for their deaths, even if the crash was entirely caused by another negligent driver. He may tell himself that his loved ones would have survived if his reflexes had been a little sharper.
Survivor’s guilt can be incredibly challenging for accident victims, and it can lead to self-harming behavior. Hours upon hours of therapy may be required to convince the survivor that they were not to blame for the deaths of their loved ones.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can lead to significant psychological issues, and this is well documented in the medical community. Even a slight knock to the head can cause a complete change in personality. Spouses of head injury victims may feel like they no longer recognize the person in their home. There have been documented cases of brain injury patients experiencing serious changes in sexual behavior. Some become less interested in sex, while others become much more promiscuous. Others become attracted to different genders.
Brain injuries are often associated with the loss of inhibitions. Other patients become socially withdrawn and cut off all ties with existing social groups. Some blurt out offensive words, “losing their filter,” so to speak.
Contact Hernandez Law Firm Today
It may be possible to recover compensation for your non-economic damages after a Texas car accident. To discuss the legal possibilities in more detail, contact Hernandez Law Firm today at (936) 256-3115. We know how serious these mental health concerns can be, and we can guide you toward the compensation you deserve. Book a consultation today to take the next step toward justice.
