Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Car Accidents

Each year more than 3 million people are involved in car accidents. Ten to forty five percent of those involved in car accidents will later suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).While car accidents are the most frequent type of trauma for American men and second most frequent type of trauma for American women, women are more likely to develop PTSD. A recent study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that over ten percent of women and five percent of men suffered from PTSD after an accident. In addition, people involved in Car Accident Attorney Milwaukee suffer from non-symptomatic signs such as having difficulty in school and at work, and even problems maintaining friendships and enjoying pastimes.Because driving or being a passenger in a car is so crucial to many Americans, having mental health services available after an accident is essential.

Doctors and emergency room professionals, who focus on physical injuries after an accident, become gatekeepers to other health professionals, such as mental health professionals.In fact, Dr. Blanchard, a psychiatrist who recently published a book on his research of PTSD in car accident victims for the APA, said “Knowing about PTSD symptoms would be very important in making an appropriate referral. This is similar to what primary care physicians went through 15 years ago when they were being sensitized to symptoms of depression.”In a recent study conducted by Dr. Blanchard, he found that at least 15.3 percent of people involved in a Accident Injury Attorney Milwaukee developed a driving phobia and 93.2 percent of the survivors developed driving reluctance.

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, if you have had a traumatic experience, such as a car accident, and answer yes to three of the four questions below, you may be suffering from PTSD: In the past month, you:

1. Have had nightmares about it or thought about it when you did not want to?
2. Tried hard not to think about it or went out of your way to avoid situations that reminded you of it?
3. Were constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled?
4. Felt numb or detached from others, activities, or your surroundings?

Remember, only a licensed health care professional can diagnose and properly treat PTSD.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”