Car accidents happen fast, but their effect on your life can last for years. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) affects many survivors, creating invisible wounds that disrupt your routine, relationships, and quality of life. The effects go beyond physical injuries, affecting your mental health deeply.
What are the common PTSD symptoms you might experience?
After a car accident, PTSD can show up in diverse ways, and it might not happen right away. You might:
- Have flashbacks or nightmares about the crash.
- Feel very anxious when driving or riding in cars.
- Have trouble sleeping and focusing.
- Feel emotionally numb or detached from people.
- Avoid roads, places, or activities that remind you of the crash.
These symptoms can affect everything in your life, like work, relationships, and the activities you used to love. Kentucky law understands that psychological injuries matter in personal injury claims, which include mental and emotional suffering.
How does PTSD affect your daily functioning?
PTSD can affect many parts of your life:
- You might find it hard to focus on work, which can hurt your performance.
- When you pull away from social activities, your relationships can struggle.
- Therapy costs and lost wages can put a strain on your finances.
- Stress might cause your physical health to decline.
In Kentucky, courts have set a precedent for compensation for emotional distress. In Osborne v. Keeney, the Kentucky Supreme Court said you can recover damages for emotional distress.
How can you find your path to recovery after trauma?
Healing from PTSD needs the proper support and resources. You can explore treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, which work well for accident-related trauma. Kentucky law lets you get compensation to help pay for these treatments through personal injury claims. A personal injury attorney can help you show how PTSD has affected your life and make sure the court gives value to your claim.
Take note that Kentucky has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Getting legal guidance quickly can make a significant difference in getting the compensation you need for physical and psychological recovery.