Post-Traumatic Stress and Motorcycle Accidents
When most people think of motorcycles, they think of the joy of wind in their hair as they zip down an open road. But as a motorcycle accident lawyer TN trusts, I know motorcycles also come with unseen dangers.
Motorcyclists have less protection than other drivers, so they’re more likely to suffer serious injuries like head trauma and bone fractures. However, not all motorcycle accident injuries are physical. Many people also suffer psychological and emotional injuries after a motorcycle accident.
A study from the National Institute of Mental Health, found 39.2% of people involved in a serious vehicle accident had PTSD. Of the 39.2% with PTSD symptoms, 53% also met the criteria for major depression.
When you consider that there are 6 million vehicle accidents in America every year, those numbers are alarming.
Whether you were a rider involved in a serious collision or have a loved one who was injured in a crash, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of PTSD after a motorcycle accident.
What is PTSD?
According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic event. This means, for some people, a motorcycle accident could result in a fear of riding, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms associated with PTSD, including:
- Avoiding reminders of the accident, including places, things, or events
- Inability to focus and concentrate
- Flashbacks to the traumatic event
- Bad dreams, nightmares or difficulty sleeping
- Always being alert to danger or being easily startled
- Aggressive behavior, including irritability or uncontrolled anger
- Impaired memory
- Avoiding friends, relatives, and social activities
Some of these symptoms are normal following a serious accident, but they usually go away in a matter of days. But if you experience these symptoms weeks or months after your accident, you may have PTSD. If you believe you have PTSD, you should see a doctor immediately for an evaluation.
PTSD and Motorcycle Accident Claims
When you are in a motorcycle accident, the costs can add up quickly. Even if you have few expenses from the damage to your vehicle and any physical injuries, a motorcycle accident’s emotional distress can be even more costly:
Medical Expenses: Getting treatment for PTSD can include counseling, therapy, and potentially even hospital stays. Treatment may take only a few months, but can also last years.
Loss of Income: If you suffer from PTSD, you might have to take time off work due to your symptoms as well as to get treatment.
Pain and Suffering: Any physical or emotional pain you endure due to your accident can be considered pain and suffering.
If your accident was due to another person’s negligence, they may be liable for all of your accident-related damages. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you may be able to recover compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Speak with an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer TN Trusts
If you or a loved one developed PTSD or suffered any emotional distress from a motorcycle accident, you shouldn’t be the one to shoulder the financial burden.
Our experienced lawyers can help you through the insurance claims process, as well as seeking compensation through a lawsuit. It’s our job to fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on recovery – both physical and mental. And we don’t win anything unless and until you do.
Time is of the essence when it comes to filing motorcycle accident claim, and it doesn’t cost anything to get started.
Call us at (901) 327-2100 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.