Victims of car accidents don’t just suffer physical injuries. Regardless of the severity of an accident, victims can develop emotional injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. The traumatic nature of a car accident can create a chemical imbalance in the brain that leads to a range of mental health issues that the victim never suffered from before.

Mental trauma can be just as financially draining as a physical one. If you have experienced anxiety after a car accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney today.

We have helped clients who suffered from anxiety and PTSD after being hit by another driver get their lives back. We’ll work on getting you the compensation you need so you can work on your recovery.

Call us today at (561) 621-4200 to find out how we can help.

What can I do if I have anxiety about driving since my car accident? 

Anxiety is a common response to a car accident. The fight or flight response doesn’t go away the moment the immediate danger is over. Fifty-five percent of individuals involved in a car accident suffer some form of anxiety after the accident.

For some, this anxiety can be debilitating, preventing them from even setting foot in another car. Others can get in a vehicle but cannot operate it themselves.

If you are experiencing anxiety about driving after your car accident, follow these steps:

Seek medical assistance immediately. 

After a car accident, you need to visit a doctor, regardless of if you notice any physical injuries. They can offer you a referral to a psychiatrist who can help to diagnose and treat your anxiety. Taking this step early on can help prevent mental injuries from growing and becoming much more difficult to handle.

Collect documentation. 

You will see many professionals while you recover. Collect the bills of all medical practitioners, prescriptions, and other rehabilitation programs you go to. Your anxiety is a real injury that requires expensive care, but you shouldn’t be the one who has to pay for it. 

Consult a car accident attorney. 

Hiring an understanding lawyer can help you get the closure you need after a car accident. Our team understands that anxiety can be a debilitating injury after a car accident. We support our clients through medical care and treatment, ensuring that they don’t have to worry about the costs. 

Types of Post-Car Accident Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest in many forms. After a car accident, two common types of anxiety are characterized by a fear of driving: vehophobia and PTSD.

Vehophobia is an anxiety disorder that presents after an individual has been in or witnessed a traumatic event such as a car accident. These individuals may have difficulty even being near cars, becoming overwhelmed by an intense fear of getting behind the wheel. They will go out of their way to avoid driving or being in a vehicle.

Vehophobia can occur even if you were in a minor accident. It is often misunderstood to be a smaller illness than it is. People who suffer from vehophobia need medical treatment, including therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques to help them overcome their fear.

With proper treatment, it is possible to overcome this phobia.

PTSD can be caused by witnessing or experiencing a violent car accident. In fact, car accidents are the leading cause of PTSD with over 2.5 million cases every year.

PTSD is a very serious form of anxiety that can prevent a person from returning to their daily life. If you experience any of the symptoms of PTSD, contact a doctor immediately. Aggressive outbursts, avoiding locations or objects related to the crash, having recurring memories of the event, and losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed are all signs of PTSD. 

How long does anxiety last after a car accident?

Anxiety is one of the longest-lasting injuries that a victim can suffer in a car accident. It may take months to develop and can last with them for years after the event.

Although there is no clear road map to indicate how long anxiety will last, experts note that recognizing the issue and getting help are key factors in recovery.

Many individuals continue to suffer from anxiety one year after the accident. With the help of therapy, breathing exercises, and patience, you can overcome this injury.

Tips for Driving Again After an Accident

Anxiety can happen in minor and severe car accidents. To help you overcome this injury, try these six tips to help you work through your trauma.

• Seek medical assistance, including a licensed therapist who can help you work through your fears
  
  
• Write down your experiences of the accident. Creating a narrative can help you recognize the trauma you suffered and deal with your emotions. It will likely be upsetting, so do so with your therapist.
  
  
• Speak to family and friends about your anxieties to help get them out of your head. Put the narrative in perspective, focusing on how you survived and are safe. Your family and friends can help you do this.
  
  
• Don’t avoid the crash site, as this gives the anxiety power. Changing your route or slowing down near the area makes you focus on the trauma that happened in this place. If you treat it like any other intersection, you’ll be able to reduce this association.
  
  
• Start small. Don’t launch into a cross-country road trip on your first drive. Start with small drives to help you regain your confidence.
  
  
• Take a defensive driving course or hire a teacher to help you regain your confidence. Sometimes, you need to start from the basics to overcome your fears.

Call a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered anxiety after a car accident and now struggle to drive, contact our expert car accident lawyers. We will get you the money you need to pay for your recovery so you can get back to living your life.

Call us today at (561) 621-4200.