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HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL
(877) 880-4090When most people think of a motorcycle accident, they probably think of the physical injuries it can cause. However, a motorcycle crash can also cause mental injuries. If you have PTSD after a motorcycle crash, it is a good idea to seek treatment.
The acronym PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a psychiatric disorder that can happen in people who have experienced a traumatic event or have been threatened with severe injury or death.
You may have heard of PTSD by different names, such as shell shock or delayed-stress disorder. They describe the same condition. People with PTSD can have a range of symptoms.
Certain situations, words, thoughts or feelings can trigger recurring symptoms in people, such as:
Unlike flashbacks or bad dreams, reactivity symptoms are ongoing. They include:
PTSD can make people want to avoid certain situations that remind them of the triggering event. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you may be afraid to get back on a bike, or you may avoid driving near the accident scene. You may also try to avoid thinking or talking about the crash.
PTSD can change the way you think or feel. You may lose interest in activities that you used to enjoy. You may feel negative about yourself or the world around you. You can also have trouble recalling certain details about the accident.
PTSD can start within three months of a traumatic event, although in some cases, it begins years later. A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose PTSD. An official PTSD diagnosis occurs when symptoms interfere with your job or relationships. It also includes experiencing the following for more than a month:
PTSD can last for months or years. It can also become a chronic condition.
Fortunately, treatment is available for post-traumatic stress disorder. You can get help from a mental health professional experienced in helping people with PTSD.
Psychotherapy is another word for talk therapy. A licensed professional meets with you regularly to discuss your symptoms and teach you how to manage them. You can meet with a therapist in a group of others who have PTSD, or you can have one-on-one treatment. Usually, therapy lasts six to 12 weeks, but everyone is different. You may need more or fewer sessions.
A doctor can prescribe medications to help you manage your PTSD symptoms. Antidepressants can help treat anger, sadness, worry and similar feelings. If you have trouble sleeping, your medical professional may prescribe medicine to help.
Many PTSD patients use a combination of talk therapy and medication. Your doctor can work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your situation.
Motorcycle riders experience the freedom that comes with riding on the open road. It is why they enjoy motorcycle riding. However, a bike can be dangerous. In 2020, almost 5,600 motorcyclists were killed in accidents.
As a rider, you are on a two-wheeled vehicle that you balance. It is easier to tip than a car. You do not have the protection that a passenger vehicle offers — there are no walls or airbags to cushion you during a wreck. Motorcycles are often harder to see than cars because they are smaller. If someone hits you or you experience a road hazard, you are more vulnerable to injury.
A motorcycle crash can be very traumatic. You can develop PTSD after any accident, whether major or minor. The accident’s severity doesn’t matter — how it affects you is what counts.
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of PTSD among the non-military population. What does that mean for you? If you are experiencing PTSD after your motorcycle accident, you are not alone.
It is a good idea to seek medical treatment after an accident. Even if you feel well, you can have injuries that don’t present symptoms right away, such as a concussion or soft-tissue injuries. Doctors can determine if you sustained injuries in the crash. They can also advise you on symptoms to watch for later.
Seeking medical treatment right away after an accident can protect you down the road. If you don’t see a doctor and develop symptoms later, the insurance companies can argue that your injury isn’t related to the accident.
Remember that PTSD can develop months or years after a traumatic event. It doesn’t always show up right away like other injuries. Even if you think it’s been a long time or you should be “over it” by now, you may need PTSD treatment.
If another party is found negligent in your motorcycle crash, they may be held liable for your accident-related damages. This includes treatment if a doctor diagnoses you with PTSD as a result of the accident.
The insurance company may want you to settle too soon after your accident. They may even offer you money to sign a release waiving some of your legal rights. If you sign the insurance company’s release, you may be unable to pursue legal action against the insurer and other parties.
You may be tempted to settle immediately following your motorcycle accident. Getting the insurance company off your back and quickly cashing a check can seem very appealing. However, a fast settlement might not be as much as you deserve.
The time after a motorcycle accident can be very stressful. You suddenly have a lot to contend with — damage to your bike, medical bills, time away from work, and insurance claims.
A motorcycle accident attorney can help you during the aftermath of your crash. Your legal team can handle the details of your case for you. Some of the tasks your motorcycle accident attorney can take care of include:
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a real possibility after a motorcycle accident. However, it’s a little different — you can’t see PTSD in the same way you can look at a wrecked bike or a broken leg. It may show up much later than your other injuries.
PTSD can affect your ability to work and live a normal life following a motorcycle accident. The legal representatives at Fielding Law can assist you with your claim. We can help you recuperate the losses you experience from PTSD and other pain and suffering. Call our office today or fill out our online form to see how we can help you.