What are the statistics around mental health and road accidents?
Research suggests that over one fifth of road traffic accident victims suffer from an acute stress syndrome characterised by mood disturbance and horrific memories of their accident.
Anxiety and depression can last for twelve months or more after the event, and a range of mental disorders can occur.
David Adams
David Adams
“To have any claim for a psychological injury, it has to be a recognised psychiatric condition.”
What mental illnesses can occur after a road accident?
The most common include:
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Acute stress disorder
- Adjustment disorder
- Phobias
What are the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
- Re-experiencing the accident through flashbacks and bad dreams
- Feeling guilty, depressed and anxious
- Feeling detached and losing interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Finding it difficult to sleep or to control your emotions
- Feeling tense all the time
What are the symptoms of Acute stress disorder?
This is very similar to PTSD, but results in an increased emotional detachment and reduced awareness of or involvement in everyday life.
What are the symptoms of Adjustment disorder?
This disorder tends to occur when someone cannot cope with a particular difficult event, such as an accident, bereavement, or even a wedding. However, for the condition to be diagnosed, the emotional distress or behaviour shown by the sufferer must be clinically significant, beyond what would normally be expected from those who have been through a similar experience.
What phobias can occur after a road accident?
It is quite common for car accident victims to develop a fear of driving or travelling in a car. If this fear becomes extreme, to the extent that it is out of proportion to the risk involved, and interferes with the victim’s day to day life, hen it may have turned into a phobia.
Can I make a claim for PTSD after a road accident?
As part of the claims process, Thompsons can arrange for you to receive counselling and other treatments you require and recoup the cost directly from the negligent driver’s insurers. We can therefore not only secure the compensation to which you are entitled but get you the best rehabilitation as quickly as possible. Through our rehabilitation service, making a claim becomes part of the healing process.
If you have been the victim of a road traffic accident, contact Thompsons No Win No Fee specialists on 0800 0891 331 and we will advise you on your first steps to receiving the compensation you deserve.
