Can You Suffer PTSD from a Car Accident?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that occurs after witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event. Being involved in a car accident can definitely cause PTSD, especially depending upon the severity of the accident.

PTSD symptoms are grouped into three categories:

Re-experiencing: triggering reminders of the accident

• Frightening thoughts
• Bad dreams
• Flashbacks

Avoidance: a change in routine, including no longer driving, as a result of the accident

• Trouble remembering aspects of the accident/event
• Losing interest in activities and an overall feeling of depression
• Staying away from places, events, or objects that remind one of the accident

Hyper-arousal – these symptoms are usually constant as opposed to being triggered. Similar to hyper-vigilance

• Constant feeling of being ‘on-edge’
• Easily startled
• Difficulty sleeping
• Angry outbursts

In some people, these event last for a short period of time and are referred to Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). In others, symptoms do not present for several weeks, but evolve and escalate into long-term PTSD. For accident victims and survivors, the sounds of tires screeching or breaking glass can send them into a tailspin when PTSD is present. Though it does not occur in everyone, it does happen and should be treated by a professional.