We know all too well the various physical injuries individuals may sustain as a result of a serious car accident. Traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and more are all atop the list of harm an accident victim may experience.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only type of damage that a car accident victim may sustain as many go through the emotional trauma associated with the crash much longer than the physical harm that can be caused. At times, it’s often more difficult to endure as well.
How does Emotional Trauma Occur After a Car Crash?
Imagine any kind of experience you may have had in your life and the way in which your brain processes those memories. They’re associated with some kind of feeling such as happiness or sadness. Similar to that, the brain operates in a certain way during moments of trauma that can associate that memory with fear and anxiety.
Many of the sounds and sights of a car accident can trigger the injured party to relive that memory, also causing them to feel some same anxiety they experienced at the time of the accident. This emotional trauma often results in the survivor being unable to drive or even get into a vehicle. They may also shut down with fear at certain sounds, such as horns blaring, loud banging or tires screeching–which may have been present at the time of the accident.
When considering legal action to pursue a negligent party in a car accident, emotional trauma is categorized as non-economic damage. There’s no set monetary value that would determine a jury’s award to a plaintiff, but pain and suffering serves as one of the most important factors for compensation.
Things You Can Do to Cope with the Trauma
Coping with emotional trauma is never easy and there are often times when nothing will seem like it is helping. However, taking certain steps can help you alleviate the effects of trauma over time. Here are a few things you can do:
- Stepping away from triggers
- Speaking with someone about your feelings
- R.A.I.N. method (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Non-identification)
- Breathing
At the end of the day, if you’ve suffered emotional and physical trauma in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our Memphis car accident attorneys are here to help you. With Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, you get lawyers ready to fight to pursue the justice you deserve.
Speak with one of our lawyers in a free consultation. Call today: (901) 526-2126.