Many individuals involved in truck accidents in Indianapolis experience negative effects on their mental health after the collision, even if they avoided physical injuries. The experience of a truck accident alone can cause psychological trauma.
Our team understands the lasting repercussions of collisions with large vehicles like 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and big rigs. You can reach out to us if you want to learn more about building a claim after an accident.
Reasons for Psychological Trauma After Truck Accidents
Doctors cannot provide an exact mechanism for the development of psychological trauma after truck accidents in Indianapolis. We see similar effects in many other traumatic situations, however.
The human mind contains a complex network formed by chemical connections, neurons, and hormones. Most of the time, this network stays in balance. However, traumatic circumstances—like a truck accident—can cause the body to overproduce cortisol.
Cortisol is a stress hormone that increases feelings of panic and distress. In many cases, the body processes this hormone out in a few hours. However, for some people, the circumstances around the accident leave lasting impressions and have a continued effect on their mental health.
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What Are the Psychological Effects of a Truck Accident?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), serious motor vehicle accidents can have several lasting psychological consequences. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represents one of the most common psychological results.
Around 25-33% of people experience PTSD after a major motor vehicle accident, according to numerous studies conducted on the subject. Patients who experience PTSD after collisions often report the following symptoms:
- Intrusive thoughts regarding the collision
- Distressing dreams about the accident
- Reluctance to drive again
- Absence or reduction of emotions
- Feelings of detachment
- Heightened irritability
- An increased startle response
- Disturbed sleep
In addition to experiencing PTSD, some individuals develop different forms of psychological upset following a truck accident. Patients frequently experience:
- Depressive episodes
- Development of an anxiety disorder
- Issues with a substance use disorder
The psychological issues above could cause major changes to your life after an accident involving a large truck in Indianapolis.
Factors That Increase the Prevalence of Stress Disorders After an Accident
Not everyone involved in a truck accident in Indianapolis develops psychological trauma. It can be difficult to predict how anyone will react in the aftermath of a collision. However, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) reports that patients may be more likely to develop a stress disorder if:
- They were in a severe accident instead of a minor collision.
- They experienced a life-threatening event.
- They have a history of previous experiences involving trauma.
- They are already dealing with a psychiatric disorder.
In some cases, ongoing litigation involving the accident can increase the odds of facing a stress disorder, as well. However, there is no definitive way to predict who will develop PTSD or other psychological side effects after a collision.
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How to Address Psychological Trauma After a Truck Accident
Major injuries and property damage are often the more noticeable results of truck accidents in Indianapolis. However, this doesn’t mean that the potential psychological trauma associated with the collision does not matter.
In fact, many individuals receive compensation for non-economic damages after a collision involving a large vehicle. These damages address the psychological toll of being struck by another vehicle and dealing with the consequences.
Generally, you receive non-economic damages to address pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the development of mental disorders, such as PTSD or anxiety. However, in some cases, you may receive economic damages for this form of suffering, especially if you require counseling, mental health care treatment, or medication to handle the effects of PTSD and other disorders.
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Securing Compensation for Your Losses Following a Truck Accident
You have legal options if you experienced psychological trauma following a truck accident in Indianapolis. Reaching out to a truck accident attorney can allow you to review the steps to take to secure compensation for your losses.
While we will fight for compensation for your pain and suffering, we can also file a claim to secure damages to cover things like your:
- Current and future medical care
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Time lost at work during your recovery
Depending upon your situation, you may choose to settle with the insurance company representing the truck driver or pursue your case in court. You can find out more by reaching out to a legal professional.
Speak to Us About Your Truck Accident in Indianapolis
Truck accidents can cause psychological trauma in Indianapolis. You can find out more about how these accidents impact your mental health with our team at Sevenish Law Firm. Reach out to us for help by calling today.
The initial consultation is free, and you owe us nothing unless and until we recover compensation for your psychological trauma and losses. You face no risk when you work with our team.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
