Think about a pedestrian accident and you will probably imagine dangerous injuries- from concussions to bruises, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even spinal cord injuries. Though you may not consider the emotional impact of the accident, it can be far more than the physical damages. In fact, you may feel apprehensive at the sheer thought of walking on the road after a pedestrian mishap. Hence, it is important to understand the emotional implications of such accidents and also be aware of dealing with the traumatic experience effectively. As an experienced Traffic Lawyer explains, the accident can occur for any number of reasons, including DUI and distracted driving.
The far-reaching emotional impact of traumatic accidents
The impact of a traumatic event on the human mind can be immense because it can cause the levels of the stress hormone cortisol to skyrocket. As a result, the body of the victim goes into panic at that instant. And though you may recover from physical injuries in due course of time, the emotional impact may last much longer, sometimes for a lifetime. Another aspect that makes the emotional impact of traumatic accidents challenging is that these symptoms may not surface immediately. Delayed reactions and treatment can have a tremendous effect on your psychological well-being. So a check-up by a mental health counselor is recommended after a road accident.
Symptoms you should watch out for after a pedestrian accident
Physical injuries are easy to identify because a majority of them are visible. And for the ones that aren’t, they manifest in the form of pain and mobility issues. But the problem with emotional trauma is that you may not even know you are suffering. Early diagnosis is vital because it can lead to a faster resolution. Additionally, your lawyer would want to know about these damages to get a fair estimate of the rightful compensation claim. Here are some symptoms you should be vigilant about.
- Elevated levels of stress and anxiety
- Depression and sadness
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Mood swings such as anger, guilt, and frustration
- Nightmares, insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns
- Phobia related to driving and even walking on the road
- Inability to enjoy your favorite hobbies
- A feeling of withdrawal and emotional numbness
Getting your life back on track
The biggest mistake you can make is overlooking the emotional trauma after the accident. Rather, it is always better to take a proactive approach as see a mental health counselor right after the mishap. Not doing so can cause deterioration in your mental state, which can result in secondary complications such as work conflicts, relationship issues, and even the inability to live normally. At the same time, treatment by an expert has legal benefits too as you have the requisite proof to validate a compensation claim for your emotional trauma apart from the physical injuries. Remember that personal injury compensation is your legal right if you have suffered any form of damage due to someone else’s negligence.
Although dealing with the emotional impact of pedestrian accidents can be a challenge, it is still something you can do with a conscious and vigilant approach. Go the extra mile to seek timely help because it can make all the difference!
