Nebraska residents who have been involved in a traffic accident may feel a number of emotions in the days following an accident. Overwhelming feelings of shock, disbelief and guilt are not uncommon, and it can be difficult to cope with these experiences while continuing with day-to-day activities. Typically, the emotions eventually dissipate; however, some individuals continue to suffer from these feelings over a long period.
When this occurs, it may be evidence of post-traumatic stress. Symptoms of the disorder manifest in different ways. For example, some victims might experience a general sense of wariness and may seem irritable or overly angry. Other individuals may have problems riding in or driving vehicles while others could suffer nightmares and experience trouble sleeping.
If individuals are suffering from some of the issues discussed above, it may be possible to cope with the symptoms by following a number of steps. One source suggests that maintaining a daily routine might help an accident victim handle the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, maintaining an active lifestyle and exercising regularly could help with the coping process. It might also be beneficial to discuss the feelings with family, friends or a professional counselor.
PTSD is a serious disorder that could dramatically affect a person’s ability to complete daily tasks, and treatment options might represent a large financial burden on a victim and his or her family. However, if the accident that led to the condition may have been caused by the negligence of another driver, it may be possible for a victim to pursue compensation for damages through civil court. Lawyers who practice in personal injury cases could help those victims file suit after reviewing the relevant evidence in the case.
Source: FamilyDoctor.org, “Post-traumatic Stress After a Traffic Accident“, January 05, 2015