When vehicle occupants are involved in crashes with big trucks like semis, big-rigs, or tractor-trailers, you can almost guarantee that some type of injuries will be sustained. More often than not, these types of crashes are so brutal that they cause devastating injuries to those involved.
Most people focus on the physical injuries and financial setbacks after such an occurrence. However, crash survivors are often left with debilitating, long-lasting mental health issues that greatly impact their lives.
If you are ever involved in a truck crash yourself, understanding what the recovery process will look like is crucial to calculating your total damages and ensuring that you are properly compensated for the traumatic experience that you were put through.
Emotional Injuries Are Real Injuries, Too
Like physical wounds, emotional injuries require time and proper treatment in order to fully recover from—or, at least, recover from as much as possible. Each person’s experience will be different from the next, however, many truck accident victims require therapy, psychological treatment, and prescription medications in order to control their mental health symptoms and heal.
Here are a few common mental health issues that are common in those who are involved in big truck crashes:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a common mental health issue experienced after a vehicle crash of any kind; however, the sheer devastation that typically occurs in a truck accident means that these injury victims often experience symptoms at higher rates. Everyone has different symptoms, but some of the most common include:
- Having recurring flashbacks or nightmares
- Experiencing emotional numbness and having difficulty connecting
- Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind the person of the traumatic event
- Constantly on high-alert,hyper-vigilant, or paranoid
- Anger management issues
Anxiety
While many people experience some type of anxiety after a crash, moderate or severe levels can persist for weeks, months, or even years afterward. Anxiety symptoms can have a significant impact on one’s daily life and cause an individual to feel or experience:
- Constant nervousness
- Excessive worrying
- Feeling agitated
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Tense muscles
- Panic attacks
- Nausea and headaches
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
Depression
Depression is a serious issue that is also common in accident victims. Typically, it can be tied to physical injuries and pain sustained in the crash. If left untreated, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts, so it is nothing to be taken lightly. Some symptoms that should be treated immediately by visiting a psychologist include:
- Daily fatigue and lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Survivor’s guilt, especially if another person in their vehicle was killed
- Suicidal ideation
- Inability to stay asleep or wake up
- Constant irritability
- Mood swings
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
Phobias
It is quite common for crash victims to experience certain persistent fears or phobias related to driving or anything that reminds them of the truck accident. A person may, for instance, begin having a panic attack when they see a large truck on the television. They may be unable to get into a car and go to work or partake in their normal activities.
Helping You Recover the Right Way
At Politis & Matovina, we understand that your recovery after a truck accident is heavily dependent on receiving the maximum compensation you need to heal both physically and emotionally. If you’re injured in a truck crash, do not attempt to go up against the insurance company alone.
Our seasoned Daytona Beach truck accident attorneys are the hard-hitting, results-driven legal advocates you want on your side of the court. While, like other firms, we can’t guarantee results, you can absolutely trust that we will leave no stone unturned when it comes to investigating your case and fighting hard for the compensation and justice you deserve.
For experienced and committed legal advocates in your corner, contact Politis & Matovina at (386) 333-6613 today. You can also fill out our quick online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.