5 Signs of PTSD Following a Semi-Truck Accident

Some of the most catastrophic types of roadway accidents motorists encounter are those involving collisions with semi-trucks. Semi-truck accidents can result in life-altering and even life-ending events. What oftentimes is overlooked is the emotional and psychological injuries that can arise from a semi-truck accident. For example, a considerable number of victims of semi collisions end up afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. There are five signs that a person might be suffering from PTSD following a big rig wreck:

• Hyperarousal
• Re-experiencing
• Avoidance
• Negative thinking
• Emotional numbness

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Before diving into a discussion of the signs of semi-truck accident PTSD, we provide a basic explanation of post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can be caused by traumatic events, such as a semi-truck accident. While the majority of people involved in a semi accident will recover without any long-term mental health issues, some will go on to develop PTSD. The stark reality is that PTSD has the potential for becoming incredibly debilitating.

Hyperarousal

Following an accident with a big rig, those with PTSD may experience heightened levels of arousal. This can lead to feelings of restlessness and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Other common symptoms include an exaggerated startle response and feeling constantly on edge.

Re-Experiencing:

Those with PTSD may find themselves re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares. This could involve reliving the event itself or being exposed to things that trigger memories or emotions related to it.

Avoidance

It is rather common for those with PTSD to go out of their way to avoid certain places, people and activities that remind them of the trauma they experienced in their car accident. This could lead to feelings of isolation and detachment from others and daily activities that were once enjoyed.

Negative Thinking

Those with PTSD tend to have distorted thinking patterns which result in negative thoughts about themselves, other people and the world around them. This could include self-blame for what happened in the accident as well as feelings of mistrust towards those close to them who were not there during the incident.

Emotional Numbness

As part of their condition, some individuals facing PTSD may experience emotional numbness following a traumatic event such as a car or semi accident. This could lead to difficulty feeling emotions such as joy or happiness even when faced with positive opportunities or experiences in life afterwards due to its effects on cognition and behavior.

Legal Rights Following a Semi-Truck Accident

In addition to seeking medical attention for any injuries sustained as the result of a semi-truck accident, it is also crucial to consult with an experienced, skilled attorney if the collision was the result of someone else’s negligence. You can reach a dedicated Doan Law Firm semi-truck accident lawyer by calling us at (800) 349-0000. We keep our semi-truck accident lawyer telephone line staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, including all major holidays.

A nationwide law practice, we can schedule an initial consultation with a semi-truck accident lawyer at any one of our 40 offices located across the United States, We can also arrange for a case evaluation with a semi-truck accident attorney online as well. There is never a charge for an initial consultation with a Doan Law Firm semi-truck accident lawyer.

Doan Law Firm Attorney Fee Guarantee

The Dian Law Firm makes an attorney fee guarantee. Our firm will never charge a an attorney fee unless we win your case for you. Our semi-truck accident lawyer team is committed to fighting tirelessly to obtain justice, accountability, and the compensation you deserve in your case.