Car accidents are a very common occurrence in Ontario.  Congestion, distracted driving and drunk driving are all contributors to collisions which can range from minor to catastrophic.  The injuries associated with these accidents also range in severity and the steps and treatments taken after an accident will often determine the speed and overall recovery from one’s injuries.

If you have been injured in a vehicle collision, you should promptly seek medical attention. Injuries like bruises and whiplash can become more serious and painful injuries.  Bone bruises can become fractures and/or become infected;  whiplash and concussion may lead to paralysis and in some cases, death.

Emotional and psychological injuries also play a major role in the overall recovery after an accident.  Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and phobias are psychological injuries from which a person may suffer following a car accident. Many trauma victims suffer from multiple psychological afflictions.  Approximately half of all individuals who experience PTSD, also experience depression, and many PTSD sufferers suffer from an anxiety disorder as well.  

“The mind is a powerful thing” rings true not only for the daily life challenges that we are able to manage but it can also dictate both the pace and type of recovery that a person will have.

In earlier times, it was believed that everyone exposed to severe trauma such as military events and natural disasters would develop severe psychological distress resulting in mental health problems.  It was also thought that these symptoms were limited only to those who experience extraordinary events of that nature.  Research has proven this to be a myth.  It is now generally known that people exposed to assault, natural disasters, military combat and car accidents can be vulnerable to lingering emotional distress.  However, extensive research has also revealed that although many people are very distressed immediately following trauma, only some develop long-term psychological injuries. Further, injuries are managed differently, according to factors such as one’s emotional response at the time of the accident, age, mental state prior to the accident, finances, support system and access to medical treatment or therapy.

Mental health problems can be short or long term, and may easily cause significant damage to relationships, home life and work performance.  A car accident affects people differently. Accident victims who experience psychological injuries like anxiety, often do not recognize or understand what they are going through.

Some characteristics of anxiety disorder are  flashbacks of the accident, panic attacks, reoccurring dreams and reliving the event, guilt, avoiding discussion of the accident or returning to the scene, and feelings of confusion and haziness.

Sometimes people may not understand the feelings that they are having and wonder whether they should seek help.  If the following circumstances are occurring, you should speak with your doctor or another health professional.

1. When you realize that your daily routine and activities are being negatively affected or it is becoming increasingly difficult to function as you normally would.

2. When your family and friends continuously express concerns about your moods and behavior.

     3.   If your physiological trauma continues past three months

It is important to be fully assessed for both physical injuries and psychological trauma after an accident.   Be honest and upfront about your emotional responses to the accident and in the days and weeks following.  Only with proper assessment of your mental health can you receive appropriate treatment, and also rightful compensation for your pain, rehabilitation costs and any losses suffered as a result of the accident.

A few tips that can help relieve the mental stress following an accident are:

·         Be patient with your healing process.  Time alone, often helps the mind to heal from the the pain and psychological trauma associated with a car accident.

·         It can be very helpful to talk to a friend or family member about what you are feeling and experiencing.  Although a seemingly simple act, sharing can be very therapeutic and can have a positive impact on your recovery.

·         Take steps to stay healthy.  During this time of mental anguish people often forget to eat well and stay active.  Taking a walk, getting adequate rest, and ensuring that you eat timely meals is important to recovery.  The physical strain of being improperly nourished and/or not sleeping can easily add to the mental stress and anxiety already being experienced.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is vital that you seek legal advice from an experienced and reputable personal injury law firm such as Burn Tucker Lachaîne.  We will provide you with the necessary information to help you make an informed decision about your potential claim and the next steps needed in pursuing compensation for your injuries.  One of our goals is to help our clients receive effective therapy and treatment by connecting them with the care facilities that will allow them to achieve the best possible recovery.

Call us today for a free assessment of your case or visit us online, so that you can be contacted promptly.  We are very accommodating to all of our clients’ needs and offer services in both English and French.

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