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Post-traumatic stress disorder can be as serious as physical injuries

Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying accident, and it can have serious psychological and physical effects.

Car accidents and other incidents can result in serious injuries that take a great deal of time to heal or cause lifelong disability. However, many Oakland residents may not realize the psychological implications that are often the result of a traumatic event. A devastating collision, animal attack or other terrifying event can cause a person to suffer from stress and anxiety for months or years, whether they were involved in the incident or merely witnessed it.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common condition resulting from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 7.7 million adults throughout the country suffer from the condition. Children can also develop PTSD, and having experienced past trauma can raise a person’s chance of getting the condition.

Symptoms and long-term effects of PTSD

The Mayo Clinic states that PTSD is caused by a terrifying event, and thereafter a variety of triggers and factors can induce or exacerbate symptoms. These symptoms often include the following:

  • Severe, chronic anxiety and stress
  • Flashbacks or nightmares about the event
  • Pervasive thoughts about the incident
  • A desire to withdraw or avoid people, locations and events that can remind the person of the traumatic event

Post-traumatic stress disorder may result in unexpected long-term costs and consequences, states the National Center for Biotechnology Information. For example, a person suffering from PTSD may need several months or years of therapy to deal with the condition’s emotional effects and hopefully recover. Chronic anxiety and stress often cause physical complications, necessitating further medical care. These may include high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, unexplained pain and other physical health problems.

Oakland crash results in death, multiple injuries

The Contra Costa Times reported on a vehicle collision in Oakland in May 2015. According to authorities, three vehicles were involved in the crash. A passenger in a pickup truck was killed, while another passenger was hospitalized in critical condition. The driver’s condition was reported as stable. The second vehicle’s driver received minor injuries. The driver of a third vehicle involved in the crash fled the scene, and authorities were not sure which role he or she had in the crash.

It is reasonable to believe that a serious accident such as this one could cause PTSD to develop in any of the victims involved. Since post-traumatic stress disorder can be financially, emotionally and physically costly to a sufferer, victims may be able to seek compensation with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Keywords: PTSD, accident, injury