PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder and is a psychological condition resulting from a traumatic event you experience or witness. Therefore, it is completely possible for a motorcycle victim to suffer from PTSD. Not everyone reacts to trauma in the same way. Your friend may not be suffering from psychological issues after their accident, but that does not mean your suffering is invalid.
If you were hit by another vehicle due to the driver’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your medical injuries, property damage, lost wages, and non-economic damages. If you suspect you have PTSD, you must get properly diagnosed, go to therapy, and take medications if recommended. However, you do not need to pay for it out of pocket. Speak to a personal injury lawyer Boston, MA today.
Understanding PTSD
According to Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a mental health condition caused by any traumatic event. Some commonly seen symptoms of PTSD include:
- Recurring thoughts of the incident
- Flashbacks
- Having nightmares
- Feeling anxious
- Avoiding discussing the incident
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
If you are experiencing PTSD, these symptoms could either begin immediately after the motorcycle accident or may take a few days, weeks, or even months to show. The experience differs from person to person.
If you believe you have PTSD from a traumatic motorcycle accident, you should see a doctor and get medically diagnosed. They may be able to help you with medications, therapy, or psychotherapy.
Can you get PTSD from a motorcycle accident?
Since any traumatic incident causes PTSD, it is possible to experience the condition after a motorcycle accident. While not everyone exposed to such trauma experiences the same thing, 10% of women and 14% of men develop PTSD at least once in their lifetime.
The operator of the motorcycle or parties involved in the accident are not the only ones susceptible to developing PTSD. Anyone who may have witnessed the event, people getting injured, or someone dying in the accident has a chance of developing the same condition.
Other individuals who may develop PTSD from a motorcycle accident include:
- Passengers involved in the crash.
- Bystanders or witnesses.
- Emergency personnel who came to the site for help.
- Drivers and passengers of other vehicles who were not involved in the crash.
- Family members of the injured or deceased victims.
Seeking compensation for PTSD after a motorcycle accident
Motorcycle accidents can be scary and result in thousands of dollars worth of damage. If you or a loved one was involved in a devastating crash and is suffering from psychological issues like PTSD, you deserve compensation. An attorney can help you recover fair compensation from the at-fault party.
