How Do Car Accidents Contribute to Long-Term PTSD?

Motor vehicle collisions last for a few seconds, but post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can last for many years afterwards.  Car accidents are the leading cause of PTSD among civilians, affecting up to nine percent of crash survivors. The psychological damage from these traumatic events often proves more debilitating than physical injuries.

What Is PTSD, and How Does It Develop After a Car Accident?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. When a crash occurs, the brain enters survival mode, flooding the body with stress hormones while encoding intense fear memories. In a normal stress response, these feelings fade within weeks; with PTSD, the brain remains locked in fight-or-flight mode long after the danger passes.

What Are the Most Common PTSD Symptoms Following a Collision?

Repeated, disturbing memories and vivid flashbacks are some of the most frequent symptoms, creating the sensation of reliving the crash. Additionally, intense anxiety surfaces when approaching the accident location or getting into any vehicle. Physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling accompany these triggers. Many survivors become irritable, snap at loved ones, or struggle to concentrate at work. An exaggerated startle response to honking horns or sudden brake lights develops; some withdraw from social activities and experience emotional numbness.

Why Do Some People Develop PTSD While Others Do Not?

Crash severity plays a significant role, but it does not tell the whole story: Women develop PTSD at rates six times higher than men following car accidents, and people with prior trauma or existing mental health conditions face elevated risk. Lack of strong social support after the crash also increases vulnerability. Those who felt helpless during the collision or who witnessed death are more likely to develop the disorder. One’s emotional state during the crash, including feelings of guilt or horror, can influence whether PTSD takes hold.

How Long Does PTSD Last After a Motor Vehicle Crash in Temecula?

Duration varies dramatically among individuals. Some people recover within three to six months with proper treatment, whereas others battle symptoms for years. Acute stress disorder may appear within days and last up to one month. When distress persists beyond four weeks, the diagnosis typically shifts to PTSD. Research shows that without intervention, the condition can become chronic and last indefinitely. Studies indicate that PTSD lasting beyond one year rarely resolves on its own, but early treatment through therapy significantly improves outcomes and accelerates healing.

Can Physical Injuries Worsen PTSD Development?

Research confirms a strong connection between injury severity and PTSD rates. Chronic pain serves as a constant reminder of the crash, reinforcing traumatic memories each day, while mobility restrictions prevent survivors from resuming normal routines. This combination creates isolation and frustration that compound the psychological toll. Surgical procedures and medical treatments can retraumatize individuals, and visible scars function as triggers during daily activities. Physical suffering amplifies psychological distress, while mental anguish intensifies pain perception, creating a vicious cycle that makes recovery more difficult.

Is Long-Term PTSD a Legitimate Claim for Compensation?

Absolutely. Long-term PTSD qualifies as a compensable injury in car accident claims when properly documented by mental health professionals. California law recognizes psychological injuries as legitimate damages, allowing survivors to recover compensation for therapy costs, lost wages due to inability to work, medication expenses, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies often challenge these claims, arguing that emotional distress is subjective or exaggerated. However, when medical records establish a clear diagnosis and demonstrate how PTSD directly resulted from the collision, courts consistently award damages for this debilitating condition.

Temecula Car Accident Lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel Pursue Compensation for PTSD

If you or a loved one is facing long-term PTSD from a motor vehicle crash, compensation may be available. To learn more, contact our Temecula car accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel. Call 909-889-1131 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Ontario and Victorville, California, and serve clients in the surrounding areas.