http://edsonlegal.com/ | MVAs have a lasting impact on the survivors, regardless of how minor or major the accident. At the most extreme end of the spectrum, a person can experience PTSD. All areas of life can be impacted from an MVA, including fear when driving, nightmares, flashbacks, and lasting chronic pain. It is critical to seek the appropriate care after such events and not neglect the real potential for lasting impact.

1. POST-TRAUMATIC
STRESS DISORDER
CAUSED BY AUTO
ACCIDENTS

2. WHAT IS POST-TRAUMATIC
STRESS DISORDER?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can come about
after a traumatic event that threatens your safety and
makes you feel helpless. It’s normal to feel frightened
or anxious after distressing experiences, but if the
feelings don’t eventually fade away, it’s possible you’re
suffering from PTSD. When an experience feels
particularly unpredictable and uncontrollable, the
disorder is more likely to occur. A motor vehicle
accident is a perfect example of this.

3. MVA RESEARCH
Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs)
are currently being researched as
a potential cause of PTSD. A MVA
can also cause emotional distress,
depression, and anxiety. Variables
exist that have predictive value
when determining who might
experience PTSD after an MVA.
The research on this topic allows
clinicians to identify individuals at
risk for long-term mental health
problems after an accident.

4. MVA PTSD VARIABLES
Three sets of variables identify at-risk
individuals:
• Pre-accident variables: Poor ability to cope
with traumatic events, pre-accident mental
health problems, and poor social support
• Accident-related variables: Amount of
physical injury and fear of dying, potential
life-threat, and loss of significant others
• Post-accident variables: Rate of physical
recovery from injury, the level of social
support from friends and family, and the level
of active reengagement in both work and
social activities

5. PTSD SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
PTSD symptoms can arise suddenly and occur
unpredictably. Everyone experiences PTSD differently,
but there are three main types of symptoms:
Re-experiencing the traumatic event
Avoiding reminders of the trauma
Increased anxiety and emotional arousal

6. RE-EXPERIENCING THE
TRAUMATIC EVENT
• Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Feelings of intense distress when reminded of the trauma
• Intense physical reactions to reminders of the event

7. AVOIDING REMINDERS
OF THE TRAUMA
• Inability to remember important aspects
of the trauma
• Avoidance of anything having to do with
the trauma (driving, being in a car, etc.)
• Loss of interest in activities and life in
general
• Feeling detached and emotionally numb
• Sense of a limited future

8. INCREASED ANXIETY AND
EMOTIONAL AROUSAL
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Irritability or outbursts of anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hypervigilance
• Feeling jumpy and easily startled

9. MVA-RELATED PTSD TREATMENTS
MVA-related PTSD is unique due to the increased likelihood of being injured
or developing a chronic pain condition following the trauma. Due to this,
people who have been injured don’t consider psychological treatment.
When psychological treatment isn’t sought, PTSD symptoms linger. Options
to recover include behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and medication.

10. COMPENSATION
FOR PTSD
PTSD claims in connection with car
accidents are not common, but they
are not unheard of. It falls under
“damages,” which determines the
value of a car accident injury claim.
The challenge is proving your claim
and showing that you are receiving
ongoing therapy to treat the PTSD.

11. CONTACT US
Barry Edson has successfully represented the General Toronto Area for over 30
years. Trusted by local clients, he has acted as counsel on thousands of
personal injury, fatal accident, and disability claims. In the course of recovering
millions of dollars in settlements, judgments, and disability payments for his
clients, he has also established many important legal precedents.
Your initial consultation with Edson Legal is always free and there is no
pressure of further obligation.
Website: http://edsonlegal.com/
Phone: 1-855-702-3119