• About
    • Our Attorneys
    • Verdicts and Settlements
    • Community
      • Sponsorship Request
      • Partnerships
      • Project Backpack
    • Testimonials
    • Scholarships
      • Cancer Scholarship
    • Careers
    • Our Core Values
  • Practice Areas
    • Car Accident
    • Truck Accident
    • Motorcycle Accident
    • Product Liability
    • Mesothelioma
    • Workers Compensation
    • Dog Bite
    • Slip and Fall
    • Wrongful Death
    • Maritime Injury
    • Pedestrian Accident
    • Dangerous Drugs
    • Defective Devices
    • Mass Torts
    • Premises Liability
    • View All Practice Areas
  • Areas we Serve
    • Lafayette
    • Alexandria
    • New Iberia
    • Marksville
    • New Orleans
    • Monroe
    • Arnaudville
    • Baton Rouge
    • Breaux Bridge
    • Broussard
    • Cankton
    • Carencro
    • Cecilia
    • Duson
    • Cade Coteau
    • Grand Coteau
    • Lake Charles
    • Opelousas
    • View All Areas We Serve
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • FAQs
    • Videos
    • For Referring Attorneys
  • Hurricanes
  • Contact Us
Available 24/7 • 365 Days (337) 777-7777 Hablamos Español
(337) 777-7777 Hablamos Español
No Win - No Fee AVAILABLE 24/7

5 Possible Treatments for PTSD After a Car Wreck

Put 350 Years of Experience in Your Corner GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
Louisiana Proud
Attorney David Laborde | Attorney Digger Earles
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Car Accident
  4. 5 Possible Treatments for PTSD After a Car Wreck
On This Page
  1. Common Symptoms and Effective Treatments for PTSD
  2. Treating PTSD in Traffic Accident Survivors
  3. Paying for Your Treatment and Care After a PTSD Diagnosis
  4. Speak with a Laborde Early Injury Lawyers Team Member for Free 
Contact Us Today

Get The Help
You Need

I NEED HELP NOW

Your personal injury lawyer can help you calculate your recoverable damages, which may include:

  • Medical Bills
  • Income Loss
  • Property Damage
  • Pain & Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Lasting Disfigurement

Posted on: August 18, 2021

5 Possible Treatments for PTSD After a Car Wreck

Car accidents are often associated with brain injuries, broken bones, and paralysis, but the emotional trauma of a serious collision can be just as arduous as the physical wounds. Motor vehicle wrecks are a leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the United States. In fact, according to the American Family Physician, nearly 9 percent of people involved in car wrecks develop symptoms of PTSD.

PTSD can be serious and cause extreme emotional distress for some people, preventing them from engaging in activities they enjoy. It could also be disabling, keeping them out of work under some circumstances. 

Common Symptoms and Effective Treatments for PTSD

Each case of PTSD is unique, and the symptoms can vary significantly from one accident victim to the next. The effects of PTSD can be both psychological and physical.

It is common for people with PTSD to relive the traumatic event through flashbacks and nightmares. Some people try to avoid experiences and people that remind them of the traumatic event. Depression and anxiety are also common symptoms of PTSD.

Sometimes, accident victims may feel agitated, irritable, or have general anxiety but not realize these are symptoms of PTSD. Other possible signs include:

  • Hypervigilance
  • Self-destructive behavior
  • Social isolation and loneliness
  • Fear and mistrust
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities
  • Insomnia or nightmares

Treating PTSD in Traffic Accident Survivors

According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment for PTSD usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Depending on the individual’s symptoms and other details of their history and condition, the therapist is likely to select one or several of these five options and build a treatment plan that is unique to that person. 

  • Exposure therapy. Exposure therapy can help people with PTSD overcome irrational fears by allowing them to confront the cause of their disorder in a controlled setting.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is intended to help patients change unreasonable or harmful ways of thinking after experiencing a traumatic event.
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). This therapy is a specialized treatment that uses eye movements to help patients process trauma and alter how their brain reacts to the memories of the trauma.
  • Anti-anxiety medications. Anti-anxiety medications can reduce the stress that often comes with PTSD; however, these are not ideal for long-term use because there is a high potential for addiction.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil), are antidepressants that can reduce anxiety and depression.

In some cases, patients may also receive prescriptions to help them sleep. Insomnia and nightmares are very common among accident survivors, even those without a PTSD diagnosis. 

If you believe you have PTSD symptoms or are experiencing other emotional distress after your car accident in Louisiana, you should speak with a mental health practitioner as soon as possible. Be sure to tell them about your collision and how it affects your everyday life.

Paying for Your Treatment and Care After a PTSD Diagnosis

Although treatments for PTSD have come a long way over recent years, they can cost a veritable fortune. This treatment also stretches out for weeks or months in most cases. Additional office visits and sessions mean more doctor’s bills. Still, you may be able to avoid footing this bill if you can show your diagnosis stems from the crash. 

If your accident occurred because of a negligent driver, they may be legally responsible for your medical care and related expenses. You may be able to file a personal injury claim or civil lawsuit to recover compensation to pay your therapist. However, proving that you have PTSD and need treatment will require extensive evidence. This is where our injury attorney can help.

Our lawyer could gather evidence in your case that includes:

  • The police accident report
  • Eyewitness accounts of the accident
  • Photos/video of the accident
  • Accident reconstruction
  • Your relevant medical records
  • Expert medical opinions
  • Bills, receipts, and other documentation of your damages

In general, proving a mental health condition such as PTSD is more difficult than recovering money for physical injuries. However, it is not impossible. We can talk with you more about your accident and injuries today for a free consultation. We can explain your rights and how we would approach your case.

You may want to pursue your claim or lawsuit promptly as soon as you know you want to take action after your accident. You generally only have one year to begin a civil lawsuit under CC Art. 3492. 

Speak with a Laborde Early Injury Lawyers Team Member for Free 

Our lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury lawyers in Louisiana may be able to help you gather evidence to prove your damages in your car accident, including the money you spent for PTSD treatment. In addition to your medical care costs, recoverable compensation may include lost income and non-economic damages.

If you or someone you love has post-traumatic stress disorder after a collision with a negligent driver, call us today at (337) 777-7777 to discuss your case for free. We have helped our clients recover more than $200 million in cash settlements and verdicts. 

Personal Injury Blog Posts:

2024 Atlantic Hurricane Names – Active Season Predicted

As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, forecasters are predicting another active few months for tropical storm development. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is...

Severe Storms Hit Central and Southern Louisiana on May 13, 2024, Causing Damage and Power Outages

Severe Storms Hit Central and Southern Louisiana on May 13, 2024, Causing Damage and Power Outages

Severe Weather Impact on Central and Southern Louisiana On May 13, 2024, Central and Southern Louisiana, including Rapides, Avoyelles, and Lafayette Parishes, were struck by severe thunderstorms....

Driving Without a License Versus Driving With No License

Driving Without a License Versus Driving With No License

There is a difference between driving without a license physically on you versus driving without having a valid license. Driving without a license physically in your possession can result in a...

Why We Are

The Best Choice For You

Over 1,000+ 5-Star Google Reviews Across Our Locations
Over $1 Billion Recovered For Our Clients
An Award-Winning Team in Your Corner
You Get the Full Team on Your Case, Including David & Digger
Communication with You is a Top Priority
We Give Back to Our Communities

No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

Available 24 hours a day • 7 days a week
GET YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION
Personal Injury FAQ:
Fertilizer Plant Accidents and Injuries Fertilizer Plant Accidents and Injuries

Fertilizer plans pose a high risk of accidents and injuries. The ingredients used to make some types of fertilizers are caustic and could cause burns and respiratory injuries with exposure. Some,

How Much does It Cost to Have a Lawyer Evaluate my Case? How Much does It Cost to Have a Lawyer Evaluate my Case?

At our firm, it costs you nothing to have one of our team members evaluate your case. This evaluation is carried out by an intake specialist, who will then refer you to a lawyer from our team if your

What Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Settlement? What Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Settlement?

If you've been negotiating a settlement offer after a car accident, slip and fall, or other personal injury case, it's important to make an educated decision before signing. Dealing with insurance

Contact Us Form
CONTACT US TODAY NO WIN, NO FEE GUARANTEE
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Untitled
Untitled

Categories
  • Awards
  • Car Accidents
  • Company News
  • Hurricane Damage
  • Natural Disaster
  • Personal Injury
  • Scholarship

 

Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Jones Act Coverage? What Is Jones Act Coverage?
How Much Is the Average Premises Liability Settlement in Louisiana? How Much Is the Average Premises Liability Settlement in Louisiana?
How to Get a Car Accident Report in Lake Charles How to Get a Car Accident Report in Lake Charles
Find Yourself a Passionate Lawyer Now!
  • Sherburne Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Kenner Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Jefferson Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Arnaudville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Iota Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Slidell Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Maxie Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Brownsville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Chataignier Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Andrew Personal Injury Lawyer
How can we help you

How We Can Help You

Let our injury attorneys help you maximize the compensation you deserve to turn your life back around.


Contact us today if you want to tell us about your accident. We have someone available to discuss your situation at all times of the day.

Contact Us

(337) 777-7777

FREE Case Evaluation

No Win - No Fee
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Email Opt In
SMS Opt in

Contact Us

(337) 777-7777

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Lafayette
1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd,
Lafayette, LA 70508

Phone : (337) 777-7777

Alexandria
100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

Phone : (318) 777-7777

Marksville
306 North Washington Street, Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

Phone : (318) 310-8922

New Iberia
230 W. Main Street,
New Iberia, LA 70560

Phone : (337)-547-2777

Lake Charles
530 E College St,
Lake Charles, LA 70605

Phone : (337) 612-6909

New Orleans
821 Baronne St, Suite D,
New Orleans, LA 70113

Phone : (504) 777-7777

Baton Rouge
660 St Ferdinand St,
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Phone : (225) 777-7777

Practice Areas

  • Bicycle Accident
  • Car Accident
  • Dangerous Drugs
  • Dog Bite
  • Maritime Injury
  • Mass Torts
  • Motorcycle Accident
  • Pedestrian Accident
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Toxic Torts
  • Truck Accident
  • Slip and Fall
  • Wrongful Death

About Links

  • Our Attorneys
  • Verdicts and Settlements
  • Community
  • Testimonials
  • Scholarships

Leave a Review

  • LAFAYETTE
  • ALEXANDRIA
  • MARKSVILLE
  • NEW ORLEANS
  • NEW IBERIA
  • LAKE CHARLES
  • BATON ROUGE

Copyright © Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers 2025.
All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer / Privacy Policy / Sitemap

Hennessey-Digital-Badge