Is It Normal to Have Anxiety After a Car Accident?

Yes. Car accidents are typically unexpected events that come with little or no warning. When something bad happens without warning, it creates much stress than it otherwise would, because it breaks your sense of peace or safety, or even your sense of control over your life. The result is that many car accident victims will end up continuing to feel anxious long after the accident is over. Many describe it as feeling as though “something else could happen at any moment,” even if they know that’s not likely.

Even though anxiety is common after a car accident, that doesn’t mean you have to face it alone—and it definitely doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. In fact, there are ways to handle anxiety and decrease it over time, helping you get back to a normal life. And in many cases, your anxiety could be covered by a car accident claim.

Most Common Forms of Anxiety After a Car Accident

Although anxiety can take many forms, some of the most common after an accident include:

• Fear of driving. This is normal since your accident happened in a vehicle, and getting behind the wheel again can make you feel vulnerable.
• PTSD. While most car accident victims don’t develop PTSD, some will. PTSD involves a variety of physical and cognitive symptoms that affect your behavior, your mood and your ability to deal with stress. Treatment can help.
• General anxiety, which can take the form of crying, insomnia, mood swings, and nervousness or anxiousness in day to day life—among many other possible forms.

How can I get over my anxiety?

Depending on the type of anxiety you’re dealing with, there are several approaches that can work:

• Go to therapy. Often, even just a few sessions of therapy make a huge different in addressing anxiety after an accident.
• Drive in a way that feels safest. If you’re able to get behind the wheel at all, go for short drives around your neighborhood at non-busy hours. Avoid taking the same route that you took the day of the accident, at least at first. Re-acclimate yourself to the sense of driving. (Or, if you’re not ready to drive yet, ask a friend to take you for a drive—but choose someone whom you trust and generally think of as a safe driver.)
• Self care. Remember that self-care and a positive lifestyle reduce stress and anxiety, and help you feel safe. Be gentle and forgiving with yourself. If you can, take time for yourself: meditate, or take a day off, and use gentle exercise and a healthy diet to help you feel more at peace. Getting enough sleep can also make a world of difference.

We Can Help You Get the Money You Need for Treatment

Many car accident victims make the mistake of thinking that anxiety isn’t covered by their insurance claim. And insurers will try to add as little money as possible for anxiety and personal suffering unless they are forced to do otherwise. Don’t get less than you deserve. Let us help you. Our experienced attorneys will give you a FREE consultation. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.