When a motorcycle accident occurs, most people think about various types of visible traumatic injuries, including broken and dislocated bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more. However, it is not uncommon for motorcycle crash victims to sustain various types of emotional and psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, we want to discuss the symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder after a motorcycle crash, as well as whether or not individuals can recover compensation for these types of injuries.
PTSD should not be something that is taboo to talk about. It happens, and it can happen to anybody who goes through or witnesses a traumatic incident. There are various types of symptoms that a person can develop if they begin to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and these symptoms can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
There are various types of incidents that can lead to a person sustaining PTSD. In general, we find that a person will experience PTSD after going through a traumatic incident. However, there are other risk factors that could increase the chances that a person will develop PTSD after a traumatic event. This includes inherited mental health risks, including a family history of depression and anxiety. This can also include inherited features in a person’s temperament and the way a person’s brain regulates chemicals and hormone releases.
Some of the most common causes of PTSD include vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, physical assaults, domestic violence, gunshot incidents, etc.
Motorcycle accidents often result in motorcyclists sustaining extensive injuries. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to sustaining major injuries than those inside traditional passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists are very vulnerable on the roadway, and they do not have added protections like seatbelts, airbags, or extensive metal frames to protect them.
Data available from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicates that more than 39% of all motor vehicle accident victims develop symptoms of PTSD. This data does not go into specific types of vehicle accidents, but we can certainly extrapolate that motorcycle crash victims have a high percentage of suffering PTSD due to a motorcyclist’s increased exposure.
It is crucial for any person who has been involved in a motorcycle accident to watch out for signs and symptoms that could indicate PTSD. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
There or various symptoms that a person may experience after a traumatic incident that are part of the body’s natural response to trauma. A few signs and symptoms of PTSD do not necessarily mean a person actually has PTSD. However, it is crucial for anyone who notices these symptoms worsening over time to seek treatment from a mental health professional.
Individuals who sustain PTSD after a motorcycle accident caused by someone else may be able to recover compensation for their losses. This could include complete coverage of medical bills, compensation for additional psychological therapy, lost wage recovery, as well as pain and suffering damages associated with PTSD.
