Trucking accidents can have deep psychological effects on the human mind. In addition to the physical wounds, victims are usually left with long-term mental and emotional health conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), extreme anxiety, phobia, and depression.
How a Traumatic Event Affects the Brain
The psychological impact of truck accidents can be short-lived for some people, but for others, it can cause significant interruptions that persist for months, especially if the victims have scars that serve as constant reminders of the event.
The human mind is a complicated network of neurons, hormones, and chemical connections. All the elements work smoothly until there’s a disturbance. A traumatic event such as a trucking accident can result in the overproduction of cortisol, the stress hormone. When this happens, the body goes into a heightened state of panic. This can panic can stay with the victim long after the crash is over.
Symptoms Associated with Psychological Trauma
Psychological trauma involves all the emotional and psychological suffering that comes with a truck accident. Common signs of psychological injuries include:
- Truck accidents flashbacks and hallucination
- Trouble sleeping
- Nightmares about the accident
- Constant worry
- Confusion and trouble concentrating
- Rage and extreme lethargy
Injury victims may also feel angry, anxious, fearful, or irritable. They may have bouts of depression, loss of control, or loss of interest. It’s also possible for trucking accident victims to start misusing prescription drugs, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, or abusing controlled substances.
Day-to-Day Life
Many truck accident victims have trouble sleeping or extracting enjoyment from everyday activities because they have flashbacks or nightmares related to the traumatic event. Also, many people develop debilitating phobias that are related to driving or riding in a car. This can make it difficult to commute to work or even make a trip to the grocery store.
Personal Life
Many injury victims tend to withdraw from social interactions and human contact, especially with people who may be associated with the truck accident. Their personal relations can suffer due to panic attacks and changes in their attitude. This can result in the loss of friendships, breakups, and even divorce.
Professional Life
Truck accident victims can have difficulty concentrating at work because of worry, flashbacks, and hallucinations. They may not perform well at work because it can be difficult for them to let go of their worries and fears.
A truck accident victim with psychological injuries could be eligible for compensation. Chicago law allows personal injury victims to be compensated for non-economic damages during a truck accident lawsuit.