The United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports approximately 8.7 million registered motorcycles in the U.S. as of 2018. It is a fun hobby that unfortunately is extremely dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2018 experienced close to 5,000 fatalities. Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys are experienced in handling cases related to motorcycle injuries. You must have legal support to take care of the complexities of your case.

The lucky survivors of these crashes often deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The condition can be debilitating to their daily activities and can create many difficulties in their life. Finding the best motorcycle accident attorney is one of the first steps to take if you have suffered a motorcycle injury.

What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological condition that can present in people who have experienced traumatic events. These events are full of fear, shock, anger, and panic. A personal injury lawyer Los Angeles will be able to refer you to health professionals that have seen these types of cases.

The affected person experiences the same “fight or flight” reaction even though there is no present danger. It is normal to feel fear and panic when a traumatic event happens, but it is not normal to be in a state of heightened stress or fear, anxiety, and/or depression when nothing dangerous is happening.

Motorcycle riders who have been in a crash can experience PTSD and other psychological conditions.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?
People who experience a crash may suffer a combination of symptoms for a short period after. However, people with PTSD present symptoms far beyond the normal timeframe.
These symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Flashbacks, nightmares, or obsession about the accident.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Uncontrolled anger, irritability, aggressive actions.
  • On edge and startled without justification.
  • Destructive habits to block bad memories about the accident.
  • Distant from friends and family.
  • Unable to cope being near the accident site or engaging in an activity that reminds them about the crash.

Treating PTSD is necessary to regain a healthy life. People who ignore the symptoms and cope negatively on their own can face years of misery. The quality of lives of victims of crashes can greatly be affected by PTSD. It can be debilitating enough to cause loss of family and friends, income, and it greatly comprises one’s health. A personal injury lawyer Los Angeles will help you receive the monetary compensation you need to get your life back in order.

How is PTSD Diagnosed and Treated?
After a physical examination and medical conditions are ruled out, the patient has a psychological evaluation. The American Psychiatric Association provides a list of symptoms that are congruent with the disorder. People who experience symptoms for longer than one month after the accident should seek medical help.

The National Institute of Mental Health states that PTSD can be treated both with medication and/or psychotherapy. Each individual is unique. There is no “cookie-cutter” approach to overcoming trauma.

If left untreated, PTSD can create other major psychological disorders such as depression, suicidal tendencies, panic disorder, and substance abuse. Working with the best motorcycle accident attorney will give you peace of mind regarding legal matters so that you can focus on your wellbeing.

Once people find and help and learn how to manage their symptoms, healing starts to occur until the person no longer reacts to the memories of the event with such negative emotions and physiological reactions. There are support groups that help people through the difficulties of recovery. Receiving support from motorcycle accident lawyers Los Angeles will help you focus on healing and get back on the road without worries.

Seeking Help After an Accident
Our motorcycle accident lawyers Los Angeles have the professional network and resources available to assist you in getting the help that you need. Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys have helped many clients overcome the devastation that comes from a motorcycle accident. We are here to help you on your path to wellness.