Addressing the Mental Trauma After a Motorcycle Accident
When you think of motorcycle accidents in Columbia, you likely think of road rash, broken bones, and bike debris strewn across the road. But the effects of an accident go far beyond the physical damage they cause. Motorcyclists are often left with lingering trauma after a motorcycle accident in Columbia. It’s important to recognize trauma and help victims get the help they need as quickly as possible.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t wait any longer to find out if you’re entitled to compensation. Call Peake & Fowler at 803-788-4370 to set up a consultation now.
The Signs of Mental Trauma
Both accident victims and those close to them should be on the lookout for signs of mental trauma after an accident. People may ignore these symptoms in an effort to extinguish them, but unfortunately, trauma rarely goes away until it is confronted and healed. Common symptoms include:
- Flashbacks and nightmares may be signs of PTSD and warrant a discussion with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
- Avoidant behavior, such as refusing to ride their motorcycle or be in the vicinity of the area where the crash happened, is a sign that they are experiencing mental trauma and have not yet addressed it.
- Dissociation is the feeling that you are not present in your own body. If someone seems completely withdrawn and apathetic, they may be dissociating.
- Depression and anxiety are often reported after motorcycle accidents. This makes sense; a motorcyclist has experienced one of the worst possible outcomes of their favorite hobby, and they may be too scared to ever return to it. Even if they do, they may be so fraught with anxiety that they cannot enjoy it.
- Heightened alertness is marked by high heart rate, fast breathing, and exaggerated responses to stimuli.
Trauma Unique to Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists go through their own specific form of trauma after an accident. To start, they are faced with societal bias against riders every single day. This bias works against them even when they’ve been involved in an accident; people often assume the accident was their fault or say that it’s a risk they assumed when they decided to ride. Too many people simply don’t have the same empathy for injured riders that they have for injured drivers and car passengers
For many, a motorcycle accident represents a loss of freedom and control over one’s own life. Many have spent years hearing from their spouses, friends, and loved ones that they’d get in an accident one day.
Having that actually happen may make them feel like they need to retire the motorcycle for good, a tremendous loss for devoted riders. Others fear returning to their motorcycle because they worry about the judgment of loved ones if they are involved in another crash. It’s important to note that car drivers often don’t feel this same pressure; while they may fear driving, it’s because of the likelihood of another crash—not because they think other people believe they deserve it.
Professional Support Options
It is crucial to seek out professional help as soon as a victim suspects mental trauma. The brain is highly plastic, so it can often bounce back from trauma with the right professional help and counseling. The sooner you begin treatment after a traumatic event, the better odds you have of making a full recovery. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication to help with flashbacks, poor sleep, and other symptoms. However, you should also consider talking to a counselor or therapist to work through the challenges of your collision.
Legal Considerations
Many victims worry about getting help for their mental trauma after an accident. It’s not inexpensive, and the expenses may already be piling up. That’s why it’s important to talk to a Columbia personal injury attorney about your legal options. If you’re entitled to compensation, it may cover your medical bills, mental health treatment, and other accident-related expenses.
Injured in a Crash? Call Peake & Fowler Now
If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, find out how the team at Peake & Fowler can help you. Call us at 803-788-4370 or connect with us online to schedule a consultation with our team.
