What Should You Do If Your Child Has PTSD after an Auto Accident?

A severe car crash can make it difficult for its passengers to escape. These car crashes not only involve severe physical injuries but also lead to traumatic experiences for their passengers.
As children are particularly sensitive, they are likely to have prolonged mental trauma due to the car accident even after they recover. This condition is Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The law prescribes monetary compensation for children who have PTSD. It is a personal injury case call to recover all the medical, psychiatric, and psychological treatment expenses. All the pains, sufferings, and emotional distress that any car accident victim suffers are also included in damage claims.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD in Children?

Before filing any claim for PTSD in your child, you must be aware of its symptoms. PTSD is the mental condition arising out of a traumatic car accident.
Darkness, Separation anxiety, and bedwetting are common symptoms that young children manifest after a severe car accident. Unfortunately, insurance companies often avoid issuing total compensation on account of mental trauma and illness.
Insurance companies may also argue that the victim was suffering from a prior traumatic experience. Examples are the death of a sibling or parent or any other mishap.
Hence, the aggrieved party should file an appropriate claim to escape such situations. A Glendale auto accident attorney can help you file a valid claim for PTSD.

How to File a Claim for PTSD

Here’s what you need to do to claim for your child’s PTSD:

• First establish that the cause of mental anguish, emotional distress, and suffering is due to the auto accident.
• Get an expert medical testimony from a psychiatrist, psychological or any other mental expect.
• A qualified medical, mental practitioner examines the facts and attests to the victim’s current and future treatment along with cost.

Here are some of the Red Flags for stressed behavior to look out for children who have PTSD:

• Excessive clinging, thumb sucking, anxiety, and fear of darkness in toddlers under age 5
• Nightmares sleep problems, lack of attention, psychosomatic complaints, extreme withdrawal, and disruptive behaviors in children aged 6-12 years
• Change in performance and behavior, school complaints, truancy, peer problems, depression, and suicidal thoughts in teens aged 13 – 17 years

Emotional Stress Due to Minor Accidents

Minors are likely to develop depression symptoms even after small car accidents, even without physical injuries. But these accidents are likely to leave a solid long-term impact due to excessive fear from the strong jolt and loud noise.
Seeing their loved ones seriously injured or even die also leads to long-term mental and emotional suffering.

What Are the Suggested Treatments for a Child Who Has PTSD after an Auto Accident?

Do you know what the one good thing about PTSD is?
It is treatable.
There are various options for therapy and medication to help with PTSD if detected at early stages. Some treatment options are:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy where children talk freely about their car accident
• Learning coping skills to cope with memories when they resurface again later in life
• Plan therapy involves using games and drawings to cope up with the negative memories of the accident.

How Can a Glendale Auto Accident Attorney Help?

It is essential to know your rights if your child develops PTSD after an auto accident. It’s also crucial to have the proper representation on your side.
An auto accident lawyer in Glendale can help you with your claim. They will guide you through filing an insurance claim for medical expenses, pain, and suffering.