Signs of Psychological Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident

Every day, motorcycle riders are exposed to all kinds of danger. Riding a motorcycle is not equivalent to driving a car because car drivers have the benefit of safety belts and more importantly, they are driving inside a strong steel frame.

That said, motorcycle riders are at more risk of serious injuries when involved in a crash. Bikers are also exposed to road dangers and the motorcycles themselves are prone to bad road conditions.

According to a survey by the NHTSA, bikers are involved in accidents that cause fatal injuries 28 percent more than car drivers. And even when they get lucky enough to survive the collision, riders suffer broken bones, spinal cord trauma, soft tissue damage, and head and neck injuries.

Remember, apart from the physical trauma and financial burden, you will suffer from emotional trauma. The following are some indications that you are suffering from psychological trauma after an accident:

Depression

Many people think that people suffering from depression have a history of the condition. However, a sudden life change can also cause depression.

For example, if you were riding your bike and got involved in an almost fatal crash, it can trigger the onset of a depressive condition. This is particularly the case in riders with life-long changes resulting from injuries they got from the accident.

Signs of depression

In most cases, people with depression feel sad, hopeless, and miserable. However, symptoms can differ from one patient to the other. Other signs of depression include:

• Poor concentration
• Appetite and sleep changes
• Social withdrawal
• Feeling sad and hopeless
• Suicidal thoughts

It is vital to note that most riders suffer from depression within the first year of the injury. According to Brainline, injuries causing physical changes and the emotional reaction to the injuries trigger the onset of depression.

Treating depression

If your condition is a result of a head injury, there are several ways it can be managed. Usually, medication and counseling will be combined as the most effective treatment approach. In other cases, you might need interventions like acupuncture, exercise, and biofeedback to help reduce the symptoms and seriousness of the injury.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTDS)

A motorcycle accident can also trigger the onset of PTSD. People react to trauma differently. That said, not every biker involved in an accident will suffer from PTDS. The results of every accident are different and might differ based on the seriousness of the crash and the victim.

If you developed a post-traumatic stress disorder after a motorcycle accident, it might be described as an accident-related injury. Besides, if you are a victim of someone else’s negligence, your bike accident attorney will help you get compensation for your condition in a personal injury lawsuit.

Signs and symptoms of PTSD

PTSD is a psychological condition caused by a distressing event. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Anxiousness
• Lack of sleep
• Mood changes
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Recurring thoughts of the traumatic event

You might be suffering from PTSD if the above symptoms show weeks or even months after the accident. So, if you feel like you have PTDS, it will be best to get a doctor’s evaluation. They will give you medication and even help you get a psychiatric therapist.

Bottom line

If you are involved in an accident that results in severe injuries, the costs can pile up very quickly. Even if you have the money to treat your physical injuries or repair your bike, the psychological distress can be pricy.

You will incur medical expenses, and loss of income not forgetting the pain and suffering you went through after the accident. Therefore, it is important to work with a lawyer to help you link your psychological issues with the motorcycle accident.