Most people understand that they may be injured after a bicycle accident, but often view these injuries to be purely physical, such as bruises, fractures, head injuries, and other bodily injuries. These physical injuries are relatively easy to treat, and doctors are familiar with them. But most people fail to consider the pain and harm that cannot be seen.
When someone is involved in a bicycle crash, those moments surrounding it feel like a nightmare – but what if that nightmare never ends? For some, the trauma associated with the crash doesn’t dissipate in the hours and days following the incident. These are the injuries we do not see after the accident, and they can be the most difficult to treat. A broken bone will heal completely, but it can take longer for the psyche to heal.
Road cycling comes with risks, but riding your bike should not be a traumatic experience. For people suffering from PTSD after a bicycle crash, however, cycling may no longer be the exciting activity it previously was for them.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, occurs in people who have experienced an abnormally stressful event. The trauma can involve physical ramifications, like the production and release of excess amounts of adrenaline. And the treatment for PTSD is complex: there currently is no known cure.
Symptoms of PTSD after a bicycle crash include:
- Severe fear and anxiety which interferes with day-to-day activities
- Nightmares, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
- Feelings of shame or guilt with regards to the crash
- Difficulty reading, focusing, and concentrating
- Flashbacks or moments in which they relive the bicycle crash or associated traumatic events
- Panic attacks that occur repeatedly, with or without feelings of reliving the crash
As you can see, PTSD can be even more devastating than a physical injury. This can be particularly distressing because, when an insurance adjuster considers the amount of a settlement you receive after your bike crash, it’s usually based primarily on your physical injuries. That is why it is important to have a bicycle crash attorney on your side as early in the process as possible.
At Kass & Moses, we can help demonstrate how significantly you are suffering from the effects of the crash. Insurance companies are eager to ignore the psychological trauma caused by crashes, but we work aggressively on your behalf to get you fair and just compensation for ALL your injuries, not just the physical ones.
For a free legal consultation,
call 1-844-242-9253
Treatment of PTSD after a bicycle accident:
- Antidepressants help combat both depression and anxiety. These medications can be effective, but often you will have to try several different medications before you find one that has some effect on your symptoms.
- Counseling can be beneficial. Through counseling and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), you learn to restructure the trauma associated with your crash. CBT helps you restructure your thoughts and reactions with regards to the bicycle crash. Do not be afraid to seek professional help.
- Exercises that relax the body. Whether a series of breathing exercises, or more structured activities like tai-chi and yoga, these physical movements help you relieve stress and anxiety when it strikes.
Although all of these treatments are helpful, none of them cure the condition, and some people still suffer significant symptoms despite treatment. If you or a loved on have been involved in a bicycle crash, it’s important to recognize that injuries are not just physical. Some of the most devastating injuries can be those of the mind, like PTSD.
Do not feel forced into accepting a small settlement. Contact Kass & Moses right away to learn how we can work for you to get you a fair amount of money to help you recover from your immediate and long-term injuries. Call us today for a free initial consultat
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