Savannah Chrisley, daughter of real estate mogul Todd Chrisley and star of the reality television show Chrisley Knows Best, was recently in a car accident that shattered one of her vertebrae. The high-profile accident prompted an outpouring of sympathy on social media and well wishes for star’s recovery. The nineteen-year-old reality star is expected to make a full physical recovery, but it will take more time for her to recover from the psychological impact.
Accidents can leave mental and emotional scars
A source close to the star detailed Savannah’s reaction to Hollywood Life, “’She definitely is scared and is in zero rush for when she is 100% to get behind the wheel again,’ continues the source. ‘Its still all a bit traumatizing.’ Considering the 19-year-old fractured a vertebrae in her neck and faces a six-week recovery, it is understandable that driving isn’t her top priority.” Savannah isn’t unusual in this respect; many drivers (and passengers) face anxiety after an accident.
From the Huffington Post:
“Reasons for post-accident driving anxiety vary from individual to individual. Some people fear that they will get into another accident – even if they have been driving for years without an incident. In some cases, a mere thought of driving can cause the victim to feel anxious, which prevents them from getting behind the wheel in the first place. Other people are afraid that they will suffer a panic attack whilst driving, which they think can get them hurt — even if that’s not necessarily true. The fear of harming others is prevalent among many post-accident drivers as well.”
What you feel isn’t wrong
It doesn’t take a serious accident to cause serious anxiety; crash victims can suffer from diagnosable post-traumatic stress disorder even after a fender-bender. Everybody reacts to stress differently, but when anxiety begins to interfere with daily activities or your ability to enjoy your life, it’s a problem that needs to be addressed. The physical damages resulting from an accident are quantifiable; insurance companies keep detailed actuarial tables that contain descriptions of nearly every type of accident and injury. However, psychological harm is a horse of different color; can you put a price on your mental and emotional health?
Mental or emotional pain and suffering aren’t limited to victims; when a spouse or other family member isn’t feeling right, your entire family can feel the effects. Unfortunately, post-accident anxiety or PTSD isn’t something that can be put right with a shot or an operation. Treatment takes time, and progress can be measured in months or even years
If your loved one has suffered mental or emotional trauma after an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for treatment, lost wages, loss of consortium and other damages. The experienced Nashville auto accident attorneys at the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm can evaluate your case and help get you the compensation you deserve. Call 615.246.5549, visit our offices in Nashville, Gallatin or Knoxville or contact us today for a free consultation.
