Episode 28: PTSD After a Car Accident: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

A car accident can leave injuries that don't show up on an X-ray. On this episode of Crashes, Claims & Clarity, Georgia personal injury attorney Darrell Burrow sits down with Dr. J. Todd George, Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist and evaluation specialist with Atlanta Psychological Services, to discuss the psychological impact that can follow a serious crash or traumatic injury. Dr. George explains that motor vehicle accidents are a significant cause of post-traumatic stress disorder and that symptoms aren't always immediate. Survivors may experience nightmares, heightened anxiety, avoidance of driving, changes in sleep, irritability, withdrawal, or repeatedly replaying the accident in their minds. They also discuss why children can show trauma very differently from adults. Rather than talking about their feelings, children may regress in previously mastered skills or repeatedly reenact the accident through play. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. George explains when normal stress following an accident may have crossed the line into something that deserves professional evaluation. In this episode, you'll learn: Why psychological injuries after car accidents are more common than many people realize Early warning signs of trauma, including nightmares, hyperarousal, avoidance, and withdrawal Why fear of driving after an accident can persist The general one-month benchmark Dr. George uses when considering psychological evaluation How PTSD and severe anxiety may affect pain and physical recovery Why emotional symptoms can appear weeks after the original accident How children may communicate trauma through behavioral regression or repetitive play What family members can do to support someone recovering from trauma Why using drugs or alcohol to numb anxiety is a warning sign that deserves faster attention Practical strategies for recovery, including sleep and gradual re-exposure when medically appropriate Dr. George leaves listeners with an important reminder: psychological injuries are just as real as physical injuries and deserve appropriate professional care. Connect with Dr. J. Todd George If you or a family member is experiencing ongoing anxiety, changes in behavior, difficulty driving, nightmares, or other emotional concerns following a traumatic event, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional. Dr. J. Todd George, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and evaluation specialist with Atlanta Psychological Services, providing comprehensive psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. To learn more about Dr. George and Atlanta Psychological Services, visit: Atlanta Psychological Services And remember: psychological injuries deserve attention and appropriate care just as physical injuries do, a central message Dr. George shares in this episode.