Understandably, physical injuries are a primary concern for children who are in motor vehicle accidents. After all, a high-impact collision can leave victims with broken bones, deep lacerations and even brain and spinal damage. But less discussed is the emotional trauma that can result from being in a car accident.
A child can be especially vulnerable to experiencing psychological problems following a car accident. According to research, around 15 to 25 percent of children who are involved in motor vehicle collisions suffer from symptoms of depression. And these symptoms could develop months subsequent to an accident.
If your child has been in a car accident, there are a variety of depression symptoms to be on the lookout for, including:
- Anger.
- Withdrawal from family and friends.
- Sleep problems.
- Irritability.
- Changes in weight and appetite.
- Guilt.
There are things parents can do to help prevent their children from going through depression after a car accident. A mental health journal conducted a study which concluded that children who received a psychological intervention were less prone to developing behavioral problems and depressive symptoms compared with children who were not given an intervention.
After being in an accident, your child may require more than just medical attention, he or she may also need psychological help. And in addition to an initial intervention, your child may need more treatment depending on the severity of his or her symptoms.
So, when filing a claim with an insurance company, it is very important that you include as much information as possible regarding your child’s treatment and future needs. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you prepare your claim and work on your behalf in an effort to make sure that your costs related to the accident are appropriately covered.