Truck accidents are often more severe than regular car crashes due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, with 35 fatal accidents involving semi-rigs in Nebraska recorded in 2020. When a passenger vehicle collides with a semi truck or big rig, the injuries sustained are frequently catastrophic or fatal. Even if truck accident victims physically survive, they are left to cope with considerable mental trauma.
In Nebraska, the wide open roads and highways see high volumes of truck traffic hauling goods across the country. This leaves Nebraskan motorists vulnerable to the dangers posed by large trucks. Truck crashes in the state can leave victims with long-term physical disabilities as well as psychological wounds that require compassionate mental health care.
Common Mental Health Issues After a Truck Crash
Surviving a collision with a commercial truck in Nebraska can be an extremely traumatic event. Truck accident victims often develop mental health conditions like:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Re-experiencing the crash through intrusive memories, flashbacks and nightmares is a hallmark symptom of PTSD after a truck accident. Victims may avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma and feel keyed up or on edge.
- Depression – Significant injuries, disabilities, or the loss of a loved one in a truck crash can lead to depression. Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, sadness, and hopelessness are common with depression.
- Anxiety – The emotional aftermath of a truck accident may include anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias. Anxiety impairs quality of life and normal functioning.
- Sleep disturbances – Trauma victims often suffer insomnia, nightmares, and other sleep problems that exacerbate mental health issues like PTSD and depression. Lack of sleep has severe physical and mental effects.
- Substance abuse – Some truck accident survivors turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain and trauma. This can quickly spiral into addiction and chemical dependency problems.
The Role of Mental Health Professionals
After a serious truck collision, it is essential for victims to seek help from qualified mental health professionals. Psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and therapists can provide both evaluation and treatment services.
Mental health providers initially assess truck accident survivors for conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Once a diagnosis is made, treatments like psychotherapy and medications can be utilized to manage symptoms. Some beneficial therapies include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy – CBT helps patients identify and change thought patterns that lead to emotional distress.
- Exposure therapy – This gradually exposes PTSD sufferers to trauma reminders in a safe setting to reduce anxiety.
- Support groups – Group therapy lets survivors connect with others experiencing similar trauma.
- Medications – Antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and sleep aids are often prescribed.
With compassionate mental health care, truck accident victims in Nebraska can move forward in healing both body and mind. Specialized counseling equips survivors with healthy coping strategies to overcome emotional trauma.
It’s important to seek compensation if you have suffered mental trauma from a truck accident in Nebraska. We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Nebraska, Colorado, and Utah.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 if you have been hurt in a truck accident.