Identifying Child PTSD Symptoms Following an Automobile Accident

Young children struggle to fully comprehend car accidents, and experiencing one shakes their sense of security. Sadly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that an average of 3 children were killed and an estimated 429 children injured every day in traffic crashes in 2022. Such distressing events can deeply affect the emotional well-being of children and, if left unaddressed, may have lasting effects on their lives. That’s why it’s critical for parents to remain vigilant for signs of PTSD in their children after a car accident. If they suspect PTSD, they should seek immediate evaluation from an experienced pediatrician.

PTSD, short for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a behavioral and mental disorder that develops from experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD, when first observed in veterans of World War I, was termed as “shell shock.” But as our collective understanding of trauma developed, we learned that anyone can develop PTSD—including children.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at how PTSD affects children after a car accident, how to identify symptoms, and how you might seek legal restitution for the traumatic disruption of your child’s life in Illinois.

Understanding PTSD in children after a car accident

If you notice any signs of internal injury or emotional trauma in your child, such as PTSD, following a car accident, take your child to your doctor immediately. PTSD can impact your child’s well-being just as much—and sometimes to a greater extent than—physical injuries, and it may require long-term treatment.

If you choose to pursue a legal claim, be aware that insurance companies may try to downplay your child’s emotional distress. In cases where the child has no physical injuries, insurers may try to minimize or ignore the mental and emotional distress a child may have experienced due to the accident in an effort to protect their bottom line.

Identifying PTSD symptoms in a child

PTSD symptoms may vary based on a child’s age, gender, and emotional maturity. Every child uniquely processes trauma. According to Children’s National, some common PTSD symptoms post-car accident are:

• Sleep disturbances (fear of sleep, nightmares, bedwetting)
• Extreme emotional reactions when reminded of the traumatic event
• Crying and depressed feelings
• Being easily startled or jumpy
• Upsetting thoughts of the trauma
• Difficulty showing affection

5 years old or below:

Young children five and under may exhibit the following symptoms specifically:

• Bedwetting
• Thumb sucking
• Extreme clinginess
• Separation anxiety
• Fear of darkness

6 to 11-years-old

The following symptoms may onset in children from age six to 11 years old:

• Bad temper, aggressiveness
• General lack of response to others
• Headache, stomachache, or other physical sickness caused by mental stress
• Sleep issues like nightmares, etc.
• Lack of focus or attention
• Problems at school, etc.

 12 to 17-years-old

Older children may present different symptoms, such as:

• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Problems in school, like fighting with peers or poor grades
• Withdrawal
• Sleep disturbance and nightmares
• Jumpy behavior
• Headache, stomachache, or other physical sickness caused by mental stress

PTSD in children can be extremely overwhelming. It may manifest as sudden behavioral changes, such as avoiding certain places or events that bring back traumatic memories. Children may also exhibit an urge to recreate or relive the traumatic event through talk or play.

PTSD, however, is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. It can look slightly different in each child. If you suspect that your child may have developed PTSD following an auto accident, it is essential to have them examined by a specialist. Only an experienced pediatrician can accurately identify the symptoms, provide the appropriate support, and direct you toward a qualified counselor or psychiatrist. A medical expert can help both you and your child work through the traumatic experience and work toward re-establishing a normal life after the accident.

PTSD compensation after an auto accident

After a car accident in Illinois, you or your auto lawyer may file a claim for the following:

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Loss of wages/job due to severe injuries
• Emotional pain and suffering

In Illinois, PTSD falls under emotional pain and suffering in personal injury claims. If you or your child has been in a car accident, you don’t need to have suffered physical injuries to prove emotional distress—you can file a legal claim for PTSD alone, although these claims are more challenging.

We’ve noted that a child may require professional help to emotionally recover from a traumatic experience like a car accident—so you really shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden alone. Hiring a seasoned car accident lawyer will help you identify the liable party and argue your case compellingly, greatly improving your chances of receiving financial restitution.

What to do when an accident leaves your child with PTSD

Even without physical injuries, the emotional distress of a car accident may be enough to trigger PTSD in your child. While you have every right to pursue a claim in court, handling your claim on your own can be overwhelming. Insurance companies have vast resources and professional attorneys at their disposal to minimize their losses, making self-representation challenging. Only a seasoned car accident attorney can help you effectively present your claim and argue your case in court.

At Glisson Law, our team is dedicated to advocating for your rights so you can focus on what truly matters—your child’s recovery. We work to identify all liable parties, prepare and file the necessary paperwork, and manage the complex legal process on your behalf—all while providing you with clear explanations of proceedings every step of the way.

If you or your child has been involved in a car accident, contact an auto accident lawyer at our Alton, Illinois, office today. Call us for an initial consultation or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.