The person you are comes from both your genetic makeup and your life experiences. Your personality, of course, is also part of what attracts others to you. It even may be what makes you good at your job, hobbies and other pursuits.
Sadly, a car accident can forever change your personality. If you are a different person after a wreck, you may need to consider personality changes when calculating your damages.
Traumatic brain injuries
According to the Mayo Clinic, a traumatic brain injury occurs when some external force alters the way the brain functions. Despite safety enhancements, such as airbags and seat belts, car crashes continue to be a primary cause of TBIs in the U.S.
A TBI may cause you to experience permanent personality changes. That is, it is not uncommon for TBI sufferers to have mood swings, depression and increased anxiety. Your TBI also may cause you to lose your enjoyment of the things that make life worth living.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Any traumatic event has the potential to cause you to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Because car accidents are stressful events, you may begin to exhibit the signs of PTSD in the days or weeks after a crash.
PTSD can turn you into a nervous person. Furthermore, the condition may cause you to avoid situations that remind you of your accident. Because cars play a major role in the lives of most Americans, avoiding them is likely to have a significant impact on your life.
Ultimately, if your personality is different after a car accident, you may be eligible for substantial financial compensation to help you manage your post-accident way of life.
