Injuries
Psychological Injury After a Car Accident
Understanding psychological injury
Motor vehicle accidents can cause significant psychological injury — even when physical injuries are relatively minor. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, driving phobia, adjustment disorder, and depression are common after an MVA and are just as real as a broken bone or a torn ligament. These injuries frequently co-occur with physical injuries, compounding the impact on daily life, work capacity, and relationships. The good news is that psychological injuries are highly treatable with structured, evidence-based psychological intervention.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can take hours or days to appear after a crash. If you notice any of these, it's worth being assessed.
Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the accident
Anxiety or panic when driving or as a passenger
Avoidance of driving, certain roads, or situations related to the accident
Difficulty sleeping or nightmares about the crash
Persistent low mood or loss of interest in usual activities
Irritability, anger, or emotional numbness
Difficulty concentrating at work or home
Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
Quick check
Not sure if it's serious?
How we help
We identify psychological injuries early — often at the initial medical assessment — and coordinate referrals to CTP-experienced psychologists who specialise in trauma and motor vehicle accident presentations. Treatment typically involves structured psychological therapy such as CBT or EMDR, alongside ongoing medical review of your overall recovery. Where psychological injury co-occurs with physical injury, we coordinate both streams so your treatment plan addresses the whole picture.
Treatment approach
CTP medical assessment with psychological injury screening
Referral to CTP-experienced psychologists
Evidence-based therapy: CBT, EMDR, or trauma-focused intervention
Coordinated treatment planning alongside physical injury rehab
Work capacity assessment and graded return-to-work support
Ongoing medical review to track recovery across all injury domains
When to see a doctor
If you are experiencing anxiety, flashbacks, sleep disturbance, low mood, or a fear of driving after a motor vehicle accident, see a CTP-experienced doctor. Psychological injuries are more effectively treated when addressed early. There is no benefit to waiting it out.
Not an emergency? Book an assessment. If symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000.
Frequently asked questions
Next step
See a CTP doctor about it
Often seen within the week. Telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate. No claim number needed to start.