MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. Being able to drive is essential to daily life in most regions of the country. In most cities, individuals can face difficulties getting to work, school, or medical appointments when they cannot drive. The ability to drive is a key component to independent living in America. Yet, for many veterans, getting behind the wheel is not only stressful, it is potentially dangerous.
According to the Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, veterans with traumatic brain injury report facing some difficulties driving. Other veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder also report having difficulties driving. Research indicates that sufferers of traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder may face increased risk of difficulties on the road, which can possibly increase their risk for injury or crashes.
These concerns can affect veterans who suffer from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Integration into society after returning from combat zones can be difficult. Researchers note that difficulty driving could be a risk factor for poorer outcomes or integration for returning veterans.
Some areas of the country are trying to put provisions in place to help veterans retain their driving privileges. For instance, according to the New York Times, in Long Island, a new program allows veterans to discharge their driving violations in a special court that takes a veteran’s service into consideration. One veteran was caught speeding, but reported that he engaged in that behavior after his post-traumatic stress disorder was triggered. Losing the right to drive can be debilitating for these veterans who may find it more difficult to make it to doctor’s appointments to treat the very symptoms leading to their difficulties driving. For some veterans, the loss of the right to drive can lead to lost jobs and homelessness.
Special court treatment alone won’t solve the problem. Special courts combined with proper treatment can make a difference in veterans’ lives. However, veterans and others who drive with post-traumatic stress disorder need to consider the safety of others on the road as well. Individuals who injure others while driving could be responsible for covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages to victims. According to the New York Times, veterans themselves face an increased risk of being injured in car accidents. Military training can lead to more evasive actions behind the wheel. Post-traumatic stress disorder can result in erratic driving behaviors which others can find hard to predict.
Finally, individuals who have been in car crashes may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. This could put them more at risk of car accidents or may make it difficult for them to return to regular life activities after a crash. If your life has been disrupted due to a car accident, you may have rights under the law that can help you seek the medical care and treatment you need. Visit https://martinmontilino.com/ to learn more.
At the end of the day, every person is responsible for their actions behind the wheel. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, the personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Martin T. Montilino in Minneapolis, Minnesota offer caring and compassionate counsel to both victims and families.