SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — After the dust has settled, the injuries have healed, and there's a replacement car in the driveway, victims of automobile accidents often still face an uphill battle trying to move on with their lives. According to psychologists, for some the fear never really goes away. It's common enough that the National Institutes of Health gives physicians specific recommendations for patients exhibiting acute stress symptoms and PTSD after motor vehicle accidents. With more than 3 million injury accidents a year nationwide, the San Francisco Bay Area personal injury law firm Appel Law Firm LLP, sees their share of the aftermath – only they decided to do something about it.
The 2014 Auto Accident Survivor Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited US college or university who have either been injured in a serious motor vehicle accident themselves or have been deeply affected by another's. Applicants for the $1,000 scholarship are asked to submit an application, college transcripts, a police report or other proof documenting the accident and a short essay about how the event altered their lives.
"My job as an injury attorney is to seek full and fair settlements for my clients," said attorney Thomas Appel. "But getting back to normal is still a challenge. We want to support those who are moving forward in their lives."
In a case presented in the American Family Physician magazine, a 34 year-old man was still suffering anxiety and bizarre behaviors due to an accident he had nearly a dozen years earlier. His physical injuries were long healed and the insurance settlement spent. But the emotional scars had him pulling over to the side of the road a couple times a week. He would go into a dissociative state, unable to drive safely. Further, because he was trapped during the accident and had lost bowel control, he was now unable to use the toilet without a cleaning regimen lasting 20 or 30 minutes.
"These are everyday heroes," said Thomas. "They aren't complaining to anyone, just shouldering the burden of a past trauma and doing the best they can."
The scholarship application can be found at the firm's website: and the deadline for submission is July 31st. The scholarship will be awarded August 10th, with notification by the 15th. A check will be sent to the winner's school to help pay tuition or related expenses. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply.
Mr. Appel also cautions anyone who is having symptoms of a stress disorder due to an automobile accident to seek professional medical help. He notes that effective treatments are available and victims shouldn't blame themselves or fear negative stereotyping.
For press inquiries or to set up an interview, please contact: Thomas Appel, Appel Law Firm LLP, 925-938-2000
Appel Law Firm LLP
100 Pringle Ave., Ste. 730
Walnut Creek, California 94596
925-938-2000
Information on PTSD and motor vehicle accidents: