War veterans aren’t the only category of people who can develop PTSD, though PTSD rates do tend to be high in this population. Other events that can lead to PTSD include car accidents, physical and sexual assault or abuse, natural disasters, terror attacks, mass shootings, and even the sudden or unexpected death of a loved one. In every 100 people, an estimated 7 to 8 people will likely experience PTSD at some point in their life.