Introduction
The aftermath of a car crash can be devastating. You may have medical bills and vehicle damage to deal with, but you could also suffer from PTSD after a car accident in the form of flashbacks and nightmares. If you’ve experienced these symptoms after being involved in an accident, you should talk to a car accident lawyer to understand how much compensation is available through a lawsuit.
Can I Sue for PTSD After a Crash?
Yes, you can sue for PTSD after a crash. You will need to prove that the crash caused the disorder with medical documentation from your doctor or therapist. You may be able to recover pain and suffering compensation and money damages to pay for your medical bills and to reimburse you for income you couldn’t earn because your PTSD has prevented you from going back to work.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after an automobile accident
PTSD is a mental health disorder that is caused by traumatic events such as a car crash. PTSD affects people in different ways, depending on the type of trauma experienced and how long it lasts. If you’ve been involved in an accident where someone died or was seriously injured and now have symptoms of PTSD, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will conduct an examination and recommend a course of treatment that may include treating with a mental health specialist and undergoing therapies that may include cognitive behavioral therapy.
Automobile accidents are a common cause of PTSD
According to the National Center for PTSD, car accidents are responsible for an estimated 20% of all cases of PTSD. This means that if you’ve experienced a traumatic event from a car crash as a passenger or pedestrian, you may be able to sue for your injuries.
You may win a lawsuit against the driver who caused your car accident if it results in PTSD
To win a lawsuit against the at-fault driver who caused the accident that resulted in your PTSD, your personal injury lawyer will need medical documentation proving that the crash caused your PTSD and that your PTSD is related to the accident. Medical documentation can include a diagnosis from a doctor, hospital records, or mental health treatment records.
PTSD symptoms
The symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks and nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the crash, hyperarousal (being easily startled or on guard), irritability, outbursts of anger, and trouble sleeping. You may also have difficulty concentrating. PTSD can develop immediately after a traumatic event like an auto accident or it can take months or even years to develop.
Effects of PTSD
PTSD can interfere with your daily life. The symptoms can make it difficult for you to function normally and affect the way you interact with others. In addition to feeling anxious or depressed, people who suffer from this condition may also have difficulty sleeping and concentrating on tasks at work or school. They may isolate themselves from friends and family members because being around other people makes them uncomfortable or triggers traumatic memories of the crash experience.
PTSD lawsuit
If you’ve been in an accident and have developed symptoms of PTSD, you may feel like your only option is to file a personal injury claim against the other driver’s insurance company. This can be an effective way to get compensation for your injuries and to pay for medical expenses and lost wages. Use this car accident settlement calculator to find out how much your PTSD case may be worth.
Conclusion
If you have PTSD after being involved in a car crash, it could interfere with your daily life. You’ll need to prove that your post-traumatic stress disorder is related to the crash to recover compensation and damages from a lawsuit for PTSD.