PTSD After A Car Accident
Car accidents are traumatic experiences. The noise, confrontation, and physical pain can be overwhelming for anyone involved, especially those who didn’t cause the accident and didn’t see it coming. But can you claim for PTSD after a car accident? Yes.
Unfortunately, many people brush off car accident-related mental trauma. Maybe they assume that because you can’t physically see the damage, it’s not as serious as a broken bone. However, mental injuries are not something to take lightly – these can cause severe emotional, social, and financial problems.
Keep reading to learn how a car accident claim can help you move forward from your injury by getting you the money you need to pay for medical bills, lost income, and more.
Symptoms of PTSD
By definition, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the inability to move past a traumatic or terrifying event. Definitions are helpful, but victims understand that they often differ from what they’ve personally experienced.
People suffering from PTSD may experience the following symptoms. Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list; if you believe you or a loved one has PTSD, you should consult a psychiatrist or psychologist for help.
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Avoiding certain places, events, or objects that remind you of the experience
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the accident
- Being startled easily
- Feeling tense or on edge
- Difficulty sleeping
- Experiencing angry outbursts
- Difficulty remembering details about the accident
- Feeling blame and guilt
- Difficulty concentrating and no longer enjoying things you were once interested in
Can you claim for PTSD after a car accident?
If another party acted negligently and caused the car accident that led to your PTSD, you may be able to file a claim against their insurance company for damages.
PTSD after a car accident would be included under non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are considered more abstract, as it’s difficult to establish how much compensation should be awarded for emotional and mental injuries.
Because it’s not as easy to calculate non-economic damages, it’s crucial that you use expert testimony to prove your case. Whether the expert in your case is your doctor or another medical professional, you’ll need to establish the following:
- You were accurately diagnosed with PTSD.
- Your condition is directly related to the car accident.
- Your prognosis (likely course of the condition) and how this will affect the dollar amount for your treatment.
That’s why you should hire a seasoned, expert Chicago personal injury lawyer to help with your case – without one, filing a claim and receiving compensation will be much more difficult.
PTSD Car Accident Claims
The best answer to the question “How much can you claim for PTSD after a car accident?” is that it depends upon the severity of your injury. In some cases, compensation for PTSD will make up only a small amount of the total claim. In other cases, the amount may exceed the cost of medical treatment and other expenses.
A personal injury attorney will help establish how much compensation you should expect for your injuries. Lawyers at Langdon & Emison consider all details of the accident, including all of your possible losses.
How to Mentally Recover From a Car Accident
As legal professionals in Chicago, Langdon & Emison have established close relationships with medical specialists and experts who can help you get the best care for your PTSD.
Complications can arise from untreated and undiagnosed PTSD, so you must seek medical care if you believe you or a loved one are suffering from trauma.
In the meantime, here are some tips for mental recovery from a car accident.
- Don’t isolate yourself. Keep in contact with friends and loved ones, even if you feel withdrawn and just want to be alone. You don’t have to talk about the accident; it’s just important to have people around you for support.
- Practice good hygiene and health. It can be easy to neglect your physical appearance if you feel angry, withdrawn, or are experiencing other symptoms of PTSD. However, it’s critical that you get the right amount of sleep and eat healthy foods in the months after the accident. Doing so can help your body recover quicker.
Seeking Compensation for PTSD
Since the Vietnam War, car accidents have been the leading cause of PTSD in the United States. Although this condition is common, many people dismiss PTSD simply because they can’t see it, unlike broken limbs or other car accident-related injuries.
That means many victims aren’t getting the compensation they need. At Langdon & Emison, our attorneys work hard to get each of our clients the maximum amount of support and money, helping them move on and enjoy life again.
Many other law firms will settle for a minimal amount, but we won’t. To learn more about your legal options and to schedule a free consultation, call Langdon & Emison at (312) 872-3389.
