Injuries after a car accident are common, but the effects of a crash can extend beyond the physical. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a car accident can have a serious effect on victims, changing their lives forever. With this kind of impact, it’s only fair that victims be able to pursue compensation for any psychological injuries suffered. Take a closer look at how you can claim compensation for psychological injuries after an accident.
Recognizing PTSD After Car Accidents
PTSD after an accident can manifest in several different ways. The following are among the most common symptoms to keep an eye out for:
- Intrusive thoughts about the accident
- Flashbacks causing increased heart rate and sweating
- Distressing dreams
- Persistent avoidance of actions associated with the accident, such as driving or traveling through specific areas
- Feeling detached from others
- Increasingly irritable
- Easily startled
A medical professional can diagnose PTSD, so victims must go to the doctor after their accident just as they would for physical injuries like cuts or broken bones. Not only does it offer the help you need, but it establishes a medical record of your condition. When pursuing a compensation claim, this medical record, expert testimony (testimony from your doctor), documented symptoms, witness statements and even personal journals can be evidence in your case.
Potential Damages
When filing for compensation for PTSD in the wake of an accident, you will have to address both the economic and non-economic damages suffered. Economic damages include any that are easy to quantify with common examples such as the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Therapy costs
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
- Long-term care
Non-economic damages tend to be more challenging to quantify since they do not translate into clear dollar amounts. These types of damages often include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Lifestyle adjustments
You must provide evidence to support your claims when you know what you are pursuing. While many types of evidence can be helpful, the best tool at your disposal is help from a personal injury lawyer.
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Ask Tom Today!The Claims Process
When filing a claim for PTSD after a car accident, you will have to go through several steps.
- Step 1: Get the necessary medical attention
- Step 2: Keep a personal journal of your symptoms and experiences
- Step 3: Report the accident to your insurance company
- Step 4: Collect all relevant records, including witness testimony, medical records, and police reports
- Step 5: Contact a personal injury lawyer for your case
- Step 6: File your claim with your insurance provider
- Step 7: Consider legal advice on whether to settle for the provider’s offer or file a lawsuit for more
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Having a personal injury lawyer on your side is the best tool at your disposal when navigating a PTSD claim. Remember that insurance companies make money based on how much compensation they can deny, so it is in their best interest to try and compensate you as little as possible. A lawyer will fight for the full amount you deserve. They can negotiate on your behalf and collect evidence to support your case. Evidence for psychological injuries can be challenging to gather, but an experienced personal injury lawyer knows exactly what to look for.
Reach Out for Expert Help
If you suffered psychological PTSD after a car accident, Thomas J. Ueberschaer, P.A. can help. Unlike the big law firms, we focus on getting the best result for each of our clients rather than the quickest and easiest result. Our experienced team will fight for the compensation you need, beginning with a free consultation. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not owe us anything unless we win your case. Get started today by contacting us at 850.741.7381 or by filling out our online contact form.