Can You Claim Compensation for PTSD Caused by a Traffic Accident?

 Posted on May 26, 2021 in Car Accidents

Following a car accident, most people’s concerns are focused on their immediate injuries, the ones they can feel and see. Next, they are focused on the injuries of the people around them. As time goes on and everyone heals, very few people focus on how the accident is affecting their emotional well being. A car accident is a scary experience, even if it is just a small rear-end collision. When circumstances are more serious, the accident can be traumatic and can leave a lasting effect on your mental state, which can develop into an issue that affects your everyday life. In some cases, you may be able to claim compensation for a mental illness or injury developed after a car accident.

What Is PTSD?

After a car accident, it is completely normal to experience some sort of anxiety or fear about the situation. However, most people will get better as the weeks go on. If they do not get better, there might be something more going on, possibly something such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Classic symptoms of PTSD include:

• Recurrent nightmares
• Flashbacks to the event
• Avoiding things that remind the victim of the accident
• Always being on edge or being easily startled
• Aggressive or angry outbursts

There are also other symptoms that could appear as a result of PTSD. These symptoms include:

• Distressing memories that will not go away
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Difficulty remembering certain things, especially about the accident
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating
• Engaging in self-destructive behavior

Claiming Compensation for PTSD

Some people believe that filing a lawsuit is only applicable to the physical injuries that they suffer from a car accident. However, you have just as much right to compensation for a mental or emotional injury as you do for a physical injury. PTSD can greatly affect your quality of life. Some people may avoid things that remind them of the car accident, such as driving or riding in a vehicle. PTSD can also affect your overall mood, as the illness can portray symptoms of depression. Your attorney can help you understand how you will present your case for compensation if you have developed a mental injury after a car accident.

Our Wheaton, IL Car Accident Injury Lawyer is Here to Help

If you have been in a car accident and are suffering from the effects of PTSD or another debilitating mental condition, you should speak with a skilled DuPage County car accident injury attorney about your options for obtaining compensation. At the Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C., we can help you fight for justice against the person who caused the accident, as well as compensation for any injuries you may be facing. We offer free consultations; to schedule yours today, call our office at 630-665-5678.

Sources:

https://www.verywellmind.com/risk-factors-for-ptsd-following-a-traffic-accident-2797197

https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/how-cope-trauma-after-accident

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967