PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a debilitating mental condition that often arises in individuals who have experienced a particularly traumatic event. If you begin developing symptoms of PTSD after being involved in a car accident, you can recover compensation from the negligent driver. Work with a Pike County, KY car accident lawyer for knowledgeable representation and legal advice during your case.
How Can a Car Accident Cause PTSD?
Any traumatic or stressful situation can result in the development of PTSD, including a car accident. Car accidents, whether minor or severe, can be traumatic for the individuals involved. Whether you saw your life flash before your eyes, sustained a serious injury, witnessed someone else’s bad injury, thought that you could die, were stuck in the car for an extended time, or went through another type of trauma, car accidents can cause significant fear and stress.
These feelings are often strong enough to cause the development of PTSD symptoms including the following.
- Anxiety or depression
- Unwanted flashbacks to the accident
- Nightmares and trouble sleeping
- Fear of being in cars or driving
- Intrusive thoughts about the accident
- Avoiding cars, people, or places that remind you of the accident
Is There Compensation for PTSD After a Car Accident?
Yes, if you were involved in a car accident and developed PTSD as a result, you can collect compensation for both your economic and noneconomic damages. Under Kentucky law, both physical and mental injuries can be considered in a car accident claim or lawsuit, given that you demonstrate that the other driver was at fault for the accident and your psychological ailment severely impairs your bodily function and everyday life.
How Can I Recover Compensation?
As with a physical injury, to recover compensation for PTSD or another mental condition after a car accident the most important thing to consider is evidence. You must be able to provide adequate information demonstrating the following.
- You have PTSD
- Your PTSD directly resulted from the car accident
- You have sustained both economic and noneconomic losses as a result of your PTSD
This can be done in several ways but one of the most compelling pieces of evidence you can provide is testimony from a medical professional. You should work with your lawyer to get a statement from your psychologist or the doctor who diagnosed you with PSTD. They should explain how they concluded that you have post-traumatic stress disorder and why it correlates with the accident. Expert testimony from specialists can also be beneficial if they provide additional information regarding how PTSD occurs and the effect it can have on the individual.
Other important information could come from your personal experience. Keep a journal during your recovery from the accident. In it, include detailed information regarding the symptoms you are experiencing, how your PTSD affects your daily life, the new challenges you are facing, and more. All of this information can prove beneficial in your claim or lawsuit and ensure you are fairly compensated.
