When you have been involved in a car accident, you are not only allowed to seek compensation for your physical injuries, but you may also seek compensation for emotional trauma resulting from the accident. A common source of emotional trauma is when you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can be life-changing, and you have every right to seek compensation for it.
Causes of PTSD
PTSD is triggered by an event that causes feelings of extreme fear, horror, or helplessness. Those who are suffering from PTSD will typically relive the traumatic event. This can make it difficult to sleep because of the nightmares that can be triggered. Many drivers find it impossible to get behind the wheel again. They might be easily startled or frightened by anything that occurs suddenly. For instance, a driver who makes a sudden lane change may frighten you so much that you're incapable of continuing to drive.
Effects on Your Life
Because PTSD is debilitating, you may find that your life has become fully disrupted. If you are not able to drive to work or if you need to rely on others, this can interfere with your ability to work. You may suffer from lost wages, or you may miss opportunities for advancement. Avoidance is one of the key factors used to diagnose PTSD.
Signs of PTSD
A psychologist will usually need to identify at least two signs of PTSD to make a diagnosis. The patient must have a difficult time recalling the event, experience a loss of self-worth, find themselves often blaming others or themselves for the accident, have persistent negative emotions associated with the event, or have the inability to experience positive emotions.
Gathering Evidence of PTSD
To collect damages for PTSD, you must prove that you are suffering from this condition. Not everyone who is involved in a car accident suffers from PTSD. To gather evidence of PTSD, make sure to speak with a licensed therapist. You must also collect evidence that you are pursuing treatment for your PTSD so you can receive compensation for any expenses. Provide any medical documents related to PTSD that the courts request.
An automobile accident attorney can assist you in gathering the evidence necessary to prove that you have PTSD. This may involve calling upon a respected psychologist to act as an expert witness. Contact an automobile accident attorney as soon as possible because there is a statute of limitations for car accidents.
Share13 March 2020
If you are injured in an accident, what is your first move? While getting medical care should be your first priority, the fact of the matter is that working with the right lawyer can be incredibly helpful in making it easier to prevent problems. For starters, your lawyer can talk with you about what to do in order to prevent problems with your paperwork, and he or she can chat with you about what to do when you start getting calls from other attorneys talking about the case. On this website, check out great tips and tricks you can use to prevent problems with your recovery from a financial perspective.
