No one ever expects to be in an accident, but it can happen to anyone. If you are involved in a car accident, it can be a traumatic experience that can affect your mental health. Most accident victims focus on their physical injuries after an accident. However, shock and stress can trigger psychological injuries which significantly impact your emotional and mental health for years to come.
Recovering from an accident takes far more than hospital visits to treat your injuries, and victims often face an avalanche of consequences, predominantly mental pain and suffering. If you suffer from mental or emotional trauma after an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Common Psychological Injuries
Psychological injuries can take many forms, including but not limited to the following:
PTSD
One of the most common psychological injuries resulting from an accident is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Common symptoms of PTSD can include
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Depression
If you are involved in an accident, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of PTSD and to seek help from a mental health professional if you are experiencing any of them.
Depression
Depression can be caused by the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or the injuries you have sustained. Victims feel hopeless about the future or their ability to recover. A common reaction is seeking isolation and avoiding talking about the event.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sadness or empty mood
- Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue or decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Anxiety
Anxiety can be caused by the fear of being in another accident and the worry and stress that come with dealing with the aftermath of an accident. Victims may experience fear or guilt and always be on edge for potential dangers.
Common symptoms of anxiety can include:
- Excessive worry or stress
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
Compensation for psychological injuries may be complicated to calculate, but every injured individual has the right to damages for another’s negligence or recklessness.
Accidents That Can Effect Your Mental Health
While any type of accident can be traumatic, some accidents are more likely to cause psychological injuries than others. Some of the most common types of accidents that can cause psychological injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
If you have been involved in any of these types of accidents, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression and to seek help from a mental health professional if you are experiencing any of them.
Can I Receive Compensation for My Mental and Emotional Suffering?
Yes, you may be able to receive compensation for your mental and emotional distress. If you have been involved in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party.
In a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek damages for your physical and psychological injuries which you have sought treatment for. If you are successful in your lawsuit, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and more.
How Do You Prove Mental Trauma After an Accident?
If you are seeking compensation for your psychological injuries, you will need to prove that the accident caused them. This can be done by providing medical records, eyewitness testimony, and other evidence that shows that the accident was the cause of your psychological injuries. If you are having difficulty proving your case, it is important to seek help from a personal injury lawyer.
How Are Damages for Emotional Distress Calculated?
There is no set formula for calculating emotional distress damages. Instead, factors like the severity of the plaintiff’s underlying physical injuries and the effect of the injuries have had on their lives will be considered. If you are seeking compensation for your psychological injuries, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you prove your case and seek the compensation that you deserve.
Do I Have to See a Doctor to Get Compensation for Psychological Injuries?
Florida law requires a plaintiff to have suffered a physical impact to recover from emotional distress. A mental health specialist can provide you with a diagnosis and help you develop a treatment plan. If you seek compensation for your psychological injuries, your treatment will be considered when determining damages.
Any medical records attesting to your mental health condition and its relation to the accident will contribute to the success of your claim. If you did not seek treatment, the jury may believe that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Contact Our Qualified & Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys Today
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we are committed to fighting for your fair recovery. We strive to help injured individuals and the loved ones of those wrongfully killed secure the full, fair recovery they are owed. We offer dedicated legal representation for car accident victims and bicycle, rideshare, semi-truck accident victims, and victims of other personal injury cases. If you feel you have been the victim of an accident through no fault of your own, our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
