A car accident can cause more than just physical injuries. Many victims walk away with mental health issues and psychological trauma. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a common result. Just because you cannot “see” such an injury, that doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve compensation for it. Our Monmouth County auto accident attorneys can help you hold a negligent driver accountable for the trauma that they have caused.
Do I Need a Formal Diagnosis of PTSD?
Having a formal diagnosis of PTSD from a doctor can be helpful. This isn’t an obvious accident injury like a broken arm or a burn. You’re going to want as much evidence of your post-traumatic stress disorder as possible. Medical records and testimony from your doctors and loved ones can show the extent of your mental health issues. You should also keep a journal about your recovery and show how your PTSD affects you in your everyday life.
Of course, you’ll also want evidence about the other driver’s negligence. Things like surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and the police report from the scene can all be good for your case.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Win If I Have PTSD After an Accident?
Your compensation for PTSD can come in two forms. The two broad types of damages in a case like this are:
Economic damages: Your PTSD and other injuries probably meant medical expenses, so your compensation should help cover those. If you’ve had to miss work, economic damages are meant to reimburse you for lost wages as well.
Non-economic damages: These are harder to calculate, but your settlement should also help make up for things like mental anguish, psychological trauma, and pain and suffering. If you have PTSD from your accident, fighting for these types of damages will be a top priority for your lawyer.
What Can Affect the Size of a Settlement?
The size of your settlement could be affected by a few factors. Some elements that can make a difference include:
- Whether you are struggling to hold down a job
- How much you owe for medical expenses
- How your PTSD impacts your daily life
- How severe your condition is
- Your prognosis and how likely you are to recover
Should I Hire an Attorney?
It can be tough to prove negligence in a lawsuit like this. An experienced attorney will do everything that they can to help you build a convincing case against the other driver and show how their negligence directly connects to the accident and the PTSD you’re now experiencing.
Schedule Your Case Consultation
So if you are suffering from PTSD or any other mental health issues after a car accident, we want to hear from you. Contact the Wilton Law Firm and ask to schedule a case consultation. We want to help you claim the compensation that you deserve.
