Car accidents are usually associated with the physical injuries and trauma that people experience. However, there is an unseen emotional and psychological side that also needs to be considered when you are trying to heal from a car collision.
In Georgia, it’s possible to receive compensation for mental trauma after an accident. Taking care of your emotional health gives you the best opportunity for complete healing.
A car accident can take a large toll on your emotional health. At the moment of impact, you likely experienced a great deal of fear for yourself and everyone else involved. It’s also possible you witnessed horrific injuries or damage at the scene.
PTSD is not the only mental health condition that can arise after a car accident. You might struggle with depression or guilt. If you experienced major physical injuries, then it’s also common to grieve the loss of your former abilities. Many people struggle with long-term anxiety symptoms that may get worse when they attempt to drive or ride in a vehicle.
In addition to flashbacks, you may also experience some or all of the following symptoms:
These emotions can interfere with your ability to “move on” after the accident. Developing a fear of driving, for example, can prevent you from seeing loved ones, going to work and resuming normal life. Feeling guilty, angry or even embarrassed makes it harder for you to lean on your support network when you most need help.
If you develop PTSD that limits your daily activities, then you might also begin to develop symptoms of depression since you won’t feel like you have positive things in your life to keep you going.
As a general rule, emotional trauma is easier to treat the sooner you seek help.
You might also need recurring therapeutic services and medication which adds additional expenses to your recovery.
Just like your other healthcare costs, these may be covered by personal injury compensation.
Many people also get compensated for their pain and suffering. Although it’s hard to tell the true costs of someone’s suffering, there are general guidelines that insurance companies and lawyers use to determine how much someone might need to be compensated for PTSD and other car accident-related mental health trauma.
You might also have people who can make witness statements about what they have seen you go through. If you miss work time due to anxiety or other mental health symptoms, then take note of this as well.
All of the proof you can find for your emotional trauma works together to help build your case.
Although it might be hard, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit if the settlement offer is not enough to cover your costs. Emotional trauma tends to take a long time to heal, which means that you may need enough compensation to handle lengthy amounts of therapy.
Your lawyer can also help you to know what is normal regarding compensation for emotional distress. This way you don’t make a hasty decision on a settlement that costs you down the road.
While cuts and bruises tend to heal quickly, the marks left on your emotional health can linger long after you’ve physically recovered. Emotional trauma typically requires time and professional help for you to fully work through. Being able to cover the cost of therapy and the effects that mental anguish has on your life helps you focus on moving forward with a positive perspective on life.
Reach out to our team at Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson today for your free consultation. We’ll discuss all your options and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Once again, Westmoreland Law has been recognized by its peers as part of an elite group of approximately 10 percent of all attorneys who hold an AV Preeminent Rating. An AV Preeminent Rating is a designation trusted worldwide by buyers and referrers of legal services.
