When You Can Sue For PTSD After An Auto Accident

Being involved in an accident on the road can be very traumatic and can cause a lot of suffering.

Most likely, you will be entitled to receive compensation for damages to yourself and the vehicle.

In some circumstances, an injury victim can be entitled to recover after suffering an emotional, or mental health injury, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a behavioral mental health condition, often associated with those who have been in a war zone. However, anyone can get PTSD after experiencing or witnessing any fearful or life-threatening event, such as a car accident.

Establishing a PTSD claim on a personal injury case can prove to be difficult. Unlike physical injuries, PTSD is not visible on the surface, therefore, harder to prove.

You will most likely have to have a qualified physician give you an accurate diagnosis of PTSD. Furthermore, the doctor must conclude it is attributable to the accident you were involved in.

It is highly likely that expert medical testimony will be required from the doctor to confirm this. As well as cross-examining the victim’s expert witness, a defendant will often have their own expert witness to give a competing testimony and an oppositional expert opinion.

The objective of this is to demonstrate that the victim is not suffering from PTSD. In a court case like this, the outcome may ultimately depend on the decision of the jury.

If you think you or someone you know may have PTSD after an accident look for these symptoms which include:

  •       Flashbacks
  •       Nightmares
  •       Irregular sleeping patterns
  •       Frequently thinking about the accident
  •       Increased heart rate
  •       “Butterflies” in his or her stomach
  •       Irregular or heavy breathing patterns
  •       Irritability
  •       Sudden outbursts of anger or strong emotions
  •       Profuse sweating
  •       Avoiding the location of the auto accident
  •       Having difficulty remembering events of the auto accidents
  •       Becoming estranged from friends and loved ones
  •       Feeling despair after that may cause worry about an impending tragedy

These issues may result in anxiety that prevents the victim from living a productive and normal life.

If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident, you need to call Whitener Law Firm at 505-883-RUSS, for a free consultation.