Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychological condition that individuals who were involved in a major accident often struggle with. For instance, a car accident victim may experience PTSD if they were involved in an accident that scared them or if they suffered injuries as a result of it.
If you’re struggling with PTSD after a car accident in California, you might be questioning whether or not you have a claim that you can file for compensation. Car accident claims typically involve damages for physical injuries, so it may be difficult to validate a claim for a psychological injury. This is why it’s ideal to consult with a California car accident attorney at Setareh Law if you believe you’re suffering from PTSD related to a car accident.
Type of Compensation For PTSD You May Be Entitled To
Any type of compensation for PTSD will be considered compensation for non-economic damages. PTSD, and other emotional problems, are often cited as pain and suffering. The state of California allows victims with injuries to pursue compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, from an at-fault driver.
There are various ways to calculate the value of your pain and suffering. For example, in some cases, lawyers assign a value to a victim’s pain and suffering that they experience each day. There are also economic damages involved with PTSD. Injury victims might be able to claim the expense of having to meet with a mental health expert regularly, along with the expense of any medications prescribed to them.
Can You Recover Damages for Car Accident-Related PTSD?
You can file for compensation for PTSD you experience due to a car accident by filing a personal injury claim. The compensation you file for may include:
- The cost of your PTSD diagnosis and treatment, including therapy costs, medication, and doctor bills
- The cost of hospital stays, inpatient treatment, and therapy for PTSD
- Any travel costs you accrue to get to and from your medical appointments
- Loss of income and benefits if you’re not able to work
- Loss of enjoyment of life or quality of life
- The cost of help for caring for children or helping with household chores
- Emotional distress and mental anguish caused by PTSD
The value of your damages will depend on how severe your symptoms are as well as other factors related to your car crash. If you were partially at fault for the car accident, the compensation you may receive may be reduced under the pure comparative fault laws under the state of California.
Documenting your damages and symptoms is important for recovering adequate compensation for your PTSD claim. You should contact your doctor immediately after experiencing any symptoms or signs of emotional distress. It can also be helpful to keep a log or journal. Write down any depression, anxiety, or other signs of PTSD.
Why Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Claims for PTSD are often more challenging than other car accident claims. The nature of PTSD as an emotional and mental disorder means that it may be hard for others to grasp the severity. Therefore, they might underestimate the amount of harm being done. Unlike deep lacerations or a broken leg, there are no obvious identifying markers or visual clues to indicate the pain, which can lead to people dismissing it.
Claims are also complex because they require having obtained an official and clear PTSD diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional. Furthermore, you need to also prove that the condition was directly related to the car accident. This can be very hard to prove, as well as very distressing for victims.
The first step you should take is to partner with an experienced and qualified lawyer who is well-versed in cases involving PTSD. The proper personal injury attorney will have knowledge and experience in dealing with cases that involve psychological trauma and damage, and a proven track record of assisting their clients in recovering damages.
Contact the Skilled California Car Accident Attorneys at Setareh Law Today
Car accidents are one of the top causes of PTSD, but many insurance adjusters frequently overlook this devastating condition since it doesn’t leave any physical scars. The Setareh Law team has an established track record of helping their personal injury victims win cases and may be able to help you win your PTSD case. We will work hard to protect your rights every step of the way. Our team also speaks Spanish.
Setareh Law works with top-notch staff and industry-leading experts to help you recover maximum compensation for your PTSD car accident settlement. Call our knowledgeable car accident lawyers in California at (310) 659-1826 or fill out our online form to schedule your free case analysis.