Dealing with Mental Trauma After a Bad Car Accident

By Grant Law Office on August 20, 2023

A car crash can be a traumatic experience, not only physically but also mentally. Emotional trauma should be considered in car accident cases, as well as physical injuries. Compensation for mental trauma may be included in a car accident claim.

What Are the Symptoms of Mental Trauma After a Car Accident?

A serious wreck can cause a range of mental symptoms that can linger or even worsen after an accident. Psychological signs of trauma from a car accident may include:

• Flashbacks
• Intrusive memories
• Shock
• Anger
• Embarrassment
• Guilt
• Anxiety
• Loneliness
• Fear of getting in a vehicle
• Panic attacks
• Avoidance
• Mood swings

How Can Mental Trauma From a Bad Car Accident Affect Your Life?

Many individuals experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious crash. When an accident causes major physical injuries, it is common to experience emotional distress about resulting disabilities, disfigurement, chronic pain, or diminished quality of life.

Emotional trauma can impair your ability to move on after a serious crash. For example, if you develop a fear of driving or riding in a car after an accident, it can stop you from going to work and resuming normal activities. Feelings of anger, guilt, or embarrassment can prevent you from getting the support you need from your network of family and friends.

What Does Compensation for Mental Trauma in a Car Accident Involve?

Damages for mental trauma suffered in a motor vehicle accident can vary depending on several factors. They may include the costs of any psychological care or medications. Many injured citizens are able to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish. Personal injury lawyers and insurance companies use certain general guidelines to determine how much compensation should be for mental trauma, such as PTSD caused by a car crash.

How Do You Prove Mental Trauma Caused by a Car Crash?

Emotional trauma is not visible to others, like facial lacerations or fractured bones, which makes it more difficult to prove. It is important to document everything. If you receive any treatment for the mental effects of a car accident, save your medical bills and receipts. Ask those you know and have seen what you are going through for witness statements to support your claim. If you have missed any work because of anxiety or the mental trauma you are experiencing, keep records of the time you have missed. Present all your documentation to your personal injury attorney to build your case.

How Can Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Help?

Mental trauma, on top of physical injuries and pain and suffering, can seem overwhelming after a bad car accident. Your Atlanta car accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for the losses you have suffered, including the emotional trauma.

At Grant Law Office, our attorneys can investigate your accident to determine fault and liability and secure evidence to support your claim. We can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including mental trauma, and advise you on whether or not to accept a settlement offer from the insurance company. If necessary, we can present your case to a jury.

Exceptional Legal Representation You Can Trust

If you are suffering from the mental trauma of a car accident, Grant Law Office is here to help. We appreciate the seriousness of mental health and are ready to stand by your side. Our practice is dedicated to providing highly responsive, compassionate, and effective legal counsel.

With decades of experience, our Atlanta husband-and-wife team is fully prepared to investigate your accident, determine liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Reach out to us at (404) 995-3955 to schedule your free consultation.