Can You Seek Damages for PTSD After an Accident?
Can You Seek Damages for PTSD After an Accident?

The Mayo Clinic describes PTSD as “a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event—either experiencing it or witnessing it.” Car accidents can absolutely lead to PTSD in victims. In fact, traffic accidents are now the leading cause of PTSD in the U.S. Around 9% of motor vehicle accident (MVA) survivors develop PTSD, according to the National Center for PTSD. Moreover, an average of 60% of MVA survivors who seek mental health treatment have PTSD.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

Some common symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Severe anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Flashbacks
  • Hypervigilance
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Unwanted thoughts
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Emotional detachment
  • Persistent self-blame
  • Persistent feelings of guilt, fear, anger or shame
  • Irritability
  • Social isolation

The symptoms of PTSD can vary, and they do not always present themselves immediately after the accident. In fact, you could begin experience PTSD symptoms months after the triggering event. The important thing is to seek the help of a mental health professional as soon as the symptoms begin to manifest.

Damages for PTSD

Speak with your personal injury attorney about seeking compensation for costs relating to PTSD. On top of the costs for mental health care, you will also likely be able to seek damages for pain and suffering, and perhaps lost wages and/or loss of future earnings if it affects your ability to work.

“PTSD is a serious condition that can affect victims for a long time—sometimes long after the physical injuries have healed,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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