While physical car accident injuries like burns and broken bones are visible, emotional scars do not appear on X-rays or MRIs. Emotional trauma can be diagnosed by specialists, but seeking and receiving compensation for serious conditions like PTSD after a crash can be challenging, especially without help from experienced legal counsel.
It is not unusual for a car accident survivor to have PTSD symptoms, and many do not realize they are living with this condition. If you have symptoms, speaking with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist could help. You might be prescribed medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety pills as part of your treatment.
A PTSD diagnosis can seem overwhelming, but if you follow your medical provider’s orders, there should be an improvement in time. Having supportive family and friends can also help.
What Are Symptoms of PTSD?
These symptoms can vary depending on the person’s age and other factors. Children with PTSD might have nightmares or develop physical ailments related to the disorder, and they might also be seen acting out the crash with their toys. Common PTSD symptoms include:
- Being unable to concentrate.
- Being unable to control anger.
- Depression, guilt, hopelessness, anxiety.
- Intense flashbacks with physical responses like shaking.
- No emotions at all.
- Problems remembering the accident.
- Refusing to get into a car again.
Family members who are related to the person who was injured in an accident might also experience some of the symptoms, especially in close relationships.
Can I Seek Damages for PTSD After a Car Accident?
If another party is responsible for your car accident and you are diagnosed with PTSD by a licensed practitioner, you may wish to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost time at work, and pain and suffering. A car accident lawyer could help you prove that the other party was at fault and that your PTSD directly resulted from the crash.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania is two years after the date of the crash. If a court finds that you are partially responsible for causing the accident, they will assign a percentage of fault. Your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. Should your percentage be more than 50, you will not receive any damages. This is why it is important to gather evidence and to document your medical treatment and expenses.
Chester County Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Can Help You Pursue Compensation for PTSD After an Accident
A PTSD diagnosis is serious, and if someone else’s negligence caused it, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Chester County car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can explain your options and protect your rights. Call us at 610-565-3701 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.