Motor vehicle accidents in Monore, GA, leave victims with physical and psychological damage that can have a lasting effect, like post-traumatic stress disorder. The victims are usually in a state of shock, trauma, intense fear, and helplessness. However, many victims focus on physical injuries and not emotional wounds when seeking damages in court.
Sometimes, the emotional distress suffered is worse than the physical injuries sustained. A person involved in a crash can receive compensation for the injuries and property damage suffered. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also considered a psychological injury, for which you can recover financial compensation. However, it is more challenging to prove than physical injuries.
If you suffer PTSD from a car crash, it’s best to contact a Monroe personal injury lawyer immediately. The lawyer will help you evaluate your claim and determine the amount of compensation you deserve. But first, let’s discuss post-traumatic stress disorder.
Can I Receive Compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a Car Accident?
A motor vehicle accident is one of the leading causes of post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event—either experiencing it or witnessing it. In this case, it is being in a severe or catastrophic car crash or being the sole survivor of a fatal car accident.
PTSD after a car crash is a non-economic loss that can affect every aspect of the victim’s life. It is categorized under pain and suffering in Georgia. Symptoms of PTSD you can suffer after a car accident are:
- Depression
- Fear and anxiety
- Intrusive memories
- Difficulty adjusting to life with severe injuries
- Interrupted sleeping patterns
- Persistent crying and panic attacks
- Avoidance behaviors
- Insomnia
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions, etc.
It is advisable not to overlook any psychological injury suffered in favor of physical wounds. If left untreated, post-traumatic stress disorder can disrupt your whole life―your job, relationships, health, and enjoyment of everyday activities.
Substantiating a Claim for PTSD Caused by a Car Accident
Substantiating a PTSD claim can be challenging because you cannot attach a definite dollar value to your suffering. You should speak with an experienced lawyer to evaluate and determine how best to substantiate your claim. The lawyer can also suggest you do any of the following to build your claim:
- Get medical or professional psychological help
- Keep a journal documenting how the car crash has impacted your daily life
- Get family and friends to testify to the changes they’ve noticed because of the PTSD
- Keep receipts and bills from psychological treatment received
- Restrain from isolating yourself
These steps will also benefit your mental health and aid your recovery.
Does the Georgia Impact Rule Apply to PTSD?
The Georgia Impact Rule applies to emotional distress. However, under the rule, a plaintiff cannot recover compensation if they did not also suffer a physical injury. To get a settlement, they must prove these three factors:
- That the plaintiff suffered a physical impact,
- The physical impact caused a physical injury, and
- The physical injury caused the plaintiff to suffer mental or emotional distress.
The Impact Rule does not apply to a post-traumatic stress disorder claim. This is because a car crash victim does not have to be physically injured before developing PTSD. Having a near-death experience in an accident is enough. However, injuries accompany such events.
How To Calculate Compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
You can claim PTSD alongside other economic damages such as property damage, vehicle repair, lost wages, etc. Many factors determine how much your claim for post-traumatic stress disorder is worth. The factors include:
- The nature and severity of the accident injuries
- The circumstance of the car crash
- Pain and suffering
- The impact of the accident on your life, etc.
There is no statutory provision on the amount you can claim in damages for PTSD suffered. What you get depends on the fact and circumstances surrounding your case.
Get Compensation for Your Injuries With a Monroe, GA, Personal Injury Lawyer!
If you suffer PTSD from a car crash, you can get a fair settlement from the at-fault party. But first, you should consult a Monroe, GA, personal injury lawyer to represent your pain and get damages from the at-fault driver.
At The Weinstein Firm, we have extensive experience pursuing and obtaining justice for accident victims. We will rest at nothing to ensure you get maximum compensation and recover your pre-accident life. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about our fees until we win.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
