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What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological health condition that can happen when you experience or witness a mental or emotionally disturbing or destabilizing event. In the past, PTSD was generally believed to affect soldiers who engaged in combat in active war zones. However, different traumatic events can cause PTSD, including car accidents.
Skilled personal injury lawyers in Encino say that if you suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after a car accident, you may qualify to seek compensation from the at-fault party. The condition can have a lasting emotional and psychological effect on victims, and it’s only fair that you get a fair settlement to help you rebuild your life.
How Does PTSD Present Itself After a Car Accident?
You may not realize that you have PTSD immediately after an accident, unlike physical injuries that will show through bruising, bleeding, or swelling. Encino car accident attorneys explain that PTSD can take days or weeks to show and may present the following symptoms:
- Moderate to severe anxiety
- Depression and anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares or trouble sleeping
- New phobias
- Dwelling on the accident
- Use of drugs or alcohol as a coping strategy
- Difficulty working or maintaining active employment
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sudden anger or emotional outbursts
If you notice one or more of these issues after being involved in or experiencing a traumatic car accident, seek medical intervention for proper diagnosis. A well-documented medical report of the condition can help you create a strong claim and make your case easier as you pursue compensation.
The Importance of Documenting PTSD
Encino car accident attorneys recommend documenting your PTSD journey to avoid future problems with your insurance company. Keep a journal of the following vital areas of the condition:
- Emergency treatment after the car accident
- The symptoms, including nightmares, depression, and avoidance of triggers
- The impact of the symptoms on your daily living activities and relationships
- Witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony concerning your general progress
What Are the Long-Term Effects of PTSD?
The symptoms above are some of the typical manifestations of PTSD. If they don’t go away and instead get worse with time, you’re likely experiencing PTSD. If not treated, the condition can heighten the risk of depression, drug and alcohol abuse, heart disease, and other conditions.
Besides, the overproduction of stress hormones can make it harder to relax and enjoy life to the fullest. Consequently, your social relationships can become strained, and you may experience reduced quality of life and other harmful effects.
How Can I Prove That I Suffered PTSD After a Car Accident?
Once you file a compensation claim for PTSD after a car crash, the burden of proof lies with you. The process can be complex, as you must present evidence that shows the severity and impact of your suffering. Your Encino personal injury attorneys can help you compile strong evidence, which can include:
- Medical records from a medical professional showing a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, and other conditions that may indicate PTSD
- Therapy documentation from therapy sessions related to the emotional trauma of the accident
- A copy of the official police report from the accident scene
- Witness testimonies
- Records of missed days of work
- Documentation of the symptoms
- Your testimony that entails a personal account of how the distress has impacted your life
The defendant may also produce evidence to counter your claims, making the case more complex. This shows why you should engage the expertise of skilled personal injury lawyers in Encino to help you navigate the intricacies.
What Damages Can I Recover in a PTSD Case?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is non-economic damage whose value can be more challenging to quantify than economic damage. Nonetheless, you can overcome this challenge with the assistance of skilled car accident lawyers in California. They can help you fight for the following damages:
- Monetary expenses incurred in receiving emergency and ongoing treatment after the accident
- Cost of medications and therapy
- Lost wages for the entire duration you’ve been unable to work due to the condition and other injuries
- Emotional anguish and mental distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
The specific amount you can obtain for these damages may vary depending on the nature, extent, and impact of the symptoms. Generally, the settlement will account for your physical and mental injuries. Compensation for PTSD may exceed that of your bodily injuries. Work closely with your lawyers to evaluate the actual value of your case.
What Factors Should I Consider When Filing a PTSD Claim?
Before filing a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder, personal injury attorneys in Encino recommend that your case meets the following criteria to increase the chances of obtaining a fair settlement:
- The car accident was mainly due to the negligence of another party
- You suffered severe injuries that affected your way of life, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
- A medical professional made a diagnosis of PTSD
- You must file your claim within the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the accident
A Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer Helping You File a PTSD Claim After a Traumatic Accident
If you were injured in a traumatic car accident and are experiencing PTSD, you may be eligible to file a compensation claim from the negligent party. However, a lot goes into proving the condition and determining how much you can recover in damages. Due to the intricacies of personal injury claims, working closely with experienced Encino car accident lawyers is advisable.
V&A Law Firm hosts knowledgeable lawyers who know how to navigate the landscape of personal injury lawsuits. We understand a collision could change your life forever, and we don’t want you to suffer in silence. Let us evaluate your case, determine eligibility for compensation, and help you demand a fair settlement. Call us at 818-369-3270 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.
