Can You Sue for PTSD After a Car Accident?

Can You Sue for PTSD After a Car Accident?
Feb 10, 2025

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychological condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event, including a car accident. While many people associate PTSD with military combat, victims of severe crashes may also suffer from intense anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress. If you are struggling with PTSD after an accident, you may have the right to seek compensation for your suffering.

How PTSD Develops After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be life-threatening and emotionally overwhelming, leading to lasting mental trauma. PTSD symptoms may include:

  • Recurring nightmares or flashbacks of the accident.
  • Avoidance of driving or places related to the crash.
  • Anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness.
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

These symptoms can interfere with daily life, relationships, and employment, making it essential for victims to seek both medical and legal assistance.

Proving PTSD in a Legal Claim

To successfully sue for PTSD, you must establish that the condition resulted directly from the accident. Unlike physical injuries, PTSD is harder to prove, so strong evidence is necessary, such as:

  • Medical Documentation: Diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional.
  • Expert Testimony: A psychologist or psychiatrist may provide testimony on the severity of PTSD.
  • Personal Accounts: Journals, witness statements, or employer testimony demonstrating the impact on daily life.

Courts often consider how PTSD affects a victim’s ability to work and engage in normal activities when determining compensation.

Compensation for PTSD

People living with PTSD may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses: Therapy, medication, and psychiatric treatment.
  • Lost Wages: Inability to work due to psychological distress.
  • Pain and Suffering: Emotional trauma and reduced quality of life.

Insurance companies may undervalue mental health claims, making legal representation crucial.

Contact the Law Offices of David Davidi to discuss your legal options and seek the compensation you deserve.