Car accidents can be one of the most stressful events a person can go through. Victims of someone else's negligence or malice have so much to deal with in the aftermath of a car accident: pain, injury, medical treatments, dealing with car insurance, getting their car fixed, taking time off work, missing out on lost pay, having to pay for medical treatments... The 'to do' list is long and can be overwhelming, even with compassionate, experienced help from a personal injury attorney.
One problem that should never be overlooked is the anxiety and stress that can plague a person following a car accident.
Emotional trauma can stick around long after the cuts and bruises have healed, and the car has been fixed or replaced.
It is normal to feel stressed and upset after an accident. But for some people the harmful effects of emotional trauma can take many forms, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of trauma can last for weeks, months, or even years.
According to FamilyDoctor.org:
"For most people who are in a traffic accident, the overwhelming feelings go away over time. Sometimes those feelings don’t go away or they become stronger. They can change the way you think and act. Strong feelings that stay with you for a long time and get in the way of everyday life are signs of post-traumatic stress. If you have post-traumatic stress after a car accident, you may have some of the following problems:
- An ongoing, general feeling of uneasiness.
- Anxiety about driving or riding in vehicles.
- Not wanting to have medical tests or procedures done.
- Irritability, or excessive worry or anger.
- Nightmares or trouble sleeping.
- A feeling that you’re not connected to other events or people.
- Ongoing memories of the accident that you can’t stop or control."
Can you claim compensation for emotional distress or anxiety after a car accident?
Compensation after an accident is meant to make you 'whole'; to restore you to how you were before the accident. Economic damages will cover things like damage to your property and medical bills. Non-economic damages measure your other harms, including pain and suffering and emotional distress.
However, this is not an easy claim to prove. Pursuing damages and claiming compensation for anxiety after a car accident can be difficult, and it requires a skilled, experienced attorney from the very start of your claim.
If you feel as though you may have experienced emotional trauma from a car accident, and you would like to claim compensation for anxiety after a car accident, it is VITAL that you contact an attorney who is experienced with emotional distress claims immediately following your accident.
Insurance adjusters will call you right after an accident to 'get your side of the story'. Anything you say during this phone call will be used to minimize or dismiss your claim. Even saying something as innocent as "my anxiety has been out of control since the accident" can be used to dismiss your claim, as the words "my anxiety" can be used to imply that your anxiety was a preexisting condition. (Read more about the tricks insurance adjusters use here)
If you experience emotional distress or anxiety after a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation
If you have been involved in a car accident, you deserve the help of an attorney who will help you claim just compensation for ALL of your injuries - even the injuries that are invisible. Call the experienced, compassionate car accident attorneys at Cowan & Hilgeman today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation - (937) 222-2030.
