After a car accident, you may feel plagued by whirling thoughts and flashbacks to the accident in addition to intense mood changes and feelings of shame, among other troubling feelings. If you are diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a car accident, it is important to understand that you may be eligible for compensation for these damages. If you are unsure of the impact PTSD can have on your life and how these damages are calculated, the following blog and our Irvine auto accident lawyers can help you explore these matters further.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that impacts those who have been through incredibly stressful or terrifying events. It is important to understand that PTSD can impact those who have endured or witnessed these events. Common events that can cause PTSD include abuse, assault, natural disasters, harassment and bullying, severe injuries, and accidents.
PTSD can cause the victims of the event to endure intrusive thoughts surrounding the event, like anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoiding things related to the event they were subjected to.
Those with PTSD can find the condition to be incredibly debilitating, as those who suffer may be unable to do the things they once enjoyed or maintain relationships due to the changes in their mood and mental health. Victims involved in car accidents may experience PTSD symptoms shortly after the incident and may struggle to get behind the wheel of a vehicle again.
If you have been involved in an event like a car accident that has caused you to suffer from PTSD, it is imperative to understand your rights.
When filing a claim for compensation from a negligent driver, you can generally seek economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages reflect quantifiable, monetary losses, like medical bills, the cost of medical equipment, lost wages, etc..
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective as they include emotional losses. For example, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering, humiliation, and mental anguish following a car accident. It is important to note that calculating these damages is often incredibly challenging, as there are no bills or receipts to help determine the precise value of these damages.
Mental suffering as a result of a car accident can severely impact your life. As such, it is in your best interest to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you in the fight for compensation. At California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC, we understand how devastating these accidents can be, which is why we will do everything possible to help. Contact us today to learn more.
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