Car accidents can be highly traumatic. Often, long after the physical injuries have healed, the accident’s impact can cause you to suffer emotional and psychological symptoms. In extreme cases, you may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can harm your ability to work, maintain relationships with friends and family, and even complete simple daily tasks.
PTSD is a mental health condition that occurs after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of PTSD. If you experience symptoms of PTSD, it is extremely important to seek professional help. The following are common symptoms of PTSD:
- Avoidant behavior: If you actively avoid driving past the accident scene or develop a fear of driving since the accident, you may have PTSD.
- Extreme mood changes: Feeling anxious or upset in the hours and days following the accident is normal, particularly if you suffered an injury. However, if you start to experience feelings of depression or anxiety that last for several weeks or more, or your mood fluctuates from one extreme to the other, this could indicate PTSD.
- Detachment: Often, extreme trauma can cause people to detach from their loved ones and distance themselves from friends, family, and co-workers.
- Flashbacks: This is another symptom of PTSD. This can happen when you drive past the accident site or if you or other people talk about the accident. Even thinking about the accident can take you right back to the moment that the accident occurred.
The above symptoms can be challenging to manage, particularly when you do not yet have the tools to manage them. In addition, the medical bills associated with the PTSD and any physical injuries you may have suffered in the accident can add to the feelings of frustration.
When you suffer any type of injury in a car accident and wish to recover damages, you must file a personal injury claim. To have a successful claim, you must prove that the other driver was responsible for causing the accident that resulted in your injuries. That means you will need to collect evidence proving that the other driver was negligent. The following are examples of evidence that can help prove negligence was a factor:
- Photographs of the damage to your vehicle.
- Pictures of your injuries.
- Copy of the police report.
- Picture of skid marks or debris on the road.
- Medical reports from your doctor or therapist.
- A statement from a medical expert who will testify that your PTSD was caused by the car accident.
Compensation for PTSD From a Car Accident
If you have been diagnosed with PTSD and can prove that the other motorist involved in the accident was negligent, you may be eligible to recover the following damages:
- All medical expenses related to your diagnosis, including antidepressants or other medications needed to manage your symptoms.
- Mental health services, including regular appointments with a mental health professional.
- Lost income if your PTSD prevents you from being able to work for an extended period.
- Property damage.
- Pain and suffering.
- Transportation to and from appointments.
- Childcare costs.
- Loss of consortium.
Remember that Ohio is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that the compensation you are entitled to is reduced by the percentage of your shared liability. In addition, if you were more than 50 percent responsible for causing the accident, you likely cannot recover any damages.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
Unfortunately, if you are suffering from PTSD, you may be experiencing debilitating symptoms that make it difficult to even get out of bed or go to work. Taking the necessary steps to file a personal injury lawsuit may feel overwhelming. However, it is important to understand that there is a deadline for filing a personal injury claim, and if you fail to file your claim within the statute of limitations, your claim will likely be denied. In Ohio, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident’s date. An experienced car accident lawyer can assist you with the claims process.
Dayton Car Accident Lawyers at Wright & Schulte LLC Help Car Accident Survivors Suffering From PTSD
If you were involved in a serious car accident and have PTSD, do not hesitate to contact our Dayton car accident lawyers at Wright & Schulte LLC for legal help. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 937-222-7477 or contact us online. Located in Dayton, Ohio, we serve clients in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Centerville, Toledo, Youngstown, and Miamisburg.
