Can You Develop PTSD After an Erie Car Accident?

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Attorney Grant Travis | Travis Law Firm | Personal Injury Attorney, DUI Defense Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney | Serving Erie, Crawford, Warren & all of Northwestern PA | Call the Travis Law Firm at 814-277-2222 today!

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic event. For some individuals, the trauma of the car crash causes them to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. PTSD can develop after any traumatic event, including a motor vehicle accident. While many people associate PTSD with returning combat veterans, the psychiatric disorder can develop after any traumatic event.

What Are The Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

PTSD can manifest in many ways after a car accident. Because some accident victims do not associate PTSD with a car crash, they might not realize they have developed the disorder. However, they may recognize that they are suffering from one or more conditions that severely impair their ability to function at work, at home, or in social settings.

It is important to recognize the symptoms of PTSD so that you can seek medical care. Understanding the signs of PTSD can also enable you to help a friend or family member who might be suffering from the disorder after being involved in a serious car accident.

Symptoms or signs of PTSD include:
  • Anxiety, depression, and other emotional disorders
  • Flashbacks or reliving the crash
  • Night terrors and nightmares
  • Destructive behavior, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts
  • Negative thoughts and feelings
  • Being startled by loud noises or slight touches
  • Avoiding people and places that remind you of the accident
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Anger or fear
  • Guilt related to the car accident
  • Loss of enjoyment of activities that you enjoyed before the car crash

Symptoms that last for more than one month may indicate a diagnosis of PTSD. Remember, you may not experience PTSD symptoms for several weeks or months after being involved in a car accident. You should report any symptoms to your doctor immediately and encourage friends and family members who may experience PTSD symptoms to seek medical attention.

Can You File an Accident Claim for PTSD?

Yes, you can include PTSD as an injury when you file a car accident claim. However, proving PTSD and other emotional or mental injuries can be difficult. It can help if you keep a detailed journal following your symptoms and struggles with PTSD. In addition, seeing a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan can help improve your chances of filing a successful accident claim including PTSD.

Working with an experienced car accident in Erie can also help. Your car accident attorney will guide you through the steps you need to take to protect your legal rights. Also, your attorney will work closely with your physicians to obtain the evidence to substantiate your injury claims, including a PTSD injury claim.

Depending on the facts in your case, you may receive compensation for your:

  • Physical injuries
  • Emotional injuries
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Other financial losses

Contact an Erie Car Accident Attorney for More Information about a PTSD Injury Claim

If you have been injured in a car crash, we want to help. Our legal team will take care of preparing and filing your accident claim so that you can focus on your recovery.

Call (800) 401-2066 to request a free legal consultation with an Erie car accident lawyer with The Travis Law Firm.