When you’re in a car accident, there are often injuries and health issues that go far beyond physical ailments. In fact, many times, even minor accidents that don’t leave behind severe physical injuries can have mental health effects and lead to emotional distress.
Statistics show that approximately 17% of people involved in car accidents experience depression, while nearly 32% experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing emotional distress as a result, you may be eligible for compensation. Work with a New Orleans car accident lawyer to determine whether you have a case and what your options are.
Pain and Suffering Compensation
In most car accidents, there are injuries that lead to the ability to seek compensation and often win that compensation, depending on the case. Physical injuries often lead to the need for medical treatment, as well as loss of wages and missed work during the recovery process.
But there is also the mental health aspect following a car accident, and involved parties do have the ability to sue for emotional distress, changes to quality of life or enjoyment of life, and other similar pain and suffering issues.
The challenge with an emotional distress claim is that it can be much harder to prove than an obvious physical injury. That being said, when you work with an experienced attorney, they can help you determine whether you have a case and the best way to build that case.
When you’ve had a car accident and you’re left feeling emotional distress specifically related to that accident, you have options. Emotions like fear, anxiety, depression, shock, and other similar negative emotions may be eligible for compensation.
Signs of Emotional Distress
How do you know if you’re facing emotional distress following an accident? Chances are you are going to feel the effects of said distress. Most types of emotional distress can cause major issues and require treatment to overcome them. They often have long-term ramifications.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your case:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nervous or restless
- Panic attacks
- Dread
- Fear
- Hyperventilation
- Insomnia
PTSD is one of the most common emotional disorders that occur following a car accident, and it leads to things like flashbacks, avoiding vehicles or driving, intense nightmares, high anxiety, and the inability to cope or overcome.
If you do experience emotional distress, seek treatment from a professional. The need for treatment will be important for your case, and being proactive about seeking treatment helps to provide evidence of your distress. In addition, we recommend keeping a journal about these thoughts and feelings and jotting down when and how they occur.
Work with an Experienced Lawyer for Emotional Distress Claims
If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of emotional distress following a car accident, there are two things you need to do. The first is to seek treatment and get help for your emotional distress.
The other is to contact a New Orleans car accident lawyer right away. They can help you proceed with your case and seek the compensation that you deserve to get back on track.
