A car accident can completely alter your life and leave you with mental and emotional trauma. You shouldn’t be forced to navigate a stressful future alone, especially if the accident has completely changed your daily life. Fortunately, in the state of Georgia, you can receive compensation if a car accident has left you with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that develops after a shocking or scary event. While many may experience fear and stress after a dangerous event, people with PTSD continue to feel those emotions well after the event. PTSD can also take many years to develop, and it can prevent those who have it from working or forming relationships with others.
Symptoms of PTSD
After experiencing a car accident in Georgia, people may develop PTSD, and this can be shown through several symptoms. These symptoms are more than just feeling scared or overwhelmed, though — people’s behaviors and thoughts can completely change.
PTSD-related symptoms can include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent and vivid nightmares
- Anxiety about getting into cars
- Severe worry or anger
- Feeling isolated from others
- Anxiety about medical procedures or tests
- Flashbacks to the car accident
If someone has been involved in a car accident, whether it was severe or not, and displays these symptoms, they may be suffering from PTSD.
Receiving Compensation for PTSD
PTSD can be incredibly debilitating, but you may be eligible for compensation if you do develop the disorder. If another party is the reason for your accident, they are responsible for any damages resulting from the accident, and PTSD falls under this category. You can file a claim with the other party’s insurance company.
To strengthen your case and receive compensation, you must provide proof that you suffered a physical injury. However, you can also claim an emotional injury, which includes disorders such as PTSD. If the car accident caused you to develop PTSD, your claim should include:
- Inpatient care
- Mental health therapies
- Counseling fees
- Medication expenses
- Lost wages
- Car repairs
PTSD may not be a visible injury like a broken leg, but it’s a real condition that needs proper treatment. This disorder can completely change your life, and you must understand your rights as someone who is dealing with PTSD.
Speaking With Insurance Companies
Unfortunately, many people and businesses entirely downplay the severity of PTSD and other mental health conditions. There may be cases where an insurance company doesn’t believe you’re truly suffering from PTSD. However, there is no reason for an insurance company to pay you less in compensation just because your condition is not visible.
To achieve the best results possible, you’ll want to speak with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. A lawyer can evaluate your entire situation and help you build a strong case. In most cases, having legal representation allows you to better cover all of the damages caused by the accident. Speaking with an insurance company alone is risky and challenging. Your goal should be on managing your PTSD and recovering from your injuries, not battling an insurance company that may not believe you. Instead, have an experienced attorney support you through this process.
Talk With a Car Accident Lawyer Now
PTSD can negatively affect your entire life, and you don’t have to deal with it alone. At Lamar Law Office, LLC, we’ve worked with several clients dealing with PTSD and helped them receive compensation and hold the other parties accountable. If you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of a car accident in Georgia, we’re prepared to assist you. Contact our team today to learn more.